Do Reheated Pasta Have Fewer Calories?

Is it true that reheated pasta contains fewer calories because the starch in it can no longer be digested?

Yes, it’s true that pasta, potatoes or rice “from the day before” have fewer calories. However, the calorie savings are limited.

It has long been assumed that starch is completely broken down in the small intestine. Today we know that a small part passes through the small intestine undigested. This starch is called resistant starch. It is one of the dietary fibers. Like other dietary fibers, it is only processed by the colon bacteria in the large intestine.

Resistant starch is mainly found in raw carbohydrate-rich foods, such as raw potatoes or green bananas, but also in bread with lots of whole grains and legumes. It also occurs when heated, starchy foods such as pasta and potatoes cool down.

The calorie content of resistant starch is actually only about half as high as that of usable carbohydrates with an average of 4 kcal per gram. However, not all of the starch contained is converted into resistant starch, only a small part.

Too much indigestible starch can lead to abdominal pain, bloating, constipation or even diarrhea. This is particularly the case if you have previously had a very low-fiber diet. You should therefore slowly increase the intake. This applies to all types of dietary fiber.

Tip: Wholemeal pasta contains more fiber than “normal pasta”. Fiber has no calories. They fill you up and stimulate digestion.