Why are potatoes and other starchy foods high in calories?

Starchy Foods

Potatoes and other starchy foods such as rice, bread, and pasta are high in calories because they contain complex carbohydrates, which are made up of long chains of glucose molecules. When these complex carbohydrates are consumed, they are broken down into individual glucose molecules by the body's digestive system and used as a source of energy.

However, if more glucose is consumed than the body needs for energy, the excess glucose is converted into glycogen and stored in the liver and muscles. Once the body's glycogen stores are full, any additional glucose is converted into fat and stored in adipose tissue, leading to weight gain.

Furthermore, potatoes and other starchy foods can also be high in calories because they are often cooked or prepared with added fats, such as butter or oil, which can increase their calorie content. So, it's important to be mindful of portion sizes and cooking methods when consuming starchy foods as part of a balanced diet.

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