Scientists from Canada have challenged the claim that pasta is the worst enemy in the fight against extra pounds. According to a new study published in the British medical journal BMJ Open, a pasta-based diet may even contribute to weight loss..

Specialists at St.. Michael in Toronto found that everything depends on the glycemic index (a measure of the effect of food on blood sugar levels) of pasta. For example, the glycemic index (GI) of white rice, bread and potatoes is quite high - these foods are very high in calories, quickly digested and absorbed by the body.. The same indicator for lentils and green vegetables, on the contrary, remains extremely low..

Scientists conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 30 randomized clinical trials with almost 2500 volunteers. In these studies, participants replaced other carbohydrate sources with pasta while following a healthy, low-glycemic diet..

The results showed that participants who ate an average of 3.3 servings of pasta each week instead of other carbohydrates lost about 0.5 kg during the follow-up period (average 12 weeks).

Scientists explain the results by the fact that foods with low GI better satisfy hunger and “saturate” the body faster.. Experts noted that despite the wide variety of pasta, on average, their glycemic index is lower than that of foods containing starch (for example, bread).

“We can safely say that pasta has no adverse effect on body weight when eaten with other healthy, low glycemic foods.. In this case, as the study showed, a person can lose weight “on carbohydrates”. Therefore, despite doubts, pasta should probably be considered part of a healthy diet,” said Dr. John Seanpiper..

aspect. net.