Is Pasta good the next day?
In this blog post, we will answer the following question: Is pasta good the next day? We will talk about the advantages of eating one-day-old pasta and how to reheat it properly.
Is Pasta good the next day?
Pasta is not only good the next day, but it can also be healthier, specialists say. Pasta is one of the foods that is most often liked by broad sections of the population, from children to adults. But it is also usually one of the first things to reduce when you decide to lose weight and take better care of yourself, especially in its non-whole varieties.
After all, these are fast-absorbing carbohydrates and it is not highly recommended for those who are overweight or obese. Or at least, freshly made. Although it may seem so, it is not a truism. In fact, this conclusion is the result of an experiment that was carried out in England.
First, it must be taken into account that pasta is a carbohydrate and, therefore, the body absorbs it as sugar and raises the level of glucose in the blood. The body, faced with this rise, responds by producing a greater amount of the hormone insulin from the pancreas, the objective of which is to stabilize this high glucose level as quickly as possible. This is the case with hot pasta.
However, according to the study that was carried out in Oxford, when the pasta is allowed to cool and consumed the next day, things change. In fact, with this simple action, the pasta is absorbed as if it were fiber, and the body’s response is totally different. So much so that fiber consumption tends to balance glucose and lower insulin levels.
The reason is that, when it cools after being cooked, its structure changes and it becomes resistant starch, a substance that causes our body to become resistant to this food and absorb it progressively, so it does not raise glucose levels and the pancreas does not need to make more insulin. The same happens with another very typical food in our diet, the potato, which when eaten cold undergoes the same process.
The Oxford experts also studied whether the pasta was reheated if it remained resistant starch or whether it returned to its original state. To do this, he created three groups of people who were given hot, cold, and reheated pasta to eat for three days. The same amount and with the same accompaniment.
When performing the corresponding blood tests, they found that even overheated, it was still being absorbed as if it were fiber by the body. So it is clear that there is nothing better than making pasta and consuming it later.
And for those who prefer it freshly made, it is best to opt for its integral version. The reason is that it contains fiber, which provides greater benefits for our body. In the first place because it increases the feeling of satiety and makes us eat less.
In addition, it does not cause a rise in blood glucose levels, it prevents constipation because by absorbing more water it makes the stool more voluminous and consistent and it helps control blood cholesterol levels.
Other FAQs about Pasta which you may be interested in.
the pasta from absorbing all the sauce?
How can I make day-old pasta taste better?
To make day-old pasta taste better you can dress it with a tasty sauce (pesto, Neapolitan, Bolognese, carbonara …) or other dressing that you like the most. To do this, you can try a different touch with:
- Extra virgin olive oil and pepper, a bit of nutmeg or balsamic vinegar of Modena.
- Extra virgin olive oil flavored with basil or chili.
- Butter melted with sage in the pan, in the purest Italian style.
Pasta is so versatile and we can make so many recipes with it that it is probably one of the most recurring ingredients in any kitchen. It is prepared in no time, admits all kinds of sauces and preparations, and, in addition, in summer, it is the perfect base for a salad.
How to reheat pasta?
Ideally, the pasta is freshly made and calculate the approximate amount we need per person so as not to end up with a pot full of boiled spaghetti. In fact, anything that means reheating pasta will be a source of outrage – and rightly so – in Italy.
Of course, no matter how little time we have, we cannot make pasta for a week either, for food safety and because, like all ingredients, pasta also loses properties that change its texture and flavor. So 3 days should be the maximum to keep the pasta in the fridge. Remember that the pasta is boiled in 10 minutes. Are you sure you don’t have time?
Final tips
There are many ways to make day-old pasta taste better. Remember that olive oil and spices are the best allies when it comes to reheating pasta.
By keeping food in the wrong conditions, this bacteria can proliferate and secrete dangerous toxins that are not killed by heat when the dish is heated, for example, in a microwave. In the most severe scenarios, this can cause liver failure and even possible death.
So, if you plan on keeping your pasta for the next day, make sure you store it properly.
If there is any way we can help or if you have a comment on the content, please let us know.
References
Sciencealert.com
FDA.gov