polysaccharides

• the chemical formula is (C6H10O5)n
• starch is found in potatoes, wheat, barley and pulses
• cellulose is found in fruit, vegetables and wholegrains
• pectin is found in fruit and vegetables
• starch is a tasteless and odourless powder that is insoluble in cold water
• starch can be found in foods such as potatoes bread, pasts, rice and cereals as well as vegetables and fruit (in smaller amounts)
• starchy foods contain a lot of nutrients such as B vitamins, iron and calcium
• wholegrain starch foods also have really high fibre content
• complex carbohydrates such as starch are polysaccharides
• polysaccharides are made up of lots of monosaccharides joined together eg starches are made up of lots of glucose molecules
• complex carbohydrates take a lot longer to digest than simple ones, so they gradually increase blood sugar levels and provide a slow, steady release of energy