Did you know that vegetables are classified into two categories, namely starchy and non starchy vegetables? To know more on starchy vs non starchy vegetables, just keep reading.
For a layman, vegetables are vegetables. Who gets into the complications of its classification? We all know vegetables come in all sizes, shapes and colors. They have high nutritional value, loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, have to be included in our diet daily, and blah blah. But very few know about the classification of vegetables. And if you are one who counts calories, fussy about the carbs intake, or diagnosed with diabetes, then it is only fair that you know how vegetables are classified, as that will help you regulate your diet plan in a better way. Well, allow me to throw light on the difference between starchy and non starchy vegetables.
What are Starchy Vegetables?
Low carb fanciers would want to keep away from starchy vegetables, as these vegetables are high in sugar. Starch is one of the sources of carbohydrates, stored in the form of sugar in a complex way. But these starchy vegetables are responsible for providing fuel to all vital parts of your body. They are also necessary for sound digestion and energy production in the body. But if you are really finicky about the carb intake, limit it to twice or thrice a week, but you cannot ignore it completely from your diet. You would want to check the list of starchy vegetables, given below.
- Corn Peas
- Plantains
- Potatoes
- Yams
- Butternut
- Beetroot
- Sweet potatoes
- Carrots
- Turnips
- Parsnips
- Green Peas
- Kidney Beans
What are Non Starchy Vegetables?
Some vegetables have less starch as compared to other vegetables. These vegetables are called non starchy vegetables. They are low on calories and carbohydrates, therefore you can include them in your diet as much as you want. They not only improve your metabolic activity, but are considered important to maintain good health too. They are loaded with vital vitamins and minerals, that help you meet your daily requirement of nutrients. A list of non starchy vegetables is given below.
- Asparagus
- Mushrooms
- Bamboo shoots
- Beans
- Brussels
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Cucumber
- Eggplant
- Fenugreek
- Okra
- Onions
- Pepper
- Radishes
- Soybean
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
- Turnips
- Water chestnuts
- Zucchini
Starchy vs Non Starchy Vegetables
| Starchy Vegetables | Non-Starchy Vegetables |
| Carbohydrate rich | Contains fewer calories and carbohydrates |
| High sugar content | Lesser sugar content |
| Has an adverse effect on blood glucose levels | Has little or no effect on blood glucose levels |
| Sources of simple carbohydrates | Sources of carbohydrates, which mainly come in the form of fibers |
| Loaded with vast amounts of energy | Loaded with essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients |
Starchy vs Non Starchy Vegetables: Conclusion
Everybody’s adaptability to a particular diet is different. Moreover, people diagnosed with disorders have their diet scrutinized all the time. Starchy vegetables are powerhouses, and they are necessary as they provide you with the required energy. Therefore, they can be consumed in high quantities during the growing stage of one’s life, and one should reduce its intake gradually, as they are likely to cause an increase in blood glucose levels.
Whereas, non-starchy vegetables can be eaten as much as you want, as they contain carbohydrates in the form of fiber, which helps in sound digestion of food. Moreover, its nutritional value is enormous. Looks like there is a war, starchy vs non starchy vegetables. But none of the above types can be declared as better than the other. Both of them are an important part of our diet, and one cannot ignore them completely.
Altering your diet according to the nutritional values of the two types of vegetables and as per your body requirements is the way to good health!
