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	Why do I need fiber and how much do I need?
	Fiber plays an important role in helping to control weight, and can help prevent certain diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, diverticular disease, gallstones, and kidney stones. According to the American Dietetic Association a good diet should consist of 25 to 30 grams of fiber a day. To learn more click here.

What is Omega-3? What does it do for me?

Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids. They are essential to human health but cannot be manufactured by the body. For this reason, Omega-3 fatty acids must be obtained from food. Extensive research indicates that Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and help prevent risk factors associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. To learn more click here.

	How do I store cooked pasta?
	Refrigerate cooked pasta in an airtight container for 3 to 5 days. You may add a little oil (1-2tsp. for each pound of cooked pasta) to help keep it from sticking. Because cooked pasta will continue to absorb flavors and oils from sauces, store cooked pasta separately from sauce.

	How do I store dry (uncooked) pasta?
	Store uncooked, dry pasta in your cupboard. For optimal flavor, pasta is best used within one year of purchase date.

	Can I Freeze Pasta?
	Yes! You can freeze pasta dishes that contain meat up to two or three months. Defrost pasta dish in microwave or let thaw in refrigerator, then reheat. After pasta dish has thawed and been reheated, do not refreeze.

	What is the difference between Heartland Whole Wheat, Whole Grain and Perfect Balance pasta?
	Heartland Whole Wheat is made from 100% whole grain wheat and provides 56g of whole wheat per 2 ounce serving. Heartland Whole Grain is a blend of three whole grains: whole wheat, whole brown rice and whole oats and has a smoother texture than Whole Wheat. Heartland Perfect Balance is made with whole wheat, yet it tastes more like traditional pasta.

Are all whole wheat pastas the same?

Not all whole wheat products are equal! Look for the “100% Whole Wheat” on the product package to ensure you are getting the most healthy option. Also, you can look for the Whole Grains Council stamp on the package. This icon has been recently updated to include the number of whole grains per serving. For example, Heartland Whole Grain products have the “48g or more per serving” stamp because these products have at least 48g of whole grains per 2 ounce serving. Click here to learn more about the Whole Grains Council stamp.

	Whole Wheat & Whole Grain look darker in the box. Do they cook up dark, too?
	Contrary to how the product looks in the box, whole grain and whole wheat pastas cook up noticeably lighter. If you have not tried pasta made with whole grains, it is worth sampling to see this for yourself

I want to eat healthier, but I do not want to compromise on taste and texture. What are my options?

There are healthy pasta varieties that are better for you and still taste like traditional pasta. For example, Heartland Perfect Balance combines the delicious taste and texture of traditional pasta with the wholesome goodness of whole grain and fiber. Heartland Plus is another healthy pasta that provides the heart health and anti-oxidant benefits of ALA Omega-3, more fiber and protein and also tastes very similar to semolina pasta.

I try to eat healthy and exercise regularly. I thought I should stay away from pasta because of the high carbohydrates. Is this true?

Good news - this is not true! Carbohydrates are part of a healthful diet. The 2005 USDA Dietary Guidelines recommends 45 to 65 percent of calories to come from carbohydrates. In addition, USDA promotes eating more fiber-rich foods and making half your grains whole. Thus, pasta is a great part of a balanced diet. Choosing lighter pasta sauces (not cream based), smaller portion sizes and substituting whole grain pasta are easy ways to eat healthier.