Starch levels in the diet
A low starch diet refers to the consumption of foods low on sugars. The carbohydrates are replaced with food rich in protein, fats, and sugars. Most starch theories suggest that low carbohydrate in food is essential in weight loss, regulation of blood sugar levels, and improving nutrition (Bolla et al. 962). The main concern is whether low starch diets are as effective as people presume. Although observing a low starch diet can be beneficial to some people, it may not be the best option for people who want to lose weight, keep their blood sugar in check, and observe proper nutrition at the same time. Living a healthy life involves more than just cutting down on starch levels.
Too much starch is associated with poor nutrition due to the increased amount of sugars consumed. However, starchy foods are still an essential source of energy in the body. The starch is broken down into glucose by the body to release energy the fuels the brain and body muscles. Therefore, low sugar levels in the food limit the energy produced by the body (Bolla et al. 962). Additionally, starch food also contains essential nutrients such as vitamin B, Iron, Calcium, and folic acid. Starch is also associated with high fiber levels present in food, such as wholemeal bread. Balancing starch consumption is vital in observing proper nutrition.
Consumption of excessive starchy food causes blood sugar levels to spike. However, the consumption of resistant starch is essential in controlling blood sugar levels. This form of starch resists digestion in the small intestines and ferments in the colon, minimizing the number of sugars absorbed by the blood. Foods rich in resistant starch include green bananas, white beans, and whole grains. Eating low starch diets does not guarantee healthy blood sugar levels (Bolla et al. 962). Infact low sugars can be detrimental to a person’s health. It is, therefore, imperative to include sufficient amounts of starch in the diet. To avoid blood sugar spikes, it is essential to consume food that is rich in natural sugars other than those with added sugar.
Additionally, too much starch may result in weight gain due to the excess calories contained in starchy foods. However, insufficient starch levels in diet reduce energy production by the body, making a person weak, lazy, and tired. With a combination of these feelings, it becomes impossible for one to become active or do physical exercise. The effect is still weight gain due to the continuous storage of fats in the body (Bolla et al. 962). Low carb levels also induce a state of Ketosis in the body, which causes the body to rely on fat for energy, making the body more fat demanding and eventually resulting in weight gain.
From this discussion, we can conclude that Although observing a low starch diet can be beneficial to some people, it may not be the best option for people who want to lose weight, keep their blood sugar in check, and observe proper nutrition at the same time. So everyone should note that sufficient starch levels in the diet are an essential aspect in their bodies (Bolla et al. 962). Too much or too little of it is detrimental to the body. People should understand that diet is a complicated aspect that, if poorly manipulated, can cause more harm than good. Additionally, body and health conditions are a result of multiple factors, mostly not based on starch levels in the diet.