Looking for weight loss? Avoid eating these 5 starchy foods

French fries, the favorite comfort food of many, are extremely high in calories and are linked to various lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, heart problems, and weight gain.

New Delhi: Weight loss is a perennial issue with many. No matter how many fad diets you choose, losing weight and managing it is not an easy task.

Apart from changing your diet, a healthy lifestyle is also equally important. Many food groups that we eat, according to experts, need to be twisted according to one’s body and metabolism.

Foods like starch, which are loaded with carbohydrates, are not just commonly found but are one of the primary sources of food energy for humans. It is regularly eaten in the form of wheat, rice, potatoes, and other staple foods cultivated throughout the world.
Nutritionists believe that apart from fiber and sugar, starch is one of the three main categories of carbohydrates, which is an important part of a diet and has many health benefits. However, it can cause health risks if eaten in large quantities.

Why should starch be avoided?

Health experts say that starch is a complex carbohydrate and there are many reasons why it should be avoided altogether. A few of them are:

  • Diabetes management: Many studies have revealed that eating less starch or completely excluding it from your diet can help you manage your diabetes better, as you can regulate blood sugar levels. Doctors have said that many diabetes patients can even quit their medication after they stop eating starch altogether.
  • Regulated blood pressure: Quitting or restricting starch and carbohydrates from your diet helps improve blood pressure as well. A low-carb diet can significantly reduce hypertension and cholesterol levels.
  • stress management: Stress is one of the main causes of many ailments like diabetes and heart issues, and hence, high-starch foods can be avoided so that the body can maintain that balance.

Foods high in starch to avoid

You should avoid eating the following foods due to their high starch content:

white bread

According to Healthline, white bread, apart from being high on starch, is made with refined flour and packed with a lot of added sugar as well. It is high on the glycemic index and can spike your blood sugar levels. According to a study, at least 9,267 people found that eating two slices (120 grams) of white bread per day was linked to a 40 per cent greater risk of weight gain and obesity.

Two slices of bread contain at least 20.4 g of starch, one of the highest in any food.

instant noodles

Who doesn’t love eating their favorite noodles? They are not only popular and tasty but also equally convenient food. But they are highly processed and extremely low in nutrients, apart from being high in fat and carbs. A single packet, according to Healthline, contains 54 grams of carbs and 13.4 grams of fat.

In addition, studies have shown that people who consume instant noodles more than twice per week have a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

white rice

According to health experts, a cup of white rice has at least 44 gms of starch. The processing process of white rice removes its bran and germ which contain the majority of nutrients.

Potato chips and french fries: Both potato chips and french fries, the favorite comfort food of many, are extremely high in calories and are linked to various lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, heart problems, and weight gain. Many studies have even said that fried potatoes may contain cancer-causing substances called acrylamides.

Corn

It is one of the starchest foods with a single cup of yellow corn containing 10.7 g of starch. Eating too much corn aggravates pellagra, bloating, flatulence, and causes upset stomach. It may also cause tooth decay and increase the risk of osteoporosis and weight gain. The excess starch in corn may also cause lethargy. It is also not suitable for people with diabetes

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness program or making any changes to your diet.

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