4 High Protein Pasta for Weight Loss
There are some wonderful high protein pasta that will boost protein intake and keep the carbs down, making it easy to lose weight. These high protein pasta will keep a person lean, while still enjoying pasta variety. Who says pastas pack on the pounds? Here are a few gluten-free, high protein pasta that will make a person feel great and look good.
Four High Protein Pasta
High Protein Pasta #1 – Buckwheat or Soba Pasta
Soba noodles score 100% according to the Whole Grain Council for having great quality protein which includes lysine. Lysine is not found in wheat noodles and many other types of grains. The only other grain that has more protein than buckwheat is oats, so buckwheat is a great source of wholesome nutrition. And soba noodles are also lean foods, compared to red meat, fish, and other sources of protein.
Noodle bowls made with soba noodles are to die for, and they taste great. Buckwheat contains a relatively high amount of tryptophan, so buckwheat helps in the production of serotonin. Serotonin helps us sleep and can put us in a better mood. Buckwheat also contains calcium and magnesium, which are important for relaxing and feeling calm. It is a great food to help heal anxiety, stress, moodiness, seasonal affective disorder, psychosis, and schizophrenia. Because buckwheat contains D-chiro-inositol, it balances blood sugar levels and prevents sugar highs and lows.
Buckwheat is the grain that saved the Russians during the cold winters of WWII. Without all that protein in buckwheat, it might have been very difficult for millions of people. Soba noodles can be found at Chinese or Asian markets and can also be ordered on-line. Be sure they contain 100% buckwheat, as many soba noodles on the market contain wheat; so read the packages.
High Protein Pasta #2 – Oat Pasta
When we think about noodles, oats may not come to mind as our first choice. However, oats contain lots of protein compared to most grains, so oat noodles are becoming very popular. On the average, a package of oat noodles contains 17 times more protein than that found in rice noodles. And they contain a good source of calcium for strong bones and iron for anemia.
Most oat noodles have about ten times more fiber than regular rice noodles. Of course, oat noodles lower cholesterol and triglycerides, making them important for creating great cardiovascular health and keeping away strokes, heart attacks, and even cancer. Oat noodles are a great choice when thinking about pasta, but it is relatively new on the pasta market. It is making a big impact and beginning to spread everywhere. Oat pasta can be found at health food stores, and can be ordered on-line.
High Protein Pasta #3 – Shirataki Pasta
Shirataki noodles, sometimes called tofu noodles, are not made with tofu. Shirataki noodles are made with konjac flour. These are very high in protein and very low in carbs. In fact, a four-ounce serving shirataki noodles only contains about 20 calories compared, to 400 for regular wheat pasta—that’s a big difference! This makes shirataki noodles a great diet food for those who love pasta and still want to lose weight. At the same time, shirataki noodles are low in fats and sugars, which helps balance blood sugar, making them important for those who are diabetic.
Konjac flour that comprises shirataki pasta comes from konjac root, which is a bulb of the elephant foot tree. It contains 16 different amino acids, making them very high in protein. These noodles also help lower cholesterol, and contain lots of great fiber for the growth of good probiotic bacteria in our gut, which boosts our immune system. Because of the wonderful fiber, shirataki noodles can help with diverticulitis and constipation. Shirataki noodles are packed in water, and sold in the refrigerated section of health food stores. They are very popular with people who love eating pasta and being healthy at the same time.
High Protein Pasta #4 – Black Bean Pasta
A four-ounce package of black bean pasta contains about 50 grams of protein. This makes it very high in protein and good for you. Plus, black bean pasta is low in fats, sodium, and carbs. It has a nice texture, very similar to wheat pasta, and contains anthocyanins, which are found in tart cherries, red wine, and pomegranates. This makes black bean pasta full of wonderful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that can help with lots of health problems. Black bean pasta is relatively inexpensive. Even the big box stores now carry black bean pasta because it is so healthy. It can also be purchased on-line.
Black beans contain wonderful nutrients that lower uric acid levels in joints and kidneys. This can help end the cycle of joint pain associated with disease. In Taiwan, black beans are commonly used to treat gout and help with arthritis in general, sooth away pain, swelling, and redness. Black bean pasta is great for digestive problems since it contains lots of fiber and resistant starch, similar to green bananas. The fiber and the resistant starches in black bean pasta creates a good home for probiotic bacteria, with nutrients for boosting immunity. Black bean pasta also helps the cardiovascular system with soluble fiber to lower cholesterol, lower blood sugar, and help to prevent inflammation in veins and arteries, which can aid in preventing heart attacks.
Of course, eating lots of veggies and exercise is also important for weight loss. There are even more high protein pastas on the market, so if you are watching your weight, be sure to check them out!
About the Article
Feel free to share – this information is meant to get you started… so you can do more research on your own… dig a little deeper and find what works for you. This article is for educational purposes only. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice from your own GP, private doctor, or medical specialist for any ailment, illness, or medical condition. This article not meant to be a scientific analysis in any way, shape, or form.
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About the Author
Dr. Paul Haider, Master Herbalist and Spiritual Teacher for over 25 years, helps people to recover and feel healthy. Find Dr. Haider on Facebook under Dr. Paul Haider, Healing Herbs, and at http://paulhaider.com. Feel free to connect with him any time.
