The savoury spaghetti engulfed in the white Italian creamy sauce, crunchy meatballs, and veggies. Sounds mouth-watering, doesn’t it? A creamy bowl of macaroni and cheese i.e., the White pasta is the most loved and widely eaten Italian dish all over the world. Studies indicate around 62 per cent of respondents from America eat pasta regularly. The figure is even more staggering when it comes to Europe; with 83% consuming pasta almost every day.
Since white pasta is so widely and frequently consumed, one must know its health impacts. Even though white pasta tastes delectable; it doesn’t provide many nutrients, and is not the best for your health as it is a refined carbohydrate. But how can you stop eating white pasta? Giving up on food that is so tasty is not easy! Fret not; here we shall talk about healthy and equally scrumptious substitutes of white pasta!
1. Whole Wheat Pasta
Whole wheat pasta is the most amazing alternative when it comes to white pasta. It has an indistinguishable taste from regular pasta. Additionally, since its foundation is whole wheat, it manages to retain its nutrients which incorporate fibre, making it a much-preferred option over its refined counterpart. It is loaded with complex carbs, protein, fibre, iron, magnesium, and zinc while being low in calories. Exploring different types of pasta noodles is an adventure in culinary diversity and nutrition. From spaghetti to fusilli, each type offers unique textures and flavors, making whole wheat pasta a versatile substitute for any dish.
2. Brown Rice Pasta
There is no better choice for you than brown rice pasta if you are gluten-free or gluten intolerant. It serves as good substitutes of white pasta due to its mild flavour and chewy texture. What makes it healthy is the content of fibre. Not only that; it also consists of micronutrients like manganese, selenium and magnesium. One additional health benefit of the brown rice pasta is the presence of antioxidants. These powerful compounds help fight oxidative damage to cells and promote better health. They are also believed to aid in preventing chronic conditions like diabetes, cancer and heart disease.
3. Moringa Noodles
Moringa are the healthiest instant noodles, made up of regenerative crops rich in all the essential nutrients to keep you in perfect health! Moringa noodles are made out of the extract from Moringa leaves, which gives them profuse green shades. These noodles have a slightly bitter flavour with grassy undertones. They are laden with vitamins and minerals that are harder to find in plant-based diets, like vitamin A, potassium, calcium, and iron. They are a rare source of the nine essential amino acids our bodies need. Not only are they healthy and super delicious in taste, but they also look aesthetic when served!
4. Bamnut Noodles
The Bamnut noodles have a springy and chewy texture. They are also flavourful and have a tinge of spiciness. They are meant to be eaten dry. The Bambara groundnut featured in these noodles is a highly sustainable crop. These noodles have minimal additives making them natural and are lower in saturated fat, high in plant protein, and deliver substantially more fibre content, making them a healthy choice. Adding seasoning can enhance their taste more.
5. Soba Noodles
Soba noodles are one of the healthiest options out there. Buckwheat is their primary ingredient, making them very low in fat and cholesterol, thereby providing healthy carbs and protein. Unlike pasta, they do not spike your blood sugar level and offer health benefits. One unique characteristic of soba noodles is that they can be enjoyed hot or cold!
6. Spiralized Noodles
Spiralized noodles are a new trend wherein you chop vegetables and transform them into noodles! You could use any vegetable of your choice. For instance, zucchini, squash, potatoes, beets and so on. These noodles have a good dose of nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, B vitamins and potassium. They help you derive all the benefits from vegetables while tasting good.
7. Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash is a good replacement for pasta. When paired with the right sauces and prepared correctly; spaghetti squash can serve as something you consume on the daily basis. It offers several health benefits due to being high in vitamin A, vitamin C, and fibre and is also low in calories. So; for the people who frequently consume pasta; spaghetti squash is not only tasty but also a healthy option!
8. Bean Noodles
Bean noodles have a mild flavour and are stuffed with proteins, which makes them a versatile and healthy option. Today, you can get pasta from various beans with soy beans, mung beans, and black beans being the most prominent ones. Additionally, they are a good source of iron and taste amazing!
Appetizing taste can be addictive but it is not necessary that scrumptious food has to be unhealthy. Healthier substitutes that offer you the same taste and experience are easily available in the market. Pasta is one of the easiest and objectively loved dishes, however, it has a bad reputation when it comes to health. The above substitutes of white pasta can perfectly satisfy your pasta cravings while ensuring good health. Sauces are the major ingredient determining the taste of the pasta; hence when prepared with flawless sauces, you can get the perfectly delectable alternative; which is not only smacking but healthy too!
