Macaroni, or as it is often spelt macroni, a beloved pasta variety, often conjures images of comforting, cheesy or masala-loaded dishes. While it's true that macaroni can be part of indulgent meals, and it mostly is, it also has several health benefits that may surprise you.
According to a study published in the journal “Frontiers In Nutrition,’ suggested that pasta can be included as part of a healthy diet as it opens the gateway for better diet quality and greater intake of folate, iron, magnesium and dietary fibre. What the study means to suggest is that macaroni can be made from numerous other flours than maida, and is an excellent base that can be paired with nutritious vegetables and spices.
#1 Rich in Complex Carbohydrates
Macroni can give you the energy to perform physical activities. Macaroni is primarily made from durum wheat semolina, which provides a rich source of complex carbohydrates. These carbohydrates serve as an excellent energy source for your body and will keep you fueled throughout the day.
#2 Good Source of Fibre
Whole-grain macroni varieties are particularly high in dietary fibre. Fibre is essential for digestive health, as it aids in regular bowel movements and can help prevent constipation. It also promotes a feeling of fullness, which can assist in weight management by curbing overeating.
Also Read: From Pasta to White Rice, 5 Foods You Don't Have To Leave For Weight Loss
#3 Provides Essential Nutrients
In this era of fast foods and packaged meals, most of us might be receiving adequate protein, fats, and fibre, but vitamin and mineral deficiencies are rampant nowadays. Macaroni can help you with that as well, as it contains essential vitamins and minerals, including:
- B Vitamins: This group of vitamins plays crucial roles in enhancing your metabolism and overall health.
- Iron: Macaroni contributes to your iron intake, supporting oxygen transport in the blood.
- Folate: Also known as vitamin B9, folate is important for cell division and the prevention of certain birth defects during pregnancy. So eating macaroni during pregnancy can boost the chances of a healthy baby.
#4 Low in Fat and Cholesterol
Cooking macaroni without excessive cheese or creamy sauces can help you enjoy a meal that is naturally low in fat and cholesterol. This makes it a heart-healthy choice, as reducing saturated and trans fats in your diet can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduce your chances of developing heart disease.
#5 Versatility in Healthy Recipes
One of macaroni's greatest strengths is its versatility. You can add it to a wide range of healthy recipes, such as vegetable-based pasta salads, cooked pasta with fresh, colourful veggies, or whole-grain macaroni and cheese with reduced-fat cheese and added vegetables. In short, macaroni provides the perfect fibre base for meals that are bursting with essential nutrients.
#6 Satisfying and Comforting
Macroni is a soul food. A lot of people would agree that a hearty plate of macaroni can lift your mood right up. Moreover, macaroni's comforting, satisfying qualities also help curb cravings for less healthy comfort foods. By choosing whole-grain or whole-wheat macaroni and pairing it with nutrient-rich ingredients, you can create comforting meals that are filling, nutritious, and most importantly enhance your mood.
Also Read: Know Your Plate: Goodness In Your Sunday Breakfast Bowl Of Suji Macaroni
#7 Promotes Balanced Eating
Macaroni is the perfect gateway to healthy eating. Our minds are tuned to believing that healthy food has to taste bland or simply bad. But macaroni is here to change that perception. Including macaroni as part of a balanced diet that includes vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help you maintain a well-rounded and satisfying eating pattern. As a result, it has the power to help you achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.
While moderation is key, macaroni can be a valuable addition to your diet, offering complex carbohydrates, fibre, essential nutrients, and versatility in meal planning. Just make sure that when we talk about macaroni being nutritious, it does not include the maida variety. By choosing whole-grain varieties and preparing macaroni with wholesome ingredients, you can enjoy the health benefits of this beloved pasta while satisfying your taste buds and maintaining your overall well-being. So, go ahead and indulge in a delicious macaroni dish that not only comforts your palate but also supports your health.
