What type of carbohydrate is starch classified as?

Starch is classified as a complex carbohydrate. This type of carbohydrate consists of long chains of glucose molecules, making it a polysaccharide. Complex carbohydrates, like starch, are found in foods such as grains, legumes, and vegetables. They provide a steady source of energy, as they take longer to break down compared to simple carbohydrates.

In contrast, simple sugars consist of one or two sugar molecules and are quickly absorbed by the body, leading to rapid energy spikes. Refined sugars refer to sugars that have been processed and stripped of the natural fiber and nutrients found in whole foods, often found in sweets and sugary drinks. Natural sugars occur naturally in foods like fruits and dairy products. Since starch falls under the definition of complex carbohydrates due to its structure and digestion process, it is correctly categorized as a complex sugar.