starch

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 made up of an element from Hispanic Arabic, "al-", and another from Greek. It exactly comes from the Hellenic word "amylon", which was used to refer to a kind of bread that was made with unmilled grain and water.

The term starch alludes to a carbohydrate that works as a reserve of Energy in most vegetables. It's about a polysaccharide: a carbohydrate that is made up of a long chain of monosaccharides. Monosaccharides, on the other hand, are polyalcohols that have an extra ketone or aldehyde group.

Starch is considered a macromolecule since it is a molecule large size. In this case, it is made up of amylopectin and amylase. The starch in cereals also contains a reduced amount of fat.

Starch grains vary in shape and size. They are not soluble in cold water but, when the temperature, gelatinization occurs and thus they hydrate.

In the nutrition of the human being, starch is very important for its contribution of calories. Cereals, bulbs and tubers are a very valuable source of starch and help to counteract a potential lack of fruit or meat. Starch, like other 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, polysaccharides are converted into simpler carbohydrates. This happens with starch thanks to the action of substances secreted by the salivary glands and the pancreas.

In the same way, we cannot overlook another important series of benefits that starch brings, such as these:
-It is considered that it is very easy to assimilate, so digestion with it is not heavy.
-It manages to give the body energy. Hence, it is considered one of the best fuels that human beings have.
-No less relevant is that it is considered a great element to avoid suffering 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 regulate intestinal transit.

On the contrary, among its disadvantages is that if it is abused, there is a risk of gas, cramps of different intensity, abdominal distention and even some diarrhea. These symptoms are established that can appear when more than 40 grams of starch have been consumed per day.

Starch can be used in various ways. From potatoes, for example, you get the starch also called starch or potato flour, which is used in various recipes. The corn starch is known as cornstarch and is frequently used in baking.