Friday, 12 June 2026
Rīga TV

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HealthPublished: 12 June 2026 at 00:59

Nutritionist: Pasta and Potatoes Are Not 'Evil' – No Need to Exclude Them

Nutritionist Lizete Puga says potatoes and pasta are unfairly accused of being unhealthy, and people should not remove them from their diet. They are valuable sources of fiber and carbohydrates when combined with healthy additions.

Foto: TVNET

Potatoes and pasta are often blamed as unhealthy foods, leading many to exclude them from their meals. However, nutritionist Lizete Puga argues that this is unjustified and that these products have an important place in a balanced diet.

Puga explains that grains, including buckwheat, oatmeal, and whole-grain bread, provide a feeling of fullness and are a significant source of fiber. She recommends choosing whole-grain products more often, as they contain more fiber and protein. Whole-grain bread, rye bread, and oatmeal are good choices for breakfast or snacks.

Regarding potatoes, the specialist reminds that although they are sold in the vegetable section, nutritionally they are classified as grains and are a valuable carbohydrate source. Therefore, they should not be eliminated from the diet.

As for pasta, Puga emphasizes that what matters most is what it is combined with. Pasta itself is not unhealthy, but heavy sauces, large amounts of cheese, or cream make the meal heavier. If many vegetables are added and fewer fatty toppings are used, pasta can be a completely normal and healthy daily choice.

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