At the International Scientific Consensus Summit on Glycemic Index, Glycemic Load and Glycemic Response, University of Sydney professor Jennie Brand-Miller recommended that consumers "eat slow carbs, not no carbs. And by slow, we mean that it's slowly digested and absorbed so that it makes you feel fuller for longer." Pasta, a low glycemic index food, is the perfect example of a 'slow carb'. Additionally, Dr. Kantha Shelke, of Corvus Blue, explains that eating pasta can "produce a low glycemic response, not only at that meal, but also at the following meal," in a phenomenon dubbed the 'second meal concept'. This slow digestion does wonders for managing hunger, and consequently, in managing weight and health! Pasta is a satiating food -- key for people watching calories and weight, while also eating for pleasure and health. In other words, the glycemic and digestive properties of pasta can help create perceptible benefits that people can "feel", ideal for motivating compliance and adherence to healthy diets, offering convenient and affordable goodness and emotional benefits.

Similarly, Dr. David Jenkins, one of the original developers of the glycemic index, explains that diabetes may be prevented by "slowing absorption of carbohydrates from the gut," which can be achieved by choosing low glycemic foods, like pasta.  Other experts in the field reach similar conclusions, which culminated in the Scientific Consensus Statement on Glycemic Load, Glycemic Index, and Glycemic Response. Additionally, while fiber is known for its role in moderating the glycemic response and providing fullness, Dr. Jenkins found that fiber "was only one of many" characteristics that influences how quickly food is absorbed, and that size and starch structure (how carbohydrates are packaged and stored) matters as well. The importance of these other characteristics helps explain pasta's documented difference on blood sugar.

To hear experts at the International Scientific Consensus Conference, click here for a series of short video interviews.  

In addition to her work with Olympic athletes, the Boston Red Sox, Bruins and Celtics, Nancy Clark (left) is also a nutrition expert team member for Mom's Team. Click on the links below for videos of the month.  

Her advice to parents of athletes is to be sure children get enough complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, pastas, oatmeal, because they are the foundation of any athlete's diet -- fuel for exercise. Nancy Clark also recommends that the three things an athlete should remember about nutrition are: first, think of food as fuel; second, fuel by day, diet by night; and third, think quality calories and meals combining carbohydrate and protein as the foundation of their diet.

Centuries ago, our ancestors did not snack as often as we do today. Their meals had to last them for several hours on end, often powering them through labor-intensive jobs, like farming. Pasta, a staple of traditional diets across the globe, was the perfect choice to keep people energized throughout the day.

When reflecting on the current diabetes epidemic, Harvard School of Public Health Nutrition Chair, Walter Willet, says, "Glycemic index and glycemic load are in most places contributing to this problem because diets are moving away from traditional foods and becoming more refined, more industrialized." Similarly, Dr. Jenkins found that "traditional foods tended to be low glycemic index... and could be very good in preventing diabetes." Indeed, experts agree that returning to traditional foods, like pasta, is a smart solution to help curb obesity and chronic disease. With culinary heritage as our guide, we can look back to traditional pasta meals as a blueprint for healthy, long lasting energy.

Recipe of the Month

 

Gordon Ramsay's BAFTA-nominated food show opens its doors for another night of mouth-watering food, with every dish something you can cook at home, plus recipe-based challenges and fast food that won't make you feel guilty.

Gordon Ramsay prepares three pasta dishes for athletes and brings new meaning to fast food.

Pasta dishes for Athletes - Gordon Ramsay

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