In a new study in the British Medical Journal, titled “Effect of pasta in the context of low-glycaemic index dietary patterns on body weight and markers of adiposity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials in adults,” researchers from the University of Toronto, Canada, analyzed 32 randomized clinical trial comparisons involving 2,448 adults to see how low glycemic diets with pasta relate to weight. Here is what the study found:
“Pasta in the context of low-GI dietary patterns does not adversely affect adiposity and even reduces body weight and BMI compared with higher-GI dietary patterns.”
The researchers also write that, “These results are important given the negative messages with which the public has been inundated regarding carbohydrates, messages which appear to be influencing their food choices, as evidenced by recent reductions in carbohydrate intake, especially in pasta intake. Contrary to these concerns, the available evidence shows that when pasta is consumed in the context of low-GI dietary patterns, there is no weight gain but rather marginally clinically significant weight loss (>0.5kg).“
In other words, not only does pasta not make you fat,it even may help you lose weight!
Choosing healthy, low Glycemic foods, like pasta, is a useful nutrition strategy. People who are overweight are encouraged to choose high quality, low Glycemic Index foods, according to the consensus of scientists worldwide at the 2013 Glycemic Summit. That’s because low Glycemic index foods, like pasta, digest more slowly, keeping you fuller for longer.
Nutrition experts also find that healthy diets can have a wide range of carbohydrates, fat, and protein, so long as they are not excessive in calories, and are full of wholesome foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
