The cumulative effects of chilling and reheating a carbohydrate-based pasta meal on the postprandial glycaemic response: a pilot study

Eur J Clin Nutr. 2021 Mar;75(3):570-572. doi: 10.1038/s41430-020-00736-x. Epub 2020 Sep 2.

Abstract

This pilot study investigated the effects of chilling and reheating a pasta-based meal on the postprandial glycaemic response. In this single-blind crossover study, 10 healthy volunteers consumed identical pasta meals (pasta, olive oil, and tomato sauce), served either freshly prepared, chilled, or chilled/reheated, on three separate randomised occasions. Capillary blood samples were taken for two hours postprandially. A significant difference in glucose Incremental Area Under the Curve was observed (p = 0.006), with the greatest difference observed between the freshly cooked and chilled/reheated meals (p = 0.041). Significant differences in incremental peak glucose were also observed (p = 0.018). These results suggest that making simple changes to domestic food processing methods can reduce the glycaemic excursion following a pasta meal, with the potential for health benefit.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Blood Glucose
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Glycemic Index*
  • Humans
  • Insulin
  • Meals
  • Pilot Projects
  • Postprandial Period*
  • Single-Blind Method

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Insulin