Choosing the Right Pasta for a Heart-Healthy Diet

Can healthy noodle alternatives and heart-healthy ingredients help make cholesterol-friendly pasta dishes for individuals trying to lower and manage cholesterol levels?

Pasta and Cholesterol

Pasta, like other refined carbohydrates such as white bread and rice, can increase cholesterol levels. Although pasta does not contain cholesterol, it is high in carbohydrates, which can increase the amount of calories and fat in one’s diet and contribute to high cholesterol levels. Since some types of carbohydrates can affect cholesterol levels, the goal is to eat the right pasta and healthier sauces and sides. Even for those following a cholesterol-lowering diet, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy meals containing pasta occasionally.

The Pasta and Cholesterol Link

Pasta made from white flour is considered a refined carbohydrate because it is high in carbs and low in fiber. Research has shown that a diet high in refined carbohydrates is associated with increased levels of triglycerides and LDL (unhealthy) cholesterol in the blood. (Yu, D. et al., 2013) (Bhardwaj B., O’Keefe E. L., and O’Keefe J. H. 2016) High levels of blood fats increase the risk of developing heart disease. Examples of refined carbohydrates include:

• White rice
• Breakfast cereals
• Potato Chips
• White bread
• Pastries
• Pizza

One cup of dry pasta has 0 milligrams of cholesterol but is high in carbohydrates, with around 43 grams per serving (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2018). Eating foods high in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates can raise cholesterol levels.

Choosing Healthy Alternatives

Choosing healthier options that are cholesterol-friendly can make pasta healthy. Pasta labeled whole wheat or whole grain is darker than white flour pasta, which contains more fiber and can lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. (American Heart Association, 2024) The label will show the carbohydrate and fiber content per serving.

Alternatives

Alternatives that are lower in carbohydrates and/or higher in protein and fiber include:

• Spaghetti squash
• Spiralized vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and butternut squash.
• Shirataki noodles are made from the konjac plant.
• Chickpea pasta
• Black bean pasta
• Red lentil pasta
• Edamame pasta

Vegetables

Vegetables are heart-healthy and are a great addition to pasta dishes. Vegetables that pair well with pasta include:

• Peppers
• Onion
• Zucchini
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Asparagus

Add a few olives, which contain healthy monounsaturated fats. (Rocha J., Borges N., and Pinho O. 2020) Mix vegetables and pasta in equal amounts to create a lower-carb, fiber-dense dish that will keep cholesterol levels low and maintain a healthy heart.

Cheese and Low-Fat Cheese

It is common to incorporate cheese. While cheese contains calcium and adds flavor and texture, it also adds saturated fat. The American Heart Association recommends that saturated fats make up less than 6% of daily calories because of their role in heart health and high cholesterol risks. (American Heart Association, 2024) Instead, use a small amount of cheese, such as Romano or cheddar, and add a small amount of low-fat cheese that includes:

• Parmesan cheese
• Part-skim mozzarella cheese
• Low-fat ricotta
• Low-fat cottage cheese

Lean Meats

Sausage and ground beef are common additions but are also a source of saturated fat that could raise cholesterol levels. (American Heart Association, 2024) So, when possible, limit red meat and sausage or use a low-fat sausage alternative that is chicken or turkey-based, and add heart-healthy options, which include:

• Beans
• Shrimp
• Turkey
• Chicken
• Salmon

Make It Herbaceous and Spicy

Spices can enhance the taste of a dish. Many herbs and spices commonly used in pasta dishes, such as parsley, oregano, garlic, and basil, contain healthy nutrients and don’t add any fat or calories. Spice up a pasta dish to taste with a little heart-healthy olive oil and spices to create a light coating on the noodles. (Rocha J., Borges N., and Pinho O. 2020) One tablespoon of olive oil contains nearly 120 calories and 14 grams of fat. (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2019)

Healthy Sauces

Sauces are important, but an unhealthy one can introduce extra sugar and fat. Plenty of healthy sauces are at the store, but check the label as some contain extra salt, sugar, and fat, which are not heart-healthy. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2015) Try to limit the use of creamy sauces, such as cheese and alfredo sauces, as they are a source of added fat and are high in saturated fat. An alternative is to dress the pasta with sautéd olive oil and sliced cherry tomatoes. Sauteing helps soften the tomatoes and release extra flavor into the oil.

Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic

So, experiment with healthy pasta, various vegetables, lean meat, and healthy sauces to add flavor and make your next pasta dish delicious and cholesterol-friendly. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic focuses on and treats injuries and chronic pain syndromes through personalized care plans that improve ability through flexibility, mobility, and agility programs to relieve pain. Our providers use an integrated approach to create customized care plans for each patient and restore health and function to the body through nutrition and wellness, functional medicine, acupuncture, Electroacupuncture, and sports medicine protocols. If the individual needs other treatment, they will be referred to a clinic or physician best suited for them. Dr. Jimenez has teamed up with top surgeons, clinical specialists, medical researchers, nutritionists, and health coaches to provide the most effective clinical treatments.

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References

Yu, D., Shu, X. O., Li, H., Xiang, Y. B., Yang, G., Gao, Y. T., Zheng, W., & Zhang, X. (2013). Dietary carbohydrates, refined grains, glycemic load, and risk of coronary heart disease in Chinese adults. American journal of epidemiology, 178(10), 1542–1549. doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwt178

Bhardwaj, B., O’Keefe, E. L., & O’Keefe, J. H. (2016). Death by Carbs: Added Sugars and Refined Carbohydrates Cause Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease in Asian Indians. Missouri medicine, 113(5), 395–400.

U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central. (2018). Pasta, dry, enriched. Retrieved from fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169736/nutrients

American Heart Association. (2024). Whole grains, refined grains, and dietary fiber. www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/whole-grains-refined-grains-and-dietary-fiber

Rocha, J., Borges, N., & Pinho, O. (2020). Table olives and health: a review. Journal of nutritional science, 9, e57. doi.org/10.1017/jns.2020.50

American Heart Association. (2024). Saturated fat. www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/saturated-fats

U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central. (2019). Oil, olive, extra virgin. Retrieved from fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/748608/nutrients

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2015). Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 8th Edition. Retrieved from odphp.health.gov/our-work/nutrition-physical-activity/dietary-guidelines/previous-dietary-guidelines/2015