What makes you gain more weight, pasta or rice?

According to Charlotte Oudin, general manager of the pasta brand Barrilla , A Mexican consumes an average of 3 kilos of pasta per year and an estimated 12 kilos of rice. These figures may not be surprising given the versatility of carbohydrates, and given the fact that their carbohydrate content provides a very high energy supply to the body.

However, as is well known, nothing in excess. Especially when it comes to carbohydrates.

But before we begin, let's consider its origins: rice belongs to the grass family; it's the most widely distributed cereal in the world. Pasta , on the other hand, is the result of making a dough with flour and water, then cooking it with other ingredients and spices. Its nutritional properties depend on the type of flour and the rice grain.

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According to information from Spanish endocrinologist Beatriz Lardiés: “The caloric density of rice and pasta are quite similar from a practical point of view: about 350 kilocalories per 100 grams for rice, compared to 370 kilocalories for pasta. However, in terms of nutritional value, there is a greater difference between them.”

The specialist explains that The first of these carbohydrates—that is, pasta—contains a higher amount of protein than rice, while the latter has a slightly higher amount of carbohydrates and a higher glycemic index. Specifically, for patients with diabetes, this means elevated glucose levels.

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"Given the medium-high caloric density of both foods, their high consumption can promote weight gain when the total calories consumed throughout the day exceed the energy expenditure of the person consuming them. Furthermore, when counting calories, it is important to consider both the way they are cooked and the corresponding sauces and dressings, which can add extra calories," warns Lardiés.

Reducing carbohydrate intake—such as pasta and rice—is commonly associated with accelerated weight loss. However, Lardiés points out that The ideal is to learn how to cook them in a healthy way. In this case, the expert suggests that it is always preferable to prepare them in their whole grain version, as this will provide greater satiety and fiber.

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AO