Pasta is typically viewed as a food that packs on pounds and, more often than not, is relegated to the “do not eat” list. However, research findings suggest that eating pasta is actually linked to a lower body mass index (BMI), a smaller waist measurement, and a smaller waist-to-hip ratio. A high waist-to-hip ratio (greater than 0.86 for women, greater than 1.0 for men) is linked to an increased risk for cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.

Pasta’s perception problem

The chief complaint leveled against pasta is its high carbohydrate content. But a study comparing weight loss among 811 overweight adults, who were following one of four reduced-calorie diets containing four levels of carbohydrates (65%, 55%, 45% or 35%) found that weight loss was similar among all four groups.