Is starch a carbohydrate?

Starch is a complex carbohydrate commonly found in grains and tubers. Some common foods that contain starch include potatoes, corn, rice, beans and lentils. Starches must be digested and broken down before the body can use them for energy and structural support.

The other types of carbohydrates are fiber and sugar. Fiber is another complex carbohydrate only found in plants, including fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains.

Sugars are simple carbohydrates and are found in syrup, honey, molasses and agave nectar. Fruit contains a sugar called fructose, and milk and dairy products contain a sugar called lactose. Some food products have sugar added to them. These foods typically have less nutritional value than foods where the sugar occurs naturally, states the Centers for Disease Control.