When it comes to the Mediterranean diet, one of the most iconic foods is without a doubt pasta. Placed at the base of the Mediterranean food pyramid, pasta is not only a pleasure for the palate, but also an ally of health when it is of high quality and combined with simple, nutritious ingredients.
Pasta in the Mediterranean diet
The Mediterranean diet is synonymous with balance. Complex carbohydrates – such as those contained in pasta – are a primary and indispensable source of energy. Unlike simple carbohydrates, pasta releases energy gradually, keeping blood sugar levels stable.
In the Mediterranean tradition, pasta is prepared with light sauces made from vegetables, pulses, fish, extra virgin olive oil and herbs. The result is a complete, digestible and satiating meal that supports an active and healthy lifestyle.
The nutritional values of pasta: what’s in a dish?
One of the reasons why pasta is so popular in the Mediterranean diet is its excellent nutritional profile.
On average, 100 grams of dry pasta provides:
● Energy: about 350 kcal
Protein: 12-14 g
● Complex carbohydrates: around 70-75 g
● Fibre: up to 8 g in the whole-wheat version
● Fat: less than 2 g
● Glycaemic index: medium-low, especially if cooked al dente
In Valbio wholemeal pasta, these values are further enhanced by the presence of the whole wheat grain, which provides fibres, antioxidants and B vitamins, with an even more favourable impact on digestion and satiety.
Choosing quality pasta makes all the difference
Not all pasta is the same. The quality of pasta depends on many factors: type of wheat, protein content, processing, drawing, drying. This is where the excellence of Valdigrano Pasta Qualità Superiore comes into play, made with Kronos wheat, a prized variety of durum wheat rich in protein and high quality gluten.
Kronos wheat is known for
● its high tenacity,
● a natural, intense amber colour
● an excellent cooking performance
● and greater digestibility than other grains.
These characteristics make the pasta more nutritious, tasty and resistant to cooking, with an al dente consistency ideal for absorbing sauces.
The Valdigrano and Valbio lines: taste and health on the table
Valdigrano offers a complete range of pasta designed to meet every need: for those looking for a more intense flavour and pasta with exceptional hold during cooking, the ideal choice is the Valdigrano Qualità Superiore line, made with Kronos wheat.
On the other hand, for those who pay particular attention to daily well-being and choose a more natural diet rich in fibres, there is the selection of the Valbio line, which includes classic and wholemeal organic pasta. A selection created for those who wish to combine authentic taste and a healthier eating style.
Pasta every day? Yes, by following these tips
Integrating pasta into your daily menu is perfectly compatible with a healthy lifestyle, provided you follow a few good practices:
● Prefer bronze-drawn shapes, which are coarser and more satiating
● Alternate classic and wholemeal pasta, to vary the fibre content
Respect portion sizes: 80-100g for an active adult is ideal
● Cook pasta al dente to keep the glycemic index low
Avoid overly fatty dressings: EVO oil, legumes, vegetables, fish are best
The link between pasta and well-being
Including pasta in a balanced diet is a simple and conscious gesture rooted in our tradition. When combined with fresh ingredients and cooked with care, pasta becomes much more than a food: it is a daily ally for a healthy, dynamic and gratifying lifestyle.
Choosing quality products means investing in your own well-being, in the pleasure of eating and in the security of bringing something good, nutritious and carefully made to the table. And in this, pasta knows how to be truly irreplaceable.
