Tortellini, Cheese-Filled with Tomato Sauce: A Moderate GI Option

Cheese-filled tortellini with tomato sauce is a delicious Italian pasta dish that offers a moderate glycemic impact. Let’s explore its nutritional profile and how it fits into a balanced diet.

Glycemic Information

Cheese-filled tortellini with tomato sauce has a Glycemic Index (GI) of 50, placing it in the medium GI category. Foods with a GI between 56-69 are considered medium glycemic impact, making this pasta dish a relatively balanced option for blood sugar management.

The Glycemic Load (GL) is 10.7 per 100g serving. This moderate GL value indicates that a standard portion won’t cause dramatic blood sugar spikes when consumed as part of a balanced meal.

Nutritional Breakdown

A 100g serving of cheese-filled tortellini with tomato sauce provides:

• Calories: 149 kcal
• Protein: 6.18g
• Fat: 3.65g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 1.6g
• Sugar: 2.96g
• Net Carbs: 21.4g

Health Benefits and Considerations

This tortellini dish offers several nutritional benefits:

• A decent source of protein (6.18g per 100g) which supports muscle maintenance and satiety
• Relatively low in fat at 3.65g per serving
• Contains 1.6g of dietary fiber, which contributes to digestive health
• Moderate in calories, making it suitable for balanced meal planning

Dietary Recommendations

For those monitoring blood glucose levels:

• Pair with non-starchy vegetables to increase fiber content and reduce the overall glycemic impact
• Add a source of lean protein to create a more balanced meal
• Consider portion control, as larger servings will increase the glycemic load
• The moderate GI and GL make this suitable for occasional consumption in a balanced diet

Suitable For

• Those following a moderate-carbohydrate diet
• Individuals without significant blood sugar issues
• People looking for convenient meal options with reasonable nutritional value
• Active individuals who need moderate carbohydrate intake

Final Thoughts

Cheese-filled tortellini with tomato sauce offers a moderate glycemic impact with balanced macronutrients. With a GI of 50 and GL of 10.7, it can be incorporated into a varied diet that emphasizes whole foods. The modest protein content and manageable carbohydrate load make it a reasonable option when enjoyed as part of a balanced meal plan.