Starch is a polysaccharide formed by units of glucose and is considered the storage form of carbohydrates in plants. It is usually synthesised by most vegetable cells and stored in food items such as seeds (e.g. cereals and legumes), tubers (e.g. potatoes), roots (e.g. carrots) and some fruits (e.g. green banana).
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It is one of the three most common dietary carbohydrates and is an important component of many of the foods we eat. It helps provide energy, fibre, and various vitamins and minerals to the body. What’s more, according to Medicalnewstoday, when consumed adequately, starchy foods can help boost digestion, satiety, and energy levels.
However, when consumed excessively, starchy foods can have untoward effects on the body, including increasing your risk of obesity and diabetes. To prevent this, is it important to know some of the high-starch foods that should not be consumed regularly. Fortunately, that is what this article aims to achieve as it shows you five foods you should not eat regularly due to their high starch content.
The foods, according to WebMD, are examined below:
1. PASTA
Pasta, commonly referred to as spaghetti, is one of the popular convenience foods. However, you should avoid taking it regularly as its starch levels are on the high side. A cup of cooked spaghetti is believed to contain about 43 grams of carbohydrates, with 36 of that coming from starch. This explains why its intake is linked to a spike in blood sugar levels, which can up your risk of diabetes.
2. POTATOES
While potatoes are generally healthy, they should also not be consumed regularly, no thanks to their high starch content. A single, medium-sized potato has about 31 g of starch, and because they are simple carbohydrates, they can’t keep you satiated for long, thus reducing your satiety and leading to weight gain.
3. WHITE BREAD
If you must take bread, go for healthier alternatives such as wheat bread instead of white bread. Why? White bread has low levels of nutrients that can help benefit your health, but us incredibly high in starch content. According to a publication by WebMD, two slices of bread may contain as much as 20.4 grams of starch.
4. WHITE RICE
When white rice is being processed, its bran and germ, two of its richest nutrients are usually removed, leaving it with a significant low levels of important nutrients. In addition to its low levels of vital nutrients, white bread is also high in starch content with a cup of white rice believed to contain as much as 44 grams of starch.
5. CORN
Corn is a rich source of many essential nutrients, including fibre and B vitamins. However, caution must be exercised in its intake as it is high in starch content. According to WebMD, corn is one of the starchiest staple foods on the plant. For instance, a single cup of yellow corn contains 110 grams of starch
