Italian cuisine was developed over centuries, influenced by cuisines of adjacent countries. Present day Italy figured on the world map around a century back and is a combination of cuisines from various regions such as Calabria, Liguria, Sicily, Milan. Modern Italian cuisine could be broadly partitioned into Northern and Southern cuisine, with a distinguished difference in the use of seasonings.[I:http://www.lanaintl.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/RajivKapur17.jpg]
The most common foods in Italian cuisine are pastas and pizzas but inspite of that Italians won’t become overweight and would even live longer. Odd thing right? Why not discuss regarding few major components of Italian cuisine.
Among specialists, nutritionists are waging a brutal battle on the acceptabilityof pasta for a healthy diet. A lot of people ardently oppose it. Pasta is accused that it contributes to obesity, contains “empty” calories and is in general of no use. But, surprisingly this food item is present in the eating planof many athletes and bodybuilders.
Like other flour products, pasta is a primarily source of carbohydrates. Almost all varities of pasta contain a glcemic index range from medium to high. However, the value depends strongly on the structure of pasta, varieties used for making flour and cooking regime. Adding protein and especially eggs dramatically reduce the glycemic index, and slow down absorption of starch and reduce the increment in insulin levels. Sadly, only the pasta produced from durum wheat flour contains fiber while the others don’t.
Many kinds of pasta consist of up to 12% protein level. Alas, this is largely substandard vegetable protein, lacking in lysine. But, by supplementing pasta with eggs enhances its nutritional value. As expected, noodles made from other grains, will have a slightly different amino acid composition.
The amount of fat in pasta is generally less. An unusual example is Chinese Kuksa or its variations manufactured in Vietnam. The energy worth in pasta is quite elevated. Also, different supplements can constitute a complete meal. This introduces a variety of food needed. For athletes are suitable mainly those sorts of pasta, in which there are protein supplements. It is also advisable to consume pasta produced from flour with a high level of fiber.
A different and well-known Italian product- olive oil, can be absorbed by the body completely. First, olive oil is an outstanding natural remedy for prevention of cardiovascular diseases. It contains a complex of vitamins (A, D, E) and monounsaturated fatty acids, which can reduce the level of damagingcholesterol. This can further help in bringing down the index of dangerous cholesterol. Secondly, due to the presence of vitamin E and other antioxidants olive oil successfullyprevents premature fading of the organism. And welcome, both internal and external use it. Third, the oil helps to mend stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers, improves the activity of the stomach, intestines, pancreas and liver.
For further information and videos on pasta recipes and other Italian dishes please browse Italian Recipes