Retrogradation (starch)

So, you know how when you eat a sandwich or some pasta, it goes into your tummy and your body uses all the good stuff in it to give you energy? Well, some of those foods have something called starch in them. Starch is like little pieces of sugar that are all stuck together to make the food feel nice and full in your tummy.

Now, sometimes when we cook foods with starch, like rice or potatoes, and then let them cool down, something interesting happens. The starch starts to move around and change shape, like it is taking a nap. This is called retrogradation.

When starch retrogrades, it becomes harder for your body to break it down into sugar and use it for energy. It’s like it’s hiding from your body, and your body has to work harder to find it and use it. This is why food that has been cooked and then left in the fridge for a while might taste different or feel different in your tummy.

But don't worry, even if the starch retrogrades, your body will still find a way to use it for energy eventually!