Saturday, March 26, 2016

STARCHES

People tend to be confused with the difference between carbohydrates and starches. These both have similar foods that are found in both categorizes but also have own foods. Starch is an unscented tasteless white substance happening in plant tissue and obtained primarily from cereals and potatoes. Carbohydrates are the sugars, starches and fibers found in fruits, grains, vegetables and milk products. It’s a polysaccharide that functions as a carbohydrate store and is an important constituent of an individual’s diet.1 Starchy foods include peas, corn, potatoes, beans, pasta, rice and grains. Starches are a more concentrated source of carbohydrates and calories than fruits, non starchy vegetables and dairy, but many of them are excellent sources of fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. They are an important part of a healthy, balanced diet when chosen correctly and consumed in reasonable portions.2 These are types of starches that can be introduced in an individual’s nutrition.
·       Beans are one of the healthiest starch options, as they are very good sources of fiber, contain healthy plant-based protein and are packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Whole grains such as oatmeal and barley are also top choices because of their ability to help lower cholesterol as part of an overall heart-healthy diet.2
·       Potatoes have a higher glycemic index, which means that they raise blood sugar more quickly than other vegetables, but they are also an excellent source of potassium, which is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure, and the skin of a baked potato is a very good source of fiber. So as long as you skip the high-fat toppings such as butter, bacon bits and sour cream, including a baked potato in your diet on occasion is good.2
Starches are also found in other grainy foods. More than half of your grains should come from whole-grain sources. Popular whole grains include brown rice, buckwheat, wild rice, quinoa, whole oats, rye and whole wheat. When consuming oatmeal, you can top it with fresh fruit to make it more nutritious for your breakfast and can intake more nutrients in the body.

References:
2 (n.d.). Retrieved March 20, 2016, from http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/expert.q.a/04/17/potatoes.starch.glycemic.index.jampolis/index.html?iref=24hours

No comments:

Post a Comment