Whether you’re braving the polar vortex, battling a winter chill, or diving into the Netflix post-breakup frenzy, there’s one food that will make you feel so much hotter and smoother: noodles. The ultimate comfort food is good for our emotional health, as anyone who has inhaled a steaming bowl of ramen on a sub-zero day can attest. But is it also beneficial from a nutritional point of view?
With fingers firmly crossed, I consulted with registered dietitian to find out. Fortunately for everyone, he had good news. Noodles and pasta can be a healthy option, depending on what they’re made with the dietitian told me. (Ugh!) These are the healthy noodles he likes the most:
Seaweed noodles
Seaweed noodles received top marks from Alpert because they are rich in key minerals. Seaweed noodles contain calcium and magnesium, and, unlike traditional white flour dough, they don’t cause a huge spike in blood sugar. These gluten-free seaweed noodles (made with powdered seaweed meat) are often served raw but are just as delicious as pad thai and pho base. If you are going through Gerd, do not worry just follow Gerd/Acid reflux guide for help.
Mung bean paste
Alpert recommends that you try mung bean paste, also known as glass noodles if you prefer Italian-style noodles. They have a texture similar to traditional white flour pasta, but are rich in vegetable protein, iron, and zinc. (They are also safe for those who cannot eat gluten.) This is an especially good option when you feel ill, as zinc can help boost your immune system. Overgrown candida can be a problem, to cope with it follow candida diet guide. Click here for meal plans for candida.
What about other types of noodles
Unfortunately, wheat-based noodles can be delicious, but they’re probably not the best option if you’re looking for a nutrient-dense dish; Soba noodles, made from buckwheat, are slightly better – they offer more protein and fiber compared to many other foods, even more than their white flour counterparts. They can be gluten-free (although sometimes they are made with wheat flour, check the packaging).
A serving of your fist, which also includes any extra vegetables or protein you add, is a good serving for pasta. If you are cooking at home, think about what pasta looks like raw or cooked. . You need a lot less raw pasta than you think!
Also, consider the fact that what your noodles contain is just as important as what they contain. Alpert recommends making bone broth noodle soups because you will get all the collagen benefits for your skin. She suggests filling it up with lean protein and veggies for a complete meal if you opt for a stir fry or pasta dish. (Be sure to use healthy cooking oils while doing this. It should also be noted that eating quick noodles is dangerous for your health as they contain al;l the necessary elements that are not good for your health, so try to avoid those noodles.
Every once in a while, a bowl of super-salty noodles from your local takeout is just what you need to feel nourished on a soul level. So if that’s the case, I say go. Everything in moderation, right?
