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What Role Does Starch Play in Animal Diets?
Animals (including humans) do not store energy in the form of starch . . . plants do. The form we use is called glycogen. However, starch is important because it is a huge part of our diet. Our bodies break down the starch into simple sugars, which is then used for energy (ATP). Diets in poorer areas tend to be higher in starch than diets in affluent areas, but it remains a large part of the diet nevertheless.
Function of Starch
The only function of starch in the human diet is to convert into glucose for energy. Starch begins breaking down in your mouth, where saliva surrounds complex starch molecules. As you chew, saliva breaks up starch into simpler carbohydrates called maltose. Once maltose hits your small intestine, it is deconstructed further into an even simpler form, which is glucose. From this point, glucose absorbs directly into your bloodstream through intestinal walls, giving energy to cells, including brain cells.
Storing Starch
Your body utilizes the starch carbohydrates it needs right away and then stores the rest as glycogen in your liver and muscles. Glycogen can be pulled for energy for later use when your system needs it. For example, your body may burn glycogen during a workout if you do not eat before a meal. Simple carbs, which include various types of sugar, are also converted into glucose, although they digest in one simple step in your small intestine.
Starchy Foods
There are several types of high-starch foods you can add to your diet. Starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, corn, peas and squash, have a much higher starch content than non-starchy vegetables, like lettuce and tomatoes. Whole-wheat bread, quinoa, brown rice and pasta are other types of foods with a high starch content. All of these starchy foods provide approximately 15 grams of total carbohydrate per serving, according to the American Dietetic Association. Most of the carbohydrates in these foods come from starch, although they may also contain some type of sugar.
Recommended Intake
Around 45 to 65 percent of your total calories need to come from carbohydrates, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You should include a mixture of both simple and complex types of carbohydrates, which each provide 4 calories per gram. If you usually consume 1,500 calories per day, you need 168 to 243 total grams of carbohydrates each day. Following an average 2,000calorie diet requires 225 to 325 daily grams of carbohydrates. In order to get enough starch in your diet to convert into glucose, about one-third of your food intake should come from starchy carbs, according to the NHS Choices website. Your specific requirements may vary if you have certain health conditions, such as diabetes, so meet with a registered dietitian to determine your exact needs.
