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 is necessary to determine that it is a word formed by an element of Hispanic Arabic, "al-", and by another of Greek. Exactly it comes from the Hellenic word "ammonium", which was used to refer to a kind of bread that was made with unmilled grain and water.
The term starch refers to a carbohydrate that works as a reserve of Energy In most vegetables. It's about a polysaccharide : a carbohydrate that is composed of an extensive chain of monosaccharides. Monosaccharides, on the other hand, are polyalcohols that have an extra ketone or aldehyde group.
Starch is considered as a macromolecule since it is a molecule large size In this case, it is formed by amylopectin and amylase. Cereal starch also includes 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 so they hydrate.
In the nutrition of human being , starch is very important for its contribution of calories . Cereals, bulbs and tubers are a very valuable source of starch and help counteract a potential lack of fruits or meat. Starch, like the rest of carbohydrates, contributes to brain development.
At the time of the digestion , which consists in the processing of the most complex molecules of food to obtain simpler ones that allow the absorption of nutrients, polysaccharides become carbohydrates of greater simplicity. That 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.
-Get to grant the body energy. Hence, it is considered one of the best fuels that human beings have.
-Not less relevant is that it is considered a great 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, we must not forget to emphasize that it helps 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 distension and even some diarrhea. These symptoms are established that may appear when more than 40 grams per day of starch have been consumed.
Starch can be used in various ways. From potatoes (potatoes), for example, starch is also called starch or potato flour , which is used in various recipes . He corn starch it is known as cornstarch and is often used in baking.
