- PLUS® Is a Good Source of Protein
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Protein is essential for healthy muscle growth and development, body tissue repair, and as a source of nutrient-dense calories. The majority of high-quality protein in PLUS® by Barilla is derived from multi-grain and legume flour, as well as egg whites.
This combination of protein-rich ingredients means PLUS® delivers 17 grams of protein per one uncooked cup, which is over 40 percent more than traditional pasta. Lentils and chickpeas, both commonly used Mediterranean legumes, were specifically selected for use in the PLUS® recipe.
In addition to providing protein, legumes are a good way to incorporate both soluble and insoluble fiber and an array of micronutrients into your diet. Other sources of protein, such as small amounts of meat, chicken, fish, or cheese may be added for taste and enjoyment, but PLUS® can nutritionally stand on its own, lightly tossed with olive oil or butter.
Protein Quality Counts
The quality of protein in the diet is just as important as getting enough protein. Protein-containing foods are ranked on a "quality index" with egg whites typically considered the gold standard with a ranking of 1.00. A high-quality protein food means that essential amino acids, the building blocks of protein, which must be supplied by food, are readily available in that food. Because PLUS® contains high-quality protein ingredients, such as chickpeas, lentils, and egg whites, it far exceeds whole-wheat and regular pasta in terms of protein quality.
- PLUS® Is a Good Source of Fiber
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Dietary recommendations from health authorities call for the majority of daily calories to come from carbohydrates, with an emphasis on whole grains and less-refined carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates, like those found in grains and legumes, are considered a preferred source of carbohydrates since they take longer to digest and absorb, resulting in more steady and even blood glucose levels and a longer-lasting feeling of satisfaction. Fiber, a complex carbohydrate, plays a role in a healthy digestive system by helping to maintain regularity and, as part of a low-fat diet, can also play a role in lowering blood cholesterol levels. Unfortunately, most adults are falling short of the recommended fiber necessary to meet daily needs.
PLUS® by Barilla offers a good source of fiber through its naturally fiber-rich ingredients. The unique multi-grain blend found in PLUS®–semolina (coarse durum wheat), oats, spelt, and barley –delivers most of its fiber and complex carbohydrates. The fiber composition is further enhanced by the addition of ground flaxseed and wheat fiber, excellent sources of soluble and insoluble fiber. One cup of uncooked PLUS® contains seven grams of dietary fiber, which is 28 percent of the minimum recommended daily amount for adults 50 years and younger. Since pasta is widely enjoyed by adults and children alike, PLUS® can really contribute toward meeting daily fiber and complex carbohydrate needs.
ADA Fiber Recommendations
The American Dietetic Association recommends eating 20-30 grams of fiber each day, including a variety of whole grains, legumes, beans, fruits, and vegetables to help prevent heart disease.
- PLUS® Is Rich in ALA Omega-3 Fatty Acids
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What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
Omega-3s are a collection of essential polyunsaturated fats, which the body cannot produce, so they must be consumed in the diet. This collection consists of DHA (docosahexanoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenic acid) found most abundantly in coldwater fish such as salmon, lake trout, herring, and mackerel. ALA (alpha linolenic acid) is the other key omega-3, which is unique because the body can use it to make DHA and EPA. Flaxseed, an ingredient used in PLUS®, is the best plant source of ALA, with walnuts, walnut oil, canola, and soybean oil providing lesser amounts.
Why Does Your Body Need Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
All these omega-3s are important for neurological development and growth, and are converted to hormone-like compounds called eicosanoids that play a role in a whole host of physiological functions, including maintaining proper blood pressure, immune functions, and inflammatory response.1 Omega-3 fatty acids appear to show the greatest health benefit potential as it relates to heart health. The Health Professional Follow-up Study, which began in 1986 with approximately 51,000 participants, demonstrated that a 1 percent increase in ALA (expressed as a percentage of energy intake) was associated with a 40 percent reduction in the risk of non-fatal coronary heart disease.2 Emerging research seems to point toward an association of omega-3 intake with cognitive development in children and Alzheimer's treatment. These areas of research need further study but may show that there are other health benefits to consuming these fatty acids.
How Much Is Enough?
According to the 2005 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Report:
"A reduced risk of coronary heart disease death in adults is associated with the consumption of two servings of DHA- and EPA-rich fish per week."
In September 2002, the National Academy of Science Institute of Medicine developed an Adequate Intake (AI) for essential fatty acids (EFA). This was set at 1.6 gr/day, or 1600 mg, for adult men, and 1.1 gr/day, or 1100 mg, for women. The AI for female and male children, ages 4-18, ranges from .9 gr to 1.6 gr, or 900mg to 1600 mg respectively.3 Since a one-cup uncooked portion of PLUS® provides 360 mg of omega-3, adding PLUS® by Barilla to the diet several times each week can easily help meet recommended intake levels. In addition, the ground flaxseed used in PLUS® flour is more readily absorbed by the body compared to whole flaxseed.
