Here is what you need to know about couscous and pasta – how they differ in terms of health and other key features.
Couscous has a nutritional profile similar to white pasta, high in carbohydrates without other health benefits such as fiber or protein content. If you are looking to enjoy food with a higher carbohydrate content, there isn’t much difference between choosing pasta or couscous.
Bottom line on Nutrition
As an ingredient, couscous vs pasta are basically the same. The “healthiness” of one over the other will depend more on the sauce and other ingredients it is cooked with.
Another factor is serving sizes, of course.
What are the main differences in cooking couscous versus pasta?
Pasta is typically boiled in water until tender and drained, while couscous is not boiled like pasta. Instead, couscous is traditionally steamed or soaked in hot water to rehydrate it. Couscous has a quicker cooking time compared to pasta.
Doctor, is Couscous a Grain? Is Couscous similar to Quinoa or Brown Rice? Is it a Healthy Choice?
FAQ
Is couscous healthier than rice or pasta?
Is couscous good or bad for weight loss?
Is couscous a healthy carb?
Which is healthier quinoa or couscous?
What is better couscous or pasta?
Pasta covers your daily need of Folate 12% more than Couscous. These are the specific foods used in this comparison Pasta, fresh-refrigerated, plain, cooked and Couscous, cooked. Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer.
Is pasta healthy to eat?
Whole-grain pasta is healthier to eat while compared to refined pasta. Whole-grain pasta is high in fiber, manganese, selenium, copper and phosphorus while refined and enriched pasta is high in iron and B Vitamins. Refined pasta is high in calories and low in fiber, which decrease the feeling of fullness when we eat it. It also contain gluten which is bad for those who are gluten-sensitive. Whole grain pasta lowers appetite and increases fullness more than the refined one. Eating refined carbohydrates has been associated with increased risk of heart diseases, high blood sugar levels and insulin resistance.
Is couscous good for You?
Couscous is also packed with selenium, a trace mineral that plays a crucial role in heart health, thyroid function, immune health, and more ( 16, 17 ). Adding couscous to your diet can also boost your intake of several other important micronutrients, including pantothenic acid, manganese, copper, and thiamine ( 16 ).
Is couscous a good source of protein?
Diets high in plant-based protein have been linked to a lower risk of stroke, cancer and death from heart disease ( 14, 15, 16 ). Couscous is a good source of plant-based protein, which can be included in vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets. 5. Very Easy to Prepare