Great news for pasta lovers. A study by researchers in Italy suggests it doesn’t make you fat and may even reduce the chances of obesity.
Writing in the journal Nutrition and Diabetes, researchers say the Mediterranean diet staple “contributes to a healthy body mass index, lower waist circumference and better waist-hip ratio."
The findings from the Department of Epidemiology at the Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care Mediterranean Neurologic Institute in Pozzilli, Italy were based on an analysis of the diets of more than 23,000 people.
"In popular views, pasta is often considered not adequate when you want to lose weight. And some people completely ban it from their meals,” said Licia Iacoviello, head of the Laboratory of Molecular and Nutritional Epidemiology at the institute. “In light of this research, we can say that this is not a correct attitude.”
Iacoviello, however, added that pasta should be consumed in moderation as part of a diet that includes a variety of Mediterranean staples such as fresh vegetables and fruits, unrefined grains, nuts, olive oil and legumes, among others.
Many studies have shown that a Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
