A nutritionist explains why quick-cooking pasta tends to cause weight gain. But how can cooking time impact our weight? We will explain everything to you.
Nutritionists constantly repeat that quick-cooking pasta causes weight gain. If you are watching your figure, it is better to avoid eating fresh pasta or even dry pasta from brands like Panzani which cook in just 3 minutes. To understand the phenomenon, the site actu.fr conducted an investigation into these famous quick-cooking pasta. Because according to the Panzani brand, quick-cooking pasta has the same nutritional value as traditional pasta.
So why do they cook faster? “A few millimeters less dough thickness, and cooking becomes faster, without changing anything in the list of ingredients”, assures Panzani withactu.fr. Before confirming: “The pasta is worked to be thinner, but it has the same nutritional value as the others. And no need to put more in the pan”, explains the brand. However, the teamactu.fr tested and the conclusion is unanimous: when eating the same amount of quick-cooking pasta, there is not the same feeling of satiety.
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Nutritionist reveals why quick-cooking pasta makes you gain weight
This observation can be explained by several reasons. Indeed, nutritionist and dietician Flora Richard explains that quick-cooking pasta cause blood sugar levels to skyrocket. “Pasta that cooks more quickly may have an increased glycemic index (GI), and could therefore be less satiating”. Because with foods that cook more quickly, there is a higher risk of overcooking. Indeed, if the pasta only has to cook for 3 minutes, it is easy to forget about it for another minute in the pan. One little minute that changes everything.
“Overcooked pasta has a greater influence on blood sugar than al dente pasta. Because obviously, if this pasta cooks more than it should, there will be less fiber in it than with classic pasta, which increases the glycemic index”, explains Flora Richard. And in addition to the glycemic index being too high, the pasta being thinner, we are tempted to eat more. Which definitely doesn’t seem like a good idea.
Passionate about women’s news, Agathe has been deciphering the latest trends for aufeminin since 2022. Her favorite areas? Psychology, nutrition and well-being advice, without forgetting the tips…