Pasta can be quite beneficial. Moreover, some of them are perfectly acceptable to consume for dinner, almost before bedtime. However, doctors strongly advise against reheating them, and here’s why.
Many of us prefer to cook food in advance. If not for a week, then at least for a day or two ahead. Therefore, pasta is often cooked in bulk, especially since it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days without sauce.
Experts claim that the most beneficial pasta is that which has cooled to room temperature. The reason is that the starch contained in it becomes resistant upon cooling, meaning it is less susceptible to digestive enzymes. This helps avoid a sharp spike in blood sugar, as occurs after consuming hot pasta, reports Doctorpiter.
Moreover, when starch reaches the large intestine, it becomes food for beneficial bacteria. Thus, cold pasta functions like fiber, promoting better digestion.
However, few prefer cooled spaghetti and noodles. When reheated, they are certainly more delicious. However, as it turns out, they are also much less healthy.
Doctor of Medical Sciences Mariyat Mukhina recommends consuming only freshly cooked pasta. According to the expert, the starch in reheated pasta, especially if it has been warmed in the microwave, becomes modified and is absorbed worse.
“As a result of reheating, electrons are released from the starch, and the pasta contains free radicals. Free radicals are substances that promote mutations in cells. To eliminate these harmful substances from the body, a large amount of antioxidants is required,” Mukhina explained.
Therefore, it is not advisable to cook pasta in large quantities for storage. Moreover, the cooking process will take not much longer than reheating. The most beneficial pasta is slightly undercooked.
