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Scientists Share Scientific Data on Health Benefits of Pasta
BOSTON, October 24, 2014 – Coinciding with World Pasta Day on October 25, Oldways, a nonprofit food and nutrition education organization, has released an on-demand, one-hour webinar for health care professionals entitled, “Pasta: A Unique Grain Food.” Participants can earn one Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit. A version with Spanish subtitles is also available.
At a time when consumer confusion about carbohydrates is at an all-time high, the webinar takes a look at the most recent scientific research on pasta so that registered dietitians and other educators can clarify, for the individuals and families they work with, the myths and misperceptions surrounding this popular food.
“Pasta and pasta meals are part of healthy, cultural food traditions around the world,” said Sara Baer-Sinnott, president, Oldways. “It’s time to stop demonizing carbs or any other macronutrient, and start focusing on good taste, real foods, lots of plant foods, and overall common sense.”
The webinar focuses on the unique structure of pasta, which provides important health benefits. Experts discuss how pasta’s compact structure helps it release its energy slowly and steadily. The scientific presenters also cover the broad topic of healthy carbohydrates, traditional diets like the Mediterranean Diet, and pasta’s role in reducing obesity.
Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from the International Pasta Organisation (IPO), the webinar features, in addition to Baer-Sinnott, international scientists including Kantha Shelke, PhD, Corvus Blue, Chicago; Gabriele Riccardi, MD, Federico Il University, Naples Italy; and Marta Garaulet Aza, PhD, University of Murcia & Garaulet Clinics, Spain.
These topics, and others, will also be discussed at this year’s International Pasta Congress, organized by IPO, on Friday, October 24, in Buenos Aires. This annual gathering brings together scientists, food authorities and producers to discuss the most recent scientific evidence about the healthfulness of pasta, along with marketing ideas and presentations on the state of the pasta industry.
In one session, “Pasta & Health: Busting Myths,” moderated by Oldways’ Baer-Sinnott, experts will debunk fad diets and reinforce the statements in the Healthy Pasta Meal Scientific Consensus Statement, including that this global favorite is an affordable, healthy carbohydrate food and a delicious way to eat more vegetables, legumes and other healthy foods often under consumed.
Since 1995, World Pasta Day has been an international celebration of pasta — a food consumed all over the world in varying cuisines. In addition to the nutritional merits of the healthy pasta meal, the widespread availability and affordability of pasta earns it an important place at the global dining table. With the growing popularity of whole grain and gluten-free pastas, everyone can enjoy it.
Oldways offers many resources for consumers planning a celebration on this day or throughout the year including Pasta For All, a guide illustrating why pasta is the perfect food for families (available in multiple languages), as well as pantry/grocery lists and recipes. Please visit www.oldwayspt.org for more information or to download these free resources.
Please contact Rachel Greenstein (rachel@oldwayspt.org or 617-896-4888) for more information, including hi-res illustration/graphics, interviews, or recipes.
About Oldways
Oldways (www.oldwayspt.org) is a nonprofit food and nutrition education organization, with a mission to guide people to good health through heritage, using practical and positive programs grounded in science and tradition. Simply, we advocate for the healthful pleasures of real food. Oldways is the parent organization for The Whole Grains Council and The Mediterranean Foods Alliance, and is well-known for creating the Whole Grain Stamp and the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid.
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