Don't ask us if Italian food is the best! When it comes to La Dolce Vita, we are pretty biased. Still, the data is real: Italy is one of the healthiest countries in the world. This is all thanks to the Mediterranean Diet, a nutrition system based on fresh produce, fruit, whole grains, healthy fats, legumes, and a moderate intake of fish, meat, and dairy. This diet is proven to be life-extending…and it includes pasta!
PASTA IS NOT A FAT MACHINE
90% of Italians eat pasta several times a week, yet the country’s obesity rate is very low (not just compared with the United States, but also with many European countries). The secret is portion control. Italians typically use smaller portions than Americans. The average portion for a pasta serving in Italy is the classic cento grammi, 100 grams, or 3.5 ounces.
