That pasta is healthy and something that everyone should incorporate into their diet is a belief that has been widespread and quite popular among people for years. However, nutrition experts such as Dr. Isabel Belaustegui have taken it upon themselves to debunk this, generating a major debate on social media, explaining that the truly beneficial cereal for the body, and therefore the one that should form a larger part of our diet, is rice.
Why Pasta Isn’t Ideal
For Dr. Belaustegui, the big problem with traditional pasta isn’t just the type of grain it contains, but that it is heavily manipulated in the factory up to the moment it reaches the supermarket. Being a processed food, it loses many of its natural nutrients along the way. Moreover, the doctor warns that it comes accompanied by “that irritating, toxic, and addictive gluten,” so it’s not the best option for taking care of our body. If you still decide to eat pasta, the expert recommends looking for alternatives made from cereals other than wheat, which today are very easy to find in any supermarket.
Rice can be your best ally
Unlike pasta, rice is the true “king of the kitchen” according to the doctor, who asserts that “rice is a very interesting cereal; it is very balanced.” This food helps our digestion function properly and protects the intestine, something that is sacred for the smooth operation of the entire body. Additionally, it acts as a natural cleaner because it is able to trap the bad toxins that roam through the body, helping to “cleanse our body.” That said, the expert reminds us that not every type of rice is suitable and that “the key is to choose an appropriate rice”, always seeking higher-quality and less refined options.
It’s Not Necessary to Consume Carbohydrates
Finally, the expert sends a direct message to those who exercise and base their energy on plates of pasta and rice to power themselves, believing that this is what they should do to reach their goals. “We need to start changing athletes’ mindset, that carbohydrates are no longer considered optimal for training or performance,” concludes Dr. Belaustegui. According to the expert, the best thing you can do is listen to your body, minimize ultra-processed foods as much as possible—such as wheat in the case of pasta—and rely more on natural and balanced foods like rice to keep the body clean and healthy.
