Explanation of Main Ingredients

Pasta

Taken from: http://foodyvino.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/fusilli1.jpg

• Low in fat (2g in a 100g serving of pasta) and hence cuts back on the amount of calories we consume, hence enabling us to control our weight.
• Low in saturated fat (less than 0.5g in a 100g serving of pasta), reducing the risk of heart disease.
• Rich in complex carbohydrates which improves digestion, keeps our energy levels stabilized and provides the body with vital vitamins and minerals required for the body’s normal functioning.
• Rich in Vitamin A, reducing risk of infection, promotes healthy vision, skin and bone growth
• High in folic acid which prevents birth defects and prevents megaloblastic anemia (a serious medical condition)
• High in potassium which supports optimal cardiovascular health and proper muscle function

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Taken from: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tnu-kMNJdJZ_c2xniovSzP7HfL8MklhsjUjoQ9PLJmLvmz1CRNPXQZzYPfwtE826CfweY7_dt0AplR-GLcO7n1a6HXlSd0yAM2Ru1UiBhWdpJdQfgAU9N3YoS1eGjQI-fhyT2JpS7xsm/s1600/Naturel+Extra+Virgin+Olive+Oil_500ml.jpg

• Contains monosaturated fat, which is healthier than saturated/trans fat. It increases the HDL (good cholesterol) in our body and reduces the amount of LDL in our body (bad cholesterol).
• Lower levels of triglycerides, resulting in reduced chances of developing heart diseases and helping in maintaining good cardiovascular health.
• Less processed and hence having more antioxidants reduces the risk of various types of cancer.

Cherry tomatoes

Taken from: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbbOWGMnrmYtw7r3mzdfrEUtpFmcu1vpdciCLbgZH3FF6gdwJqT38my7qi7Qc5LaSuzPHbt8klqxvpykV-WwNAqlxa5ivF68FldM67mERQnZ7WvyFZGGO2-W4mIwjIiydfH2AcLAD3Sw/s1600/Tomatoes+Sugary.jpg

• Good source of Vitamin B-6, which helps the body to metabolize protein and supports cognitive development and brain function. In addition, this vitamin also aids in producing red blood cells and immune function.
• Source of Vitamin A, which promotes healthy vision, aids in production of white blood cells and aids in keeping heart, kidney and lung function smooth.
• Contain an antioxidant called lycopene, which lowers the change of developing a certain disease caused by cellular damage, cardiovascular disease and cancer. The compounds in cherry tomato may also offer protection against osteoporosis, skin damage caused by ultraviolet light and brain disorders.


Cauliflower

Taken from: http://indianapublicmedia.org/eartheats/files/2011/12/cauliflower.jpg

• Is a cruciferous vegetable which is associated with lower risks of some types of cancer
• Contains glucosinolates (compounds which gives the cauliflower its pungent smell and flavour), which activates the body’s detoxification system. Cauliflower contains the second highest amount of glucosinolates.
• An excellent, low-calorie source of potassium. Potassium is needed for normal body functions such as regular heartbeats and proper body hydration. One cup of chopped cauliflower contains 320mg in just 27 calories (in comparison to a banana which contains 422mg in 105 calories).
• High amount of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that promotes skin and brain health.
• Steaming or microwaving cauliflower will better preserve its nutrient values.


Broccoli

Taken from: http://www.samefacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/super-broccoli.jpg

• Contains sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate and powerful anticancer substance. It is considered a cruciferous vegetable and contains the highest amount of glucosinolates among vegetables, meaning it’s the best vegetable to prevent cancer.
• Broccoli contains fiber, flavonoids, indoles, vitamins and minerals that may also play a role in disease prevention.


Spaghetti Bolognese Herbs (Basil (see “Fresh Basil”), Oregano, Garlic, Thyme, Red Bell Peppers, Parsley)

Taken from: http://www.masterfoods.com.au/Products/ProductDetail/tabid/83/ProductId/1565/Spaghetti-Bolognese-Blend.aspx

• Oregano -

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→ Oregano has long been used in various healing traditions, primarily to relieve digestive complaints. Traditional Chinese Medicine uses it to relieve vomiting and diarrhoea.

