For years, there’s been a skeptical attitude towards carbohydrates and their place within a healthy diet. Some people cut them out entirely, but can you imagine a lifetime without bread and pasta? The truth is, carbohydrates are crucial for our bodies to function efficiently and with enough energy, and fresh pasta in particular is beneficial to your diet. At Italian restaurant Paul’s Pasta Shop, the team has been preparing fresh pasta and serving all of southeastern Connecticut since 1988.

Here, they’ll give three reasons why fresh pasta is actually a healthy carb:

• Low Glycemic Index: Contrary to the popular belief that pasta—even the white flour kind—can cause your blood sugar to skyrocket, the fresh variety is actually a low-glycemic-index food, clocking in at 41 on the GI scale. This means it releases its carbohydrates into the bloodstream slowly, keeping you full longer and having a lower impact on your blood sugar levels. No wonder it’s a preferred food for athletes looking to store energy! Fresh pasta is also overall lower in carbohydrates than dried pasta per cup.
• High In Protein: Fresh pasta can come in many different varieties, but what they all have in common is a surprisingly high level of protein. Thanks to the addition of eggs in the process of making fresh pasta, you’re getting an extra dose of muscle-aiding amino acids. If the fresh pasta is whole wheat, the whole grains come with more protein than white flour. Even gluten-free varieties of fresh pasta use ingredients like quinoa, a naturally high-protein seed. So whichever type of fresh pasta you like best, you’ll be happy to know you’re getting a good amount of protein with each bite.
• High In Vitamins & Minerals: Along with healthy carbs and protein, the flour in fresh pasta also comes with high doses of iron, zinc, and B vitamins. These are essential for your immune system to function properly and also fight against a compound called homocysteine in your blood that can increase your risk of heart disease.

With all its healthful benefits, there’s no reason you shouldn’t incorporate fresh pasta into your meals. Choose from a variety of flavors and shapes at Paul’s Pasta Shop. For the best local Italian food in Groton, make a reservation at their restaurant by calling (860) 445-5276. Visit their website for more information.