Resistant starches have been around a long
time; however it is only recently that we have begun to
understand them. For many years scientists thought
that all starches were fully digested. Today more
sophisticated research techniques have discovered
that some starches move undigested into the large
intestine where they ferment, taking on the role of
dietary fiber.
Carbohydrates can be divided into two groups:
those that are digested in the small intestine and those
that are not. Resistant starch is starch that is not
digested, or “resists” digestion in the small intestine.
Sugars and most starches fall into the first
group. They are rapidly absorbed and used for shortterm
energy. These are referred to as available or
digestible carbohydrates.
The second group consists of resistant starch
and dietary fiber. They pass through the small intestine
undigested and, if not digested, can’t provide energy.
They are sometimes called non-glycemic
carbohydrates.