Is Pasta Really Healthy?by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 31 Oct 2007 10:10 AM This Sunday more than 35,000 runners will take to the streets of the Big Apple for the 2007 New York City Marathon. Prior to making their way along the 26.2-mile route runners have the opportunity to participate in the traditional night-before pasta dinner. Carb loading before a big race is part of the training process. At least it was for me. I pigged out on pasta before I ran the Chicago Marathon. I gorged on ziti at the Olive Garden before I ran the Madison Marathon and I had two plates of spaghetti plus four pieces of garlic bread the night before I ran Milwaukee's Lakefront Marathon. Pasta is a vital part of a runner's diet and a favorite comfort food among kids and adults alike, but is it really healthy for us? Most nutritionists agree pasta can be part of a healthy diet since it is a complex carbohydrate. However, recent studies by medical experts concerned about insulin resistance, obesity and diabetes suggest that pasta and other high carbohydrate foods could be contributing to these illnesses. So does that mean pasta should be put into the "unhealthy" food category? Health experts say it depends on who is eating it as well as the type and amount that is eaten. Children and elite athletes probably benefit from eating pasta the most since they need the carbohydrate calories. However, if you are overweight, have insulin resistance, Type II Diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure, doctors say you should limit the type and amount of pasta you eat. Studies show whole grain pasta contains more fiber and greater nutrients. Whole grains also tend to have a lower glycemic index, which means they don't spike insulin levels. Also, the longer you cook pasta, the higher the glycemic index. Whole grain pasta is recommended for diabetics and those who are at risk for heart disease. Meanwhile, brown rice pasta is recommended for people with celiac disease and wheat allergies. Quinoa corn pasta is also good for people suffering from celiac disease and those who have wheat allergies, heart disease, or diabetes since it is higher in minerals, B vitamins, and easier to digest. Doctors say people with wheat allergies, heart disease, or diabetes could also benefit from eating buckwheat pasta since it contains no wheat or gluten. Related Articles: An Apple A Day Keeps Cancer Away Eating Healthy At The State Fair---It Can Be Done What Do You Mean Pop-Tarts Are NOT Healthy? Nutrition 101: Health Benefits Of End Of The Summer Produce Nutrition 101: Health Benefits of Bison Just How Healthy Is Your Salad? Is There Such A Thing As A Healthy Hamburger? Chinese Buffets---Nutritional No-No's Fast Food Kids' Meals---How Healthy Are They? Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevanthealth tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Community Tags diet, health, nutrition, Pasta, whole wheat pasta Discuss this article
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