Italian researchers say pasta is not fattening

Over the years, pasta has become many dieters' sworn enemy, but a recent study suggests the food's bad, fattening reputation is unfounded.

According to scientists with Italy's Department of Epidemiology, I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, unlike popular beliefs, the Mediterranean diet staple is not responsible for excess weight.

The team claims that "...pasta consumption is actually associated with a reduced likelihood of both general and abdominal obesity."

They came to the conclusion after analyzing findings from two large-scale Italian research endeavors involving 23,000 participants.

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George Pounis, lead author of the study, said, "Our data show that enjoying pasta according to individuals' needs contributes to a healthy body mass index, lower waist circumference and better waist-hip ratio."

While the researchers encourage including pasta in one's diet, they do stress the importance of balance and self-control.

Licia Iacoviello, head of the Laboratory of Molecular and Nutritional Epidemiology at Neuromed Institute, said, "The message emerging from this study...is that Mediterranean diet, consumed in moderation and respecting the variety of all its elements...is good to your health."