First thing first, what does starch mean? Well, it is a soft white substance that’s tasteless and odorless and made by all green plants. The starch found in potatoes is called potato starch and one tablespoon of this substance contains approximately 40 calories. It is the starch content of potatoes because of which the vegetable is believed to be unhealthy by many. But that doesn’t mean starch has no benefit associated with it. It is used in baking and for making certain dishes thicker. Let’s tell you about both sides of this starch. Read on to know the pros and cons of eating potato starch.
Benefits of Potato Starch
Potato starch normalizes blood sugar levels as it falls under the category of resistant starch (starch molecules that resist digestion). It is more satiating than other carbohydrates containing starch. According to a study published in the journal Diabetic Medicine, potato starch improves insulin sensitivity. It also improves your gut health by boosting good bacteria as it acts as a prebiotic. Potato starch is gluten-free and is also known to improve immunity.
Disadvantages of Potato Starch
This flour substitute is low in nutrients. It only contains carbohydrates. In addition, potato starch consists of two major parts namely amylose and amylopectin. The former is considered useless while the latter can come from genetically modified potatoes. Moreover, potato starch may cause digestive issues like bloating and gas.
How To Use Potato Starch?
You can easily find potato starch in grocery stores. When purchasing it, go for the organic one. Use it to make soups, custards, stews, and puddings thick. If you are using it to thicken a hot liquid, make sure it doesn’t boil.
