By Lena Salameh, Pharmacy Resident and Karen Kier, Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

In 1937, artist Joe Grant pitched an idea to Walt Disney about making a movie inspired by his English Springer Spaniel named Lady.  His plot would be based on how the family dog may receive less attention when a new baby was in the house. The plot and the movie struggled through many iterations at Disney before being released as Lady and the Tramp on June 22, 1955. This movie has an iconic scene where Lady and Tramp share a plate of spaghetti and end up kissing at the end of the same noodle. 

Pasta is the most common food group worldwide. It comes in various shapes, sizes, and dishes. Pasta is sometimes labeled as a common enemy of diets. Low-carbohydrate diets that cut out carbohydrates, like pasta, have become very popular. Since many low-carbohydrate and keto diets have become promoted, the amount of pasta eaten in both the United States and other countries has been decreasing. The reason appears to be related to pasta being considered a dangerous noodle because it can cause weight gain and is fattening. 

Is pasta actually bad for your health?                                                                    

Pasta is defined as a refined carbohydrate. This means most of the nutrients are removed when it is made. Pasta may affect your blood sugar levels, but less than other carbohydrates like bread, rice or potatoes. Pasta is a part of the Mediterranean diet, which is one of the most studied diets for weight loss and is linked to helping lower the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. 

Eating pasta is tied to eating other healthy foods and high-quality diets, but pasta dishes with lots of butter, cheese, or other high-fat foods may not be as good for you. The Mediterranean diet focuses on pasta as a side dish promoting balance and moderation.  The diet includes lean proteins added to pasta such as chicken or fish.  Adding vegetables, garlic, herbs and heart-healthy olive oil is an additional plus when eating pasta.  These suggestions were confirmed in a recent study. 

The Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute released a study in the journal Nutrients on the effects of pasta and diet regimens on how pasta may influence body weight outcomes like body mass index (BMI), weight loss and overall fat versus lean outcomes. The study looked at 38 publications observing children, adults, and both from around the world. The study found pasta did not change body weight or BMI and it helped with weight loss when eaten as part of a balanced diet. The authors from the University of Minnesota and the Cornerstone Nutrition Group concluded pasta does not contribute to weight gain within the context of a healthy diet. 

Most trials reported a lower blood sugar with pasta compared to carbohydrates from bread, white rice and mashed potatoes. Higher quality diets with pasta were found in dishes that had an equal amount of vegetables, seafood, and poultry, but lower diet quality was found in macaroni and cheese. This shows the importance of choosing healthy toppings for pasta.

If you eat it cleverly, pasta can be part of a healthy diet. Pick olive oil over butter in your sauce. Go for fresh tomatoes instead of creamy sauces from jars.

Share some healthy pasta with a friend!

ONU Healthwise is offering vaccines for the flu and COVID-19. Vaccine clinics occur Monday through Friday from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Contact ONU HealthWise Pharmacy (419-772-3784) for more information. www.onuhealthwisepharmacy.com