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Researchers in Pozzilli, Italy have discovered that pasta, despite its carbohydrate content, does not actually contribute to obesity.
The Department of Epidemiology, I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed surveyed more than 23,000 people before arriving at the conclusion that pasta component of the Mediterranean diet actually lowers a person’s risk of developing abdominal obesity.
The scientists who conducted this research, however, take care to note that their conclusions are not meant to encourage increased pasta consumption. Eating pasta does not directly correlate to a decrease in BMI. The relationship between pasta consumption and BMI is only associative. The study also notes that Italians (the 23,000 individuals who participated in the study’s survey) consume smaller amounts of pasta in their meals because their pasta dishes are just one course of their meal, and not the main dish.
Author George Pounis clarifies at a press conference, “Our data show that enjoying pasta according to individuals’ needs contributes to a healthy body mass index, lower waist circumference and better waist-hip ratio.”
Perhaps, even when we’re not in Rome, it’s time to do as the Romans do.
