Doctors Tell Pope Francis To Cut Back On Pasta
Pope Francis attends his weekly audience in St. Peter’s Square on March 4 in Vatican City, Vatican. (Photo: Franco Origlia/Getty Images)
The Pope is cutting back on pasta — doctor’s orders.
Ansa en Vatican reported that Pope Francis, 78, has been advised to eat less pasta and other carbs, walk more often, and lose weight (which affects his sciatica).
We’re not positive how much of Pope Francis’s diet was comprised of carbs to begin with, but according to the Mayo Clinic, people should get 45 to 65 percent of their daily calories from carbs. And, if possible, they shouldn’t be from refined grain products„ sugary drinks, or desserts, but instead from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and legumes.
“Compared to whole-grain pasta, traditional white flour pasta is a more simple carb, so it’s broken down fairly quickly by the body, which can cause blood sugar spikes,” nutritionist Jessica Marcus, MS, RD, previously told Yahoo Health. “This not only results in the inevitable crash-and-burn that leaves you feeling sluggish, but also promotes fat storage.”
Whole-wheat or whole-grain pastas, on the other hand, contain more fiber — which is important for controlling blood sugar levels and keeping things moving in the digestion department.
Maybe Pope Francis should consider swapping out his white pasta products for some kelp or shirataki noodles — they’re low-calorie and low-carb.
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