On Valentine’s Day, we’re here to tell you about the benefits of pasta for heart’s health and why its positive impact on the body is an act of love for oneself and for the people we love.
Two healthy hearts and a plate of pasta
Valentine’s Day is always a great opportunity to treat yourself to a lovely romantic dinner with your partner. And what dish should never be missing? Pasta. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also good for you and doesn’t make you gain weight. Thanks in part to pasta consumption, Italy is the longest-living country in Europe with the lowest incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Indeed, several scientific studies confirm how beneficial it is for our health and our hearts to consume pasta and grains. We want to emphasize the many benefits for heart health that come from eating pasta and carbohydrates and favoring the Mediterranean diet for a healthy lifestyle. Consuming 80 grams of whole grains per day, such as pasta or bread, reduces the risk of heart attack by 21%. The most protective cereal is oats because it contains high levels of beta-glucan, a fiber that has a high capacity to reduce cholesterol in the bloodstream. This is further confirmed by studies conducted at the Federico II University of Naples, which have developed a pasta based on Taurisolo extracts, rich in resveratrol. Researchers have observed that, among 150 subjects examined, the effects of the new pasta were very positive for cardiovascular health: Taurisolo enables the restoration of normal functionality, reduces vascular obstructions, and keeps blood vessels intact.
A Friend to the Heart, Gut, and Mood
Consuming pasta is also good for the gut, but attention must be paid when cooking it: it should always be cooked al dente, as in al dente pasta, the starch is retained in the gluten protein network and therefore is assimilated more slowly, avoiding abdominal bloating. Furthermore, if al dente pasta is dressed or associated with vegetables, especially bitter ones, it offers even more benefits for those suffering from intestinal disorders, and reduces water retention. Moreover, pasta contributes to good mood, and the reason lies in the brain: a good plate of pasta is not only the king of the table and a palate-pleasing indulgence that promotes conviviality but also a food that stimulates endorphins, also known as “happiness hormones”. If eaten in the evening, it even aids in nighttime relaxation: pasta contains tryptophan and vitamin B for the relaxation of mind and body, making it an excellent choice for dinner, especially if we are stressed, suffer from insomnia, or experience premenstrual syndrome symptoms.
