Using whole-grain pasta and rice as the basis for your meal is an easy way to incorporate more fiber and less saturated fat into your diet. These versatile grains can be prepared and seasoned in a variety of ways, so you can find a healthy option for any meal. The following are some tips to help make your pasta and rice choices healthier:
Whole-grain pasta
You can reduce your calories by choosing whole-grain pasta or rice instead of refined white pasta. This type of pasta contains more fiber and nutrients. Carbohydrates are essential for our health and provide our body with energy. Our bodies break down carbs into glucose, which is used by our cells for energy. Whole-grain pasta is also healthier because it contains more vitamins and minerals. But it can be difficult to avoid all processed carbs.
You can choose between whole-grain pasta or brown rice if you are concerned about the amount of calories in your pasta. Whole-grain pasta is higher in fiber and protein than regular pasta and rice. Plus, it has a lower glycemic index than white pasta. Whole-grain pasta also has more b vitamins and minerals. You can find whole-grain pasta in most major grocery chains.
When selecting a pasta, look for a 100% whole-grain label. This guarantees that the pasta contains no refined grains. It is also important to note that whole-grain ‘blends’ may also contain refined flours. Look for a 100% whole grain label if you’re not sure whether a pasta is made from whole-grain durum wheat flour. Otherwise, you may have to settle for a whole-grain ‘blend’.
Quinoa
Whether you’re looking to eat healthier or you’re just trying to save money, quinoa has many benefits. It has a low glycemic index, and can even make pasta and rice healthier. This supergrain is native to the Andes in South America and has been cultivated for over 5000 years. Traditionally, quinoa was harvested by hand, but in recent years it has been available in the U.S. thanks to the widespread popularity of vegan and vegetarian diets. You can also find quinoa in packaged products like pasta and rice.
To prepare quinoa, simply follow the same method as you would for cooking rice. Mix two parts of liquid with one part dry quinoa and cook until tender. Cooking quinoa will yield three cups of cooked quinoa. Quinoa can be cooked in water, vegetable stock, or any liquid you choose, and it can be flavored with herbs or spices. Once cooked, quinoa can be enjoyed in all sorts of ways.
Unlike rice and pasta, quinoa is gluten-free. It contains five grams of dietary fiber, which prevents constipation and may lower cholesterol. It’s also high in calcium, potassium, and selenium, which help protect the digestive tract and keep blood glucose levels healthy. Some people are on gluten-free diets for a variety of reasons, including health concerns. Gluten can cause allergies and sensitivities, and it may cause the body to reject nutrients it needs.
Quinoa pasta
Although quinoa is technically a seed, it is made into a fine flour and used for baking, pastas, and breads. Its high protein content makes it a healthy replacement for traditional wheat pasta. It is also gluten-free, making it a great alternative for people with Celiac disease and other gluten-sensitive conditions. Quinoa pasta is a versatile ingredient in any kitchen, and it works well with vegetables, although it does not hold sauces as well as noodles do.
Quinoa is a plant-based food rich in protein and iron. In fact, it is the first grain to contain all nine essential amino acids, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians. Its protein content is also one of its greatest benefits – it contains nearly 15% of its total volume. In addition to its nutritional value, quinoa is an excellent source of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and fiber.
Many manufacturers of quinoa pasta offer a variety of shapes. The variety of shapes available is quite varied. Compared to traditional wheat pasta, quinoa pasta is much less common. Most of it comes in spaghetti, macaroni elbows, and corkscrews, and is also gluten free. It is not low-carb, though – quinoa pasta has almost as many carbohydrates as rice pasta.
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