According to several historians, the history of dried pasta as we know it today is linked to the Arab rule of Sicily
It was 1154 when the Arab geographer Edrisi mentioned “a food made of flour in the shape of threads,” the “triyah” made in Trabia. From Sicily, pasta prepared this way was then exported to the mainland.
According to the Arab geographer, as early as the mid-12th century, so much pasta was being produced in Sicily, particularly in the Trabia area, that it was exported “everywhere, to Calabria and other Muslim and Christian countries, with countless shiploads being sent.”
Pasta is so delicious—how could we ever do without it?
This is a question we often ask ourselves, but let’s face it: pasta is good for you.
Pasta as the Basis of a Healthy Diet
A cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, pasta is an essential part of our daily diet.
With its high content of complex carbohydrates, pasta is considered a particularly important part of our diet.
In the food pyramid, cereals rich in complex carbohydrates, including pasta, are placed at the base, alongside foods that should be eaten several times a day.
Pasta also contains a fair amount of protein (around 11%), although it is of low biological value, while its fat content is negligible.
Pasta and Sport
Pasta is a traditional food in Italian sport nutrition and holds a place of honor in the Mediterranean diet food pyramid.
In terms of energy, semolina pasta provides about 350 kcal per 100 g, while whole wheat pasta provides 320 kcal and egg pasta 365 kcal.
In endurance sports such as cycling, marathons, triathlons and other events requiring stamina, pasta is an essential part of an athlete’s weekly diet.
But even if you’re not a professional athlete, pasta is still a good choice. It’s suitable for anyone who wants to stay healthy, as well as those looking to lose a little weight (pasta is filling, especially wholegrain pasta) and anyone doing intense physical activity who needs readily available energy. What’s more, when eaten with protein-rich foods (such as fish, meat or cheese), its protein can be used to build muscle rather than for energy.
Pasta and Children
A healthy, balanced diet is essential for children’s growth.
Indeed, it cannot do without the nutritional contribution of bread and pasta (preferably whole grain), fruit and vegetables, legumes, fish and meat.
Pasta and grains should even be eaten at both lunch and dinner: they are an essential part of the Mediterranean diet.
Pasta is extremely important, especially for one reason: it is the primary source of carbohydrates that provides the energy essential for physical activity and the body’s subsequent development.
The Experts' Take
We asked Dr. Valentina Schirò, a nutrition biologist and specialist in food science, to discuss the following topics:
- Pasta and Sport
- Pasta and Diet
- Pasta and Health Conditions
- Pasta and Fake News
Thanks to her experience and expertise, we’ve prepared the document "A Journey of Discovery into Sicilian Pasta and Nutrition", which you can download using the button below.
