Starch is a carbohydrate present in most vegetables.
The first thing we are going to do in order to know the meaning of the term starch is to discover its etymological origin. In this case, it must be determined that it is a word formed by an element from Hispanic Arabic, al- , and another from Greek. Exactly it comes from the Hellenic word ámylon , which was used to refer to a type of bread that was made with unground grain and water.
The term starch refers to a carbohydrate that functions as an energy reserve in most vegetables. It is a polysaccharide : a carbohydrate that is made up of an extensive chain of monosaccharides. Monosaccharides, for their part, are polyalcohols that have an extra ketonic or aldehydic group.
Characteristics of starch
Starch is considered a macromolecule since it is a large molecule . In this case, it is made up of amylopectin and amylase. The starch in cereals also includes a small amount of fat.
Starch grains vary in shape and size. They are not soluble in cold water but, when the temperature is increased, gelatinization occurs and thus they become hydrated.
Cornstarch flour is known as cornstarch.
Its importance in nutrition
In human nutrition, starch is very important because of its calorie content. Cereals, bulbs and tubers are a very valuable source of starch and help to counteract a potential lack of fruit or meat. Starch, like the rest of carbohydrates, contributes to brain development.
At the time of digestion , which consists of the processing of the most complex molecules of food to obtain simpler ones that allow the absorption of nutrients, the polysaccharides are converted into simpler carbohydrates. This happens with starch thanks to the action of substances secreted by the salivary glands and pancreas .
Benefits and disadvantages of starch
In the same way, we cannot overlook another important series of benefits that starch brings, such as these:
-It is considered to be very easy to assimilate, so digestion with it is not difficult.
-Manages to provide the body with energy. Hence it is considered one of the best fuels that human beings have.
-No less relevant is that it is considered a wonderful element to avoid suffering from diseases related to the colon, such as cancer, and even to be protected against infections of different kinds.
-In addition, it improves the immune system.
-Of course, keep in mind that it has a marked anti-inflammatory effect.
-In this list of advantages that the aforementioned starch brings with it, we must not forget to emphasize that it contributes to regulating intestinal transit.
On the contrary, among its disadvantages is that if it is abused, there is a risk of suffering from gas, cramps of varying intensity, abdominal distension and even some diarrhea. These symptoms are established to appear when more than 40 grams of starch per day have been consumed.
Potato starch and cornstarch
Starch can be used in various ways. From potatoes, for example, starch, also called potato starch or flour , is obtained, which is used in various recipes .
Corn starch , meanwhile, is known as cornstarch and is frequently used in baking.