pasta - good or bad?

[Jonathan Barlow]

eh?

I had read that pasta was a good source of carbs because it has a low glycemic index, especially if cooked al dente. But lots of people tell me to avoid it. Why?

I am eating lots of pasta lately in order to put on pounds. It seems to work. Is it ok to eat that much?

[Rob Okey]

I can confirm pasta is excellent for bulking. Ahem... :o

Refined carbs lead to a rapid rise in blood sugar and an associated insulin response. If you eat lots of big pasta meals then you may start to develop insulin resistance and need bigger and bigger portions to get that yummy pasta fix.

[SqeezeMasterFlash]

Try soba noodles. They are usually made of buckwheat and have a lower GI. Whole grain noodles always have a lower GI than semolina pasta.

[Jesse Marunde]

I recomend pasta noodles that aren't processed. I personally prefer spinach or whole wheat pasta. Alot of pasta recipes are really high in fat. Make it yourself, and watch what you put in it and you'll be just fine.

Jesse

[AaRoNSnider]

I personally prefer spinach or whole wheat pasta

Thats what I have been using.I thought it was going to have a bad tatse,but its actually pretty good stuff.I need to find new ways to make it though.Ive just been eating it plain,or with 1 can of tuna and a little parmasean cheese.

[Jonathan Barlow]

I found a source that says white spaghetti has a GI of 41. Am I likely to develop insulin resistance by eating carbs with such a low GI?

Thanks for the help. I would eat whole wheat pasta but I am cheap.

[SqeezeMasterFlash]

It's not that expensive if you buy it in bulk at a health food store or co-op, especially if you're a member there.

[Paul Sazy]

Try taking r-ALA with your high carb meals. I'll try to dig up some info on this. Based on my experience, it works well to keep you from getting fat and it has many other health benefits.

[Nick Giammarresi]

Iam a type 1 diabetic ( insulin dependent) i generally eat 3/4 of a cup during lunch an it seems always to keep my blood sugar stable.