Whether you’re jetting off to Italy to enjoy some authentic cuisine or just cooking up dinner in your own kitchen, most of us can agree that it’s hard to go wrong with a tasty plate of pasta. Unfortunately, though, there are also a lot of health effects to consider. While the refined carbs in the pasta itself can lead to a range of risks if consumed in excess, it’s also important to consider the type of sauce you’re adding to the mix. As it turns out, the pasta sauce you choose could be loading your meal with sugar and taking a toll on your body over time.
To discover one of the worst types of sugary pasta sauce that you should avoid if you want to lose weight (or just keep your overall health in check), we spoke to health expert Dr. Hector Perez, Board-Certified Bariatric Surgeon. He told us that pre-made, store-bought marinara sauce is one major offender. Read on to learn more about the risks at hand.
Health effects of store-bought marinara sauce
Marinara sauce is an undeniable classic. In fact, it may be the most popular pasta sauce out there. Unfortunately, though, Dr. Perez points out that it can pack some unexpected sugar into your diet, especially if you buy a jar at the store rather than making your own at home.
"Many store-bought, pre-made marinara sauces can contain high levels of added sugar, which can be bad for your overall health and contribute to weight gain," he warns.
But weight gain isn't the only risk at hand. It's no secret that too much sugar can lead to a range of health complications. On the short term, you're likely to experience blood sugar spikes, but the long-term consequences are even more troubling. "The potential long-term consequences include an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and other illnesses related to poor nutrition," Dr. Perez lists. Yikes! Guess we're better off leaving that sauce on the shelf.
Healthy pasta sauces
Cutting out sugary pasta sauces like store-bought marinara doesn't mean you have to give up pasta altogether! There are plenty of healthy(-ish) ways to enjoy your favorite meal.
If you love marinara, Dr. Perez offers advice: "A healthier alternative is to make your own marinara sauce using fresh tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and olive oil. This type of sauce is low in added sugar and free from preservatives or artificial ingredients," he says. "It also allows you to add more fresh vegetables and herbs to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition." Adding the right veggies to the mix can be a great way to promote weight loss. Ultimately, being in control of the ingredients you're adding to your food can allow you not only to suit it to your taste, but also to your dietary needs.
It's also worth noting that, as he reminds us, making your own pasta sauce can be very cost-effective. Not only will you be saving yourself from a sugar overload, but you'll also be saving money!
"Of course, there are other healthy pasta sauces out there, such as arrabbiata and pesto, that you can also enjoy in moderation," Dr. Perez adds. "The key is to read labels and choose sauces with minimal added sugar and no artificial flavorings or preservatives," he concludes. Got it!
READ MORE: 4 Healthy Pantry Staples Nutritionists Want You To Buy At The Grocery Store For Weight Loss
