Are you one of the many who love pasta so much, that you go back and refill your plate when you got the chance, because it’s just too delicious? If you’re on a diet, you may not worry too much about your pasta intake anymore, as it may even help you lose some pounds.

A new study found that even though carbohydrates have a reputation for contributing to weight gain, pasta may actually be an exception. This was found by researchers at St. Michael’s Hospital in Canada, and the study was published in the BMJ Open journal.

Some 2,500 people, who follow a low glycemic index (GC) diet,  participated in the study by eating 3.3 servings of pasta a week. The result? In a span of 12 weeks, they lost half a kilo.

The glycemic index is used to determine how food has an impact on blood sugar levels. High GI foods include potatoes and white rice which can make you crave sooner; low GI foods like milk keep you full longer.

The results showed that “the consumption of pasta in the context of a low-GI dietary patterns does not cause harm and may even lead to spontaneous weight loss.” The researchers concluded that it was not pasta alone that made the participants lose weight; their low GI diet was also a factor.

“The study found that pasta didn’t contribute to weight gain or increase in body fat,” lead author Dr. John Sievenpiper said. “In fact analysis actually showed a small weight loss. So contrary to concerns, perhaps pasta can be part of a healthy diet such as a low GI diet.” JB

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