Healthy Pasta Facts

Dreamfields Pasta gives you the option of a healthier diet. We realise that you are concerned about what you eat, so we have answered some of your questions about our pasta products.

How is Dreamfields different from other "healthy" pastas?
Dreamfields Pasta has largely the same level of durum semolina as traditional pastas, with a low level of our unique blend of fibres and proteins. Unlike other healthy pastas, it has no soy fillers. Dreamfields patented recipe means fewer carbohydrates are digested. So you get the authentic taste and texture you expect from pasta, but with only 5 grams of digestible carbs. Dreamfields also has a 65% lower glycemic index and contains twice the fibre of regular pasta - including a special fibre called Inulin that has been scientifically proven to promote digestive health and support a healthy immune system, whilst enhancing calcium absorption for strong bones and teeth.

Why do we say Dreamfields Pasta only has 5 grams of digestible carbohydrates when the nutrition label states
that it has 42 grams of carbohydrates?
While the total number of carbohydrates is the same as regular pasta, our patent pending formula and unique manufacturing process protects all but 5 grams of carbohydrates from being digested. The fibre and protein blend creates a protective barrier around the carbohydrate which stops it from being ingested in the upper intestinal track. The ‘protected’ carbohydrate then passes to the colon where it is fermented and the fibre is released, aiding to better digestive health.

How are "digestible carbs" different from "net carbs"?
Dreamfields' "digestible carbs" are determined by a clinical method that measures the blood glucose response of the whole food to establish its glycemic load or content of digestible carbohydrates. This is unlike net carbs which is simply determined by estimating the digestibility of individual food components. The clinical testing is conducted at an independent clinical laboratory.

Why does Dreamfields taste so good?
Dreamfields is authentic pasta made primarily with premium durum wheat semolina grown in the grain belt of the USA. It has no soy or other ingredients added that may negatively affect taste. Other low carb pastas are typically less than 50% durum wheat semolina, and many brands go as low as 15%, with the remaining pasta content being made up of fillers.

What is inulin?
Inulin, is a natural vegetable fibre, found in common foods like artichokes, asparagus, garlic and raisins. Inulin has many health promoting benefits—it is a prebiotic fibre, meaning that it is food for the “good” bacteria (bifidobacteria and lactobacilli) that live in your colon, and helps improve digestive health. These bacteria grow and produce fermentation products to help support a healthy immune system, modulate glucose and lipid metabolism in the liver, help improve calcium absorption, and help keep the colon functioning properly for recycling of water and electrolytes.

Do I prepare Dreamfields the same way as my regular pasta?
Yes, Dreamfields is as easy to prepare as regular pasta. Recommended cooking times are provided on each carton. Cooking time will vary slightly with the type of pasta product. As with all pasta, the best taste comes from not overcooking.

How can those with diabetes use Dreamfields "digestible carbs" to control carbohydrate intake?
"Digestible carbs" as reported for a serving of Dreamfield Pasta is the same as the Glycemic Load (GL) when consuming an entire pasta serving. Each unit of GL represents the glucose raising effect of 1 gram of glucose. Diabetics use the equivalent consumption of glucose to help them closely control their blood glucose levels.

What does glycemic index mean? Why is it important?
Glycemic index (GI) is a measure of the effect of the consumption of food on blood glucose levels. The GI ranks the blood glucose response of a food on a scale of 0 to 100. It is possible to have food with GIs above 100 when the blood glucose response of a food is greater than that of the control food. High glycemic index foods (70+) are those that are rapidly digested into sugar and rapidly raise blood glucose levels after eating. Medium GI foods have indexes of 56 to 69. Low GI foods (55 or less) are digested slowly, releasing glucose gradually into the blood stream.

Glycemic Index is important as studies suggest that a low glycemic index diet might protect against certain chronic diseases, including diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. Low glycemic diets can help diabetics to achieve better blood glucose control that results in better health and extended life.

For answers to more FAQs and a glossary of terms, please visit our official website at www.dreamfieldsfoods.com