Lead author Dr John Sievenpiper, from St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, said: "In weighing the evidence, we can now say with some confidence that pasta does not have an adverse effect on body weight outcomes when it is consumed as part of a healthy dietary pattern."
Pasta does not cause weight gain
Speaking of the results, Dr Sievenpiper said: "The study found that pasta didn't contribute to weight gain or increase in body fat.
"Contrary to concerns, perhaps pasta can be part of a healthy diet such as a low GI diet."
The researchers add further investigation is required to determine if pasta can be eaten as part of other diets, aside from low-GI plans, without causing weight gain.
How the research was carried out
The researchers analysed a total of 2,448 people from 29 studies investigating the affects of eating pasta over other carbohydrates.
The participants ate around 3.3 servings of pasta a week. A serving equals approximately half a cup of cooked pasta.
The findings were published in the journal BMJ Open.
Eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains slashes people's risk of depression
This comes after research released last February suggested eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains slashes people's risk of depression by more than 10 percent.
Following the so-called 'DASH diet' reduces people's likelihood of developing the mental-health disorder by up to 11 percent, a study by Rush University in Chicago found.
Those who eat a typical Western diet, which is rich in processed foods and sugar, are more at risk of suffering depression, the research adds.
Researchers add further studies are required to determine the association between diet and mental health, but add simple lifestyle changes may be preferred over medication to control such conditions.
Previous research suggests eating lots of fresh produce benefits people's mental health by improving their moods, giving them more energy and helping them to think clearly.
