It is not fattening, it is good for body and mind: here is the manifesto signed by the major specialists from all over the world
Pasta is not fattening, on the contrary, it produces health benefits and is fundamental for the diet of sportsmen.
Specialists and scientific committees have dismantled one of the metropolitan legends according to which pasta makes people fat and is an enemy of the scales.
A real hoax that, among other aspects, does not take into account the high environmental sustainability of one of the symbolic dishes of the Mediterranean diet.
Science, in fact, has put on paper the healthy properties of pasta and carbohydrates in general, fundamental elements to prevent chronic diseases and obesity.
The manifesto in favor of pasta is contained in the Scientific Consensus Statement “Healthy Pasta Meal”, signed by twenty scientists from nine countries around the world during the World Pasta Day & Congress in 2015 and always current.
A list of twelve points that dismantles the fake news on the subject, confirming that pasta is not fattening thanks to a very low glycemic index. In addition, it clarifies once and for all on the issue of gluten free: gluten should be eliminated only in cases where there is a medical finding of celiac disease.
Otherwise it is a protein that should not be missing from our diet.
The twelve points – Here is the document signed by leading specialists from around the world from, among other countries, Italy, United States, France, Portugal and Brazil.
Scientific research increasingly supports the importance of a complete diet, rather than the consumption of single foods.
Pasta is a key component of many traditional dietary models, such as the Mediterranean diet, whose validity is scientifically proven. Most dietary patterns based on plant-based foods help prevent and slow the development of serious chronic diseases, providing greater health benefits than current Western patterns.
Many clinical studies confirm that it is excess calories, not carbohydrates, that cause obesity. Diets that promise weight loss may demonize a wide range of healthy fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. However, all three of these macronutrients are necessary, in the right balance, to achieve a healthy personal diet that anyone can follow throughout their lives. In addition, diets that are very low in carbohydrates may not be healthy, especially in the long run.
Pasta gives a greater sense of satiety for longer. If the portion size is correct and the seasoning is not too caloric, a plate of pasta can have a moderate calorie content.
In an age when diabetes and obesity take the lion’s share of the blame worldwide, pasta dishes and other low-glycemic foods help keep blood glucose levels and weight in check, especially in overweight people. The glycemic index is one factor that affects the healthfulness of carbohydrate-rich foods. The way pasta is produced has beneficial effects, as the production process reduces the glycemic response. Whole wheat pasta, with a higher fiber content, is also a good option.
Pasta is a healthy and economical choice, available in almost every society. Promoting the affordability and accessibility of pasta dishes can help overcome the misconception that healthy foods are too expensive.
Healthy pasta dishes are a tasty way to eat more vegetables, legumes, and other healthy foods that are often overlooked. Pasta is also a tool for introducing other foods from the Mediterranean diet (i.e., other cultural traditions), especially in the case of children and adolescents.
Pasta dishes figure in culinary traditions around the world because they are like an artist’s canvas: they are versatile and easily adapted to local and national seasonal ingredients.
Most people can eat pasta and don’t have to choose a gluten-free product unless they have a properly diagnosed gluten-related disorder. For those who are intolerant or allergic to gluten or have celiac disease, there are gluten-free alternatives.
Pasta is a simple plant-based food with a low environmental impact.
The consumption of pasta is recommended for those who do physical activity and in particular practice sports. Pasta, just like other cereals, provides carbohydrates and it is also a source of proteins. In order to have a better physical performance, pasta can be consumed unseasoned or with little seasoning before a workout or together with other foods after having practiced sports. High-protein, low-carbohydrate diets are not recommended for active people.
Physicians, nutritionists and other health professionals should educate consumers to prefer varied and balanced pasta dishes for good health.
