Wildgrainis the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries.
There’s no denying how tasty a big bowl of pasta topped with your favorite sauce and freshly grated cheese is. Most of us love a delicious, comforting bowl of pasta, but do you know if pasta can be a healthy meal? In this article, we’ll explore the nutritional value of pasta, how to enhance its health benefits, and whether this favorite food fits into your diet.
Refined pasta, which is what most of us are familiar with, is not considered healthy or nutritious on its own. This is because refined pasta is high in carbohydrates, without offering much else in the way of nutrients. However, pasta can be made healthier if paired with more nutritionally dense foods, such as vegetables. Whole-grain pasta options are also healthy alternatives to traditional refined pasta.
It is possible to eat pasta daily and still be healthy. The key to eating pasta every day is to limit your portion size and supplement your pasta bowl with essential nutrients. The recommended portion size is two ounces of dry pasta or one cup of cooked pasta. To create a balanced and healthy pasta meal, try adding vegetables, chicken, or fish. By adding veggies or lean protein, you can have a nutritious meal while still getting your pasta fill!
What is the main nutrient in pasta? What nutrients are in pasta?
The main nutrient in refined pasta is carbohydrates, with one serving of cooked spaghetti containing around 43 grams of carbohydrates. Refined pasta also contains some fiber and protein, with a single serving containing 8 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber. On the other hand, whole grain pasta options contain double the amount of fiber with 7 grams of fiber, and are also high in iron, magnesium, and zinc.
Is pasta good for gut health?
A diet high in refined carbohydrates is generally not good for your gut health, since being on a high-refined carbohydrate diet can reduce the presence of good bacteria in your gut. This can result in digestion issues. However, like with any food, enjoyed in moderation, refined pasta should not have much of an impact on your gut health. If you are worried about gut health, you can try whole grain pasta instead. Whole grains are good for your gut health and help to contribute to an overall healthy gut microbiome.
Can pasta be a healthy meal? How to make pasta healthy?
Pasta can be a healthy meal. Since pasta is not very nutritious on its own, it’s essential to add other foods to your pasta that are high in nutrients. You can ensure a healthy pasta meal by adding your favorite veggies to your dish and a lean protein, such as chicken, shrimp, or fish. You should also avoid adding high-salt and high-sugar sauces that are commonly found in grocery stores. At Wildgrain, we make sure our classic marinara sauce, which pairs perfectly with your chosen pasta, is made with the freshest ingredients; we also avoid adding any unnecessary sugar and salt.
Is pasta on a heart healthy diet?
Whole grain pasta is heart-healthy. Research has shown that consuming whole grains, including whole wheat pasta, can help to prevent heart disease. Even better, tomatoes are also considered to be heart-healthy. Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that can also help to reduce the risk of heart disease, which means marinara sauce is an ideal topping for a heart-healthy pasta meal.
What pasta dish has the least carbs? What is the healthiest way to eat pasta?
Since traditional pasta is a high-carbohydrate food, pasta made from vegetables or beans offers the lowest carbohydrate option. Pasta dishes with the least amount of carbohydrates are pasta alternatives, such as pasta made from chickpeas, lentils, or hearts of palm. To still get the texture of pasta without the excess carbohydrates, you can also try spiralizing vegetables, spaghetti squash, or shirataki noodles, which are very low in carbohydrates. The healthiest way to eat pasta is to control the portion size of refined pasta, eat pasta made from whole grains, or pair your pasta dish with hearty vegetables, lean protein, and a healthy tomato sauce that is free of excess sugar and salt.
Where can I buy the best pasta online to cook at home?
At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh baked goods that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for fresh pasta, breads, and pastries. Some of our popular items include cheese tortellini, fresh fettuccine, fresh tonnarelli, and classic marinara sauce. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods.
About the Author
Dr. Jorge has been a public health researcher for many years, holding both a Bachelor's degree and a Ph.D. in Chemistry. They presently work as a medical writer and love being able to assist others in understanding various health and scientific topics.
This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
FAQs
It's Part of a Good Diet
Why is pasta considered unhealthy? ›
This is because refined pasta is high in carbohydrates, without offering much else in the way of nutrients. However, pasta can be made healthier if paired with more nutritionally dense foods, such as vegetables. Whole-grain pasta options are also healthy alternatives to traditional refined pasta.
Is pasta healthy or junk? ›
Because pasta is associated with carbohydrates, many people associate it with feelings of guilt and regret. However, pasta is acceptable in a well-balanced diet. Moderate pasta consumption may even help regulate the intake of fat and sugar, far from contributing to weight gain.
