The Nutritional Significance of Pasta in Mediterranean Diets

Pasta is said to be a cultural food borne by the blending of rich cultures in the Mediterranean basin, which according to historians is the “cradle of society.” The Mediterranean diet for one has its origins in the ancient world but its complicated history does not follow a specific health plan. It is simply a collection of eating practices traditionally followed by Mediterranean folks, which typically include the regular consumption of pasta.

In the 1950s, the hypothesis introduced was that consumption of Mediterranean diet is linked to low incidences of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and low mortality rate. Since then researches continued to support the theory. The most recent of which are the MOLI-sani Study and the Italian Nurses Health Study, which support findings that increased consumption of semolina pasta as part of traditional Mediterranean diet can lower mortality rate.

Semolina pasta is a key component of Mediterranean meals, which studies claim, can also lower risk of metabolic syndrome and development of some types of cancer. Other findings also attributed consumption of semolina pasta to improvements in biomarkers of aging.

Knowing the Nutritional Value of Semolina Pasta

A cup of cooked semolina pasta (about 2 ounces) provides an equivalent of 25% or higher, the Daily Value of folic acid, an excellent source of B vitamin and iron. At the same time, it’s cholesterol-free and naturally low in sodium.

Pasta made from purees of vegetables like carrots, lentils, spinach, or zucchini, supply as much as ½ serving of the related vegetable. While whole-grain pasta can furnish up to 25% of recommended daily fiber intake, it is not fortified with folic acid present in semolina pasta. Commercial dry pasta manufactured in the United States is deemed healthier, as the pasta are enriched not only with folic acid but also with iron, thiamine and riboflavin.

In a Mediterranean-style diet, pasta can be consumed alone. However, following traditional preparations in Italy and in neighboring regions, it is typical to eat pasta served with olive oil, tomato sauce, herbs, spices, lean meat, vegetables, beans and/or lentils. As such, pasta dishes is an efficient way of incorporating other nutrient-rich ingredients into the diet.

However, semolina pasta cannot be served to individuals with celiac disease as it is a source of gluten.

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Study Shows Mediterranean Diet Lowers Risk of Cognitive Impairment

Pasta is a basic component of a Mediterranean Diet combining with other health giving ingredients like seafood, greens and nuts to complete a nutritious dish. A recent study shows that those who follow a Mediterranean Diet or partake of similar nutritious food, as a lifestyle, reduce their risk of developing cognitive impairment as they age.

According to the study conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a lifestyle of eating Mediterranean Diet can also improve an individual’s performance as demonstrated by participants in cognitive function tests.

How the NHI Researchers Proved the Benefits of Mediterranean Diet to Brain Health

The respondents of the NHI study comprised 9,000 participants of the two major studies of age-related eye disease called AREDS and AREDS 2. Researchers from the institute examined the devotion of the participants in maintaining their Mediterranean diet; consisting of nine major food ingredients, namely: fish, fruits, nuts, vegetables, legumes, olive oil and whole grains. In addition, their lifestyle included consuming less alcohol and red meat.

After gathering the necessary data, the researchers compared it to the results of the standardized cognitive function tests conducted during a 10-year period. The findings disclosed that those who were constant and dedicated to the Mediterranean Diet had lower cognitive impairment and had the most defense against brain health issues. .

Another important information discovered by the research is that fish ingredients had the most significant contribution in promoting higher cognitive function and in combating steady cognitive decline. Still, the NHI researchers believe that the results of their study would have more significance if a larger population level will follow the Mediterranean Diet as part of their lifestyle.

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