Is Eating Starch Bad for You

Starch is a crucial part of a diet and has many health benefits. However, it can cause health risks if eaten in too high quantities. A 2019 study found that low-quality, starchy foods accounted for as much as 42% of the average American’s diet.

Why starch is bad for you?

Diets high in refined starches are linked to a higher risk of diabetes, heart disease and weight gain. In addition, they can cause blood sugar to spike rapidly and then fall sharply. This is especially important for people with diabetes and prediabetes, since their bodies can’t efficiently remove sugar from the blood.

What happens when a person eats starch?

When starch is consumed, it dissolves into glucose molecules with the help of molecular machines, known as enzymes. Specifically, enzymes called amylases aid in breaking starch into glucose with the help of water.