Tag: Al dente cooking

Several studies confirm that traditional Italian pasta has a lower glycemic index (GI) compared to other starches. So, is Italian pasta low glycemic? The answer lies in its unique processing, ingredients, and cooking methods that influence how quickly carbohydrates are digested.

Despite consuming pasta more frequently than Americans, Italians boast a lower BMI and longer life expectancy. The answer to **how are Italians healthy with so much pasta?** lies not in avoiding the dish, but in a holistic approach to food and lifestyle rooted in the Mediterranean diet.

Contrary to the myth that all refined carbohydrates are fast-digesting, traditional pasta is scientifically classified as a complex carbohydrate that releases energy slowly. The exact speed at which pasta is digested, however, depends heavily on the type of pasta, how it's cooked, and what it's served with.

Many people believe that all pasta causes a rapid spike in blood sugar, but a dietitian from the National Pasta Association notes that traditional refined wheat pasta has a glycemic index (GI) of approximately 50-55, which is considered low. This raises the crucial question for consumers: Is Barilla pasta low glycemic, and how do its different varieties stack up for health-conscious diners?