Rice Vs Pasta

Question
Is one of the above grains better for you than the other?  Even if both are whole grain??
thanks,
Kim Hebert

Answer
Hello Kim!

Pasta gets a bad rap but is actually a better choice then rice.

Pasta gets blamed for all sorts of maladies. Mostly because it routinely gets shoved into the bad carbohydrates category. You know, the "white flour is no good for you carbs" - the ones that cause havoc with your glucose/insulin response.

Well, it just so happens that pasta has a low to moderate glycemic index (30-55) that results in a slow, steady release of energy in your body.

Pasta made with semolina is made from cracked wheat and not finely ground flour so it would be likely to have a low to moderate glycemic index. Furthermore, pasta is unique in its physical make up. The reason for its slow digestion and steady release of energy is "the physical entrapment of ungelatinized starch granules in a sponge-like network of protein molecules in the pasta dough." You don抰 need to understand that to get the good news that pasta can be good for your energy. Yippee!

But always serve pasta al dente. If you overcook pasta it gets soft and swollen and you have fully "gelatinized" those starch granules and turned pasta into an energy drainer.

Almost all kinds of pasta have a lower glycemic index than most varieties of rice - even brown rice (a glycemic index over 70 is typical because almost complete "gelatinization" of rice starch takes place during cooking). And pasta has more protein than rice or potatoes. Overall semolina pasta is a good energy food and can be part of a high-energy diet. Remember though ?a serving is just 1/2 cup and keep variety in your diet by not eating pasta any more that once every four days.


For more answers to your nutrition questions check out www.planetyorgos.com

-George Rapitis, MS
www.juiceblend.com

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