What is the healthiest pasta to eat? ›
The most nutritious types of pasta are:
- Whole-Wheat Pasta. Whole wheat pasta, or whole grain pasta, is made from the entire grain of the wheat stalk, including the bran, endosperm, and germ. ...
- Chickpea Pasta. ...
- Legume-Based Pastas. ...
- Soba Noodles. ...
- Rice Noodles. ...
- Quinoa Noodles. ...
- Vegetable Noodles. ...
- White Pasta.
Is pasta more unhealthy than rice? ›
In conclusion, both pasta and rice can be healthy options when consumed in moderation and paired with nutrient-dense ingredients. However, if we were to compare the two, whole-grain pasta is generally considered a healthier option than white rice due to its higher fiber content and lower glycemic index.
Should I eat pasta or not? ›
It's Part of a Good Diet
Pasta is made from grain, one of the basic food groups in a healthy diet that also can include vegetables, fruits, fish, and poultry. It's a good source of energy and can give you fiber, too, if it's made from whole grain. That can help with stomach problems and may help lower cholesterol.
Should you avoid pasta on a diet? ›
Yes, you can eat pasta and still stick to your weight loss goals and lose fat. The main consideration to keep in mind when making food choices while trying to lose weight is to remain in a calorie deficit. Very simply, if your body uses more calories than you consume, then you will lose weight.
Is pasta better than potato? ›
Of rice, pasta, potatoes, and bread, potatoes are the healthiest of these starchy and complex carbohydrate foods. This is because potatoes are dense in nutrients, containing essential minerals, vitamins, and other micronutrients. Potatoes are also high in fiber, helping to satiate hunger and regulate blood sugar.
Can I eat pasta every day? ›
If you love pasta, there's no reason to cut it out from your diet, the experts say. It can be a great way to pack in vegetables, healthy fats from nuts, olive oil and pasta sauces, Linsenmeyer says. "It's fine to include in a regular diet as often as every day. It really is."
Is pasta an inflammatory food? ›
The five types of foods that cause inflammation include: Red meat and processed meats, including bacon, hot dogs, lunch meats and cured meats. Refined grains, including white bread, white rice, pasta and breakfast cereals. Snack foods, including chips, cookies, crackers and pastries.
Spaghetti usually has a bit more fiber compared to penne. Both types of pasta contain gluten, which is important for people with gluten sensitivities to know. Choosing between penne and spaghetti often comes down to personal preference and the specific dish you're making.
Can you get healthy pasta? ›
Standard dried pasta is usually low in salt and saturated fat. As with any starchy carbohydrate, a high fibre version like wholewheat pasta will add fibre to your diet. Wholewheat pasta is more available than it used to be and only takes a minute or two longer to cook.
Are egg noodles healthier than pasta? ›
Are Egg Noodles Healthy? Egg noodles can give you extra nutrients that regular pasta won't, though they also lack in some areas compared to pasta. Still, you don't have to choose only one. Add both to your pantry for a well-rounded diet and supplement each with vegetables, proteins, and other sources of nutrients.
Is pasta healthy yes or no? ›
Both kids and adults who ate pasta also consumed more fiber, folate, iron, magnesium, and vitamin E when compared with people who didn't eat pasta. Additionally, eating pasta was associated with a lower body weight in women. High-quality pasta is made from durum wheat which has a high protein content.
What to eat instead of pasta? ›
8 Low-Carb & Grain-Free Substitutes for Pasta
- Zucchini. Zucchini is a popular noodle substitute because its texture makes it easy to spiral out into spaghetti-like shapes. ...
- Cauliflower. ...
- Spaghetti Squash. ...
- Egg Noodles. ...
- Cucumber. ...
- Broccoli. ...
- Eggplant. ...
- Cabbage.
What makes you fatter rice or pasta? ›
At 117 calories per 100g Vs pasta's 160 calories per 100g, rice has significantly lower calories, so swapping pasta to rice may be beneficial for anyone controlling their calories as a way to lose or maintain their weight.
Why is cooked pasta a high risk food? ›
Dried rice and pasta will last a considerable time so follow the best before date on the packaging. Once it is cooked and begins to cool then toxins formed by Bacillus cereus can form heat resistant spores and a heat resistant toxin.
Does healthy pasta exist? ›
“Whole-wheat pasta is crafted from whole wheat flour, and contains the entire wheat kernel—bran, germ, and endosperm,” explains Denise Hernandez, RD at MyFitnessPal. “Unlike refined white pasta, which lacks these elements, whole-wheat pasta preserves essential nutrients like fiber, B vitamins, magnesium, and iron.