What Are the Different Effects of Starch and Dietary Fiber?

Starch serves the purpose of providing energy to the human body, while dietary fiber distinguishes itself from starch in its benefits to the body by aiding in the control of diabetes, prevention of hypercholesterolemia, and facilitating bowel movements.

1. Starch

Both starch and dietary fiber belong to complex carbohydrates. Starch, consisting of D-glucose monomers, is a homopolymer that includes two types: amylose and amylopectin. It is the primary storage form of carbohydrates in plants. Starch is nutritionally rich and can be digested and converted into glucose to provide energy for the human body.

2. Dietary Fiber

Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate that cannot be digested and absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract nor produce energy. It can be broadly classified into soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. Dietary fiber has a significant impact on the structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract.

1) Soluble Dietary Fiber can affect the absorption of glucose and lipids in the small intestine, thus aiding in the control of diabetes and prevention of hypercholesterolemia. Soluble dietary fiber is mainly sourced from oats, barley, beans, or citrus fruits.

2) Insoluble Dietary Fiber stimulates the production of digestive juices and promotes intestinal motility. Microorganisms in the large intestine utilize insoluble fiber for slow, incomplete fermentation, reducing the average transit time of feces in the intestine, thereby facilitating bowel movements.