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Starchy Foods to Avoid

  • Marlon Mata
  • June 9, 2011

Starchy Foods to AvoidStarch is an important part of the human diet. It serves as a source of carbohydrates and energy for the body. It is commonly found in cereals, pasta, potatoes, and some fruits like breadfruit.

According to the Food Standards Agency, starch accounts for about one-third of the diet of most people. While starch that comes from fruits and vegetables are considered good sources, due to their rich contents of nutrients and fiber, there are other starch sources that are considered “empty”or unhealthy.

Avoiding such foods is a good idea, although it may not be an easy practice. If it becomes inevitable, eating starchy foods in moderation is advisable.

There is nothing rich in enriched breads

Despite the name, white breads and other pastries from enriched flour lack the essential nutrients that whole-wheat flours provide. Flour loses its natural nutrients when it undergoes bleaching, and simply adding nutrients back will not make it any better. As an alternative, the Mayo Clinic recommends replacing white bread (containing .5g fiber) with whole-wheat bread (1.9g fiber) instead. Check food labels and if it says “enriched,” you better put it back to the shelf.

Life may not be sweeter with more sugar

Sugar, a necessary ingredient to sweeten bread and pastries, is not bad if consumed in moderation. Unfortunately, Americans love to eat bread, especially if it comes with a burger patty, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese and meatballs, or a thick slice of butter. Excessive consumption can lead to obesity, poor nutrition, tooth decay, and blood sugar problems. Eating in moderation, or skipping them all together, would be a good idea.

Grease and starch do not go together

Starchy foods cooked by frying are not good. This combination can be your ticket to gather extra calories, as well as unwanted fat, into your body. According to the Mayo Clinic, eating commercially prepared foods like potato chips, donuts, tortillas, and the breading in fried food like chicken and fish fillets increase the amount of bad cholesterol (the heart attack makers) and lower the amount of good cholesterol (the heart attack fighters) in your body. It would be advisable to avoid these kinds of food altogether. Be healthy and wise and eat in moderation, always.

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