What Really Happens To Your Body When You Eat Pasta Every Day

Among the nutrients you’ll get when you’re eating pasta is the mineral iron, which your body needs if it’s going to carry oxygen to all of your cells, according to The Nutrition Source. Thanks to iron, your body is able to form red blood cells to transport this oxygen through your bloodstream. If you’re lacking in iron, you are at risk for a condition called anaemia, which is marked primarily by a feeling of fatigue and always being cold. Other symptoms of anaemia include confusion, paleness, and hair loss.

It’s important to note that iron from plant sources, such as whole grains, is what’s known as non-heme iron, which is not as readily used by the body as the heme iron found in animal products. Therefore, people who are mainly getting plant-sourced iron will need more of it in their diet. Pasta can be an essential part of getting enough iron, especially when paired with vitamin C, which helps the body absorb more iron. (Hint: The tomatoes used to make marinara sauce are a great source of vitamin C.)

You could miss out on some variety.

If you’re eating pasta every single day, there’s a chance you’re not giving yourself the opportunity to try plenty of other dietary staples out there that are available to you. Sure, pasta is great — but it’s not the only base for a big bowl of goodness. There are even other great-tasting whole grains that will offer many of the same health benefits of pasta without ever letting you feel bored or limited (via Good Housekeeping).

Why not expand your diet so you can experience new tastes and textures? Rice, quinoa, bulgur, millet, and couscous are all delicious grains you can dress up with oils or sauces, sprinkle with herbs and seasonings, load up with veggies, and pair with a lean protein. And because most of them are sold dry and cooked up on the stovetop, they will last just as long as a box of dry pasta in your pantry.

Resolve to try a new whole grain every so often. Or, if you’re feeling incredibly bold, you could even have a different whole grain for dinner every night of the week.