→ The ancient Egyptians and Greeks used it to soothe muscle cramps and to stop convulsions.

→ Modern herbal medicine uses oregano to relieve muscle cramps, morning sickness and menstrual pain, to reduce bloating, to stimulate gastric juices and to soothe nausea. Dried oregano is used medicinally as a tea.

• Thyme - Good source of...

Taken from: http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/Images/dried-thyme.jpg

→ Vitamin A - helps the skin and mucous membranes fight bacteria and viruses, promotes bone and vision health

→ Vitamin B-6 - treats and prevents anaemia, helps the body to metabolize sugars, fats and proteins, and enhances growth and development of brain, nerves and skin tissue

→ Vitamin C - produces collagen important for formation of bones, teeth, ligaments, tendons and maintains the youthful appearance of skin, contains antioxidants to help prevent infections

→ Vitamin K - making proteins for optimal bone and kidney functioning, helps blood to clot

• Red Bell Peppers –

Taken from: http://www.bonappetit.com/images/tips_tools_ingredients/ingredients/ttar_crushedredpepperflakes_h.jpg

→ Help to stimulate the flow of saliva and stomach secretions, eventually helping in digestion

→Help widen blood vessels, veins and arteries, thus stimulating blood flow and improving circulation. This would also help to reduce the risks of heart diseases and stroke.

→ Acts as an anti-inflammatory, helping to relieve chronic pain or pain due to injury

→ Contains beta carotene which boosts the immune system

• Parsley –

Taken from: http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumblarge_482/126722403804nz31.jpg

→ Contains fibre which may reduce bowel problems like constipation and lower risks of heart diseases

→ Contains a healthy dose of Vitamin C which helps to treat and control infections, maintain the health of bones, muscles and blood vessels

→ Contains Vitamin A which is associated with promoting good eyesight and producing cells in the body, especially white blood cells


Fresh basil

Taken from: http://thumbs.ifood.tv/files/images/editor/images/fresh%20basil.jpg

• Helps to prevent acne outbreaks
• Consuming fresh basil leaves may boost immune system function. The chemical compounds in basil may improve production of infection-fighting antibodies by up to 20 percent, according to Castleman. Basil may also help destroy viral cells that cause flu and the common cold.
• Fresh basil may offer stronger benefits than dried versions (like that in the Spaghetti Bolognese blend). The dehydration process used to produce dried basil may destroy some of the chemical compounds and oils found in the leaves of this herb.

Pitted kalamata olives

Taken from: http://img4-3.cookinglight.timeinc.net/i/2010/09/1009p178-kalamata-olives-l.jpg?400:400

• Contains fibre, which provides energy to meet our daily needs and bowel & digestive health
• Contains iron, which promotes adequate levels of oxygen in the body and therefore, prevents anaemia


Sources

1. http://www.foodnetwork.com/healthy-eating/the-pros-and-cons-of-a-low-fat-diet/index.html
2. http://www.livestrong.com/article/503349-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-pasta/
3. http://www.livestrong.com/article/420546-the-health-benefits-of-complex-carbohydrates-and-diet/
4. http://www.livestrong.com/article/250464-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-olive-oil-vs-extra-virgin-olive-oil/
5. http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/health-benefits-eating-cherry-tomatoes-4042.html
6. http://www.livestrong.com/article/410151-the-health-benefits-of-cauliflower/
7. http://www.livestrong.com/article/5383-need-health-benefits-broccoli/
8. http://www.livestrong.com/article/543877-what-are-the-functions-of-dry-oregano/
9. http://www.livestrong.com/article/458004-what-vitamins-are-in-thyme/
10. http://www.livestrong.com/article/486123-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-crushed-red-pepper/
11. http://www.livestrong.com/article/430397-nutrients-in-fresh-vs-dried-parsley/
12. http://www.livestrong.com/article/408218-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-fresh-basil-leaves/
13. http://www.livestrong.com/article/355203-the-nutritional-value-of-kalamata-olives/