People who eat pasta have a better diet

Pasta is a superfood - because it leads to eating a healthier diet, according to new research.

It boosts consumption of vegetables, lean meats, fish and fruit, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, say scientists.

The humble spag bol, a mainstay of Italian Mediterranean cuisine, has soared in popularity in the UK.

Brits now consume about 80 grams of pasta a week - about three times more than four decades ago - while Italians eat more than 450 grams.

And the good news is it not only tastes good, but does you good.

Pasta is a low sodium and cholesterol-free food with a low glycemic index - foods that keep blood sugar levels in control.

The study found eating pasta leads to lower consumption of saturated fat, which can help reduce harmful blood fats to protect against heart attacks and stroke.

Pasta eaters had a greater intake of nutrients and minerals that most people lack in their diets such as folate, which boosts red blood cells and reduces the risk of defects during foetal growth.

They also consumed more iron which keeps tissues healthy by carrying oxygen in the blood, magnesium which boosts bones and muscles and dietary fibre which lowers the risk of heart disease, obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

In addition, eating pasta also led to more intake of essential nutrients and less of added sugar, like sucrose and high fructose corn syrup, that contain a lot of calories..

The research, presented at The Obesity Society's annual meeting in New Orleans, found pasta consumption was associated with better diets when compared to adults who did not eat it.