What are the 5 types of pasta

It is estimated that there are approximately 350 different types of pasta – and about four times that many names for them! This is due to the fact that some types may have different names in different languages, or even in the same language: in Italy, for example, names vary according to the region or area.

Chefs use different shapes and sizes of pasta for different purposes because certain shapes hold different sauces better than others. Thin pasta, such as angel hair works better with thin oil-based sauce, while thicker sauces work better with thicker, heavier pastas.

Italy’s most popular pasta is penne. This quill-shaped pasta is unusual in that it has a very precise origin.

Best: Spaghetti Marinara

If you’re craving pasta, this is a pretty healthy choice. Start with whole wheat spaghetti, and add a touch of olive oil to the marinara sauce. It’s OK because it helps your body absorb an important tomato nutrient (lycopene) that protects your cells.

Pasta is high in carbs, which can be bad for you when consumed in large amounts. It also contains gluten, a type of protein that causes issues for those who are gluten-sensitive. On the other hand, pasta can provide some nutrients that are important to health.

If you have diabetes, you can still enjoy pasta. Just be sure to keep an eye on your portions. Go for whole wheat pasta, which will increase your fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and reduce any blood sugar spikes when compared to white pasta.

While some people may try to steer clear from eating too many carbs when attempting to lose weight, a new study has revealed that eating pasta as part of a healthy diet could actually help you shed a few extra pounds if needs be.

For lower calorie and carbohydrate content, rice comes out top. But if protein and fibre is your aim, pasta wins over rice. That said, both can play a part in a healthy diet – and as the nutritional differences are quite small, it often comes down to which you would prefer.

In the recent study, the researchers found that three servings of pasta per week—in the appropriate portions and serving sizes—was the “sweet spot” for reaping the health benefits.

Eating pasta every day can improve head-to-toe health

As long as you’re reaching for whole grain pasta — and not the refined kind — on your supermarket shelf, a daily dish of pasta may help lower your risk of heart disease, colorectal cancer, diabetes, and obesity (via Healthline).

When buying pasta, look for one that is bright in colour while at the same time opaque. The starch in the pasta should make the pasta not vibrant in colour. If you find pasta that is extremely smooth and extremely yellow, you might want to put it back on the shelves.