What Are Starchy Carbohydrate Foods?

Carbohydrates exist in the forms of starch, sugar and fiber. Depending on your what kind you consume in your diet, starchy carbohydrates can provide advantages and disadvantages. Starchy carbohydrates such as whole grains are important to your diet regimen, as they contain nutrients and fiber and provide your body with energy. However, if you are diabetic, consuming excess amounts of starchy carbohydrates can raise your blood sugar levels, notes the American Diabetes Association.

Vegetables

Some vegetables contain higher amounts of starch than others. Starchy vegetables contain fiber, minerals and vitamins, which are beneficial for overall body functions. These vegetables include potatoes, peas, corn, lima beans, carrots, beets, yams, parsnips, rutabagas, Hubbard squash, pumpkin and butternut squash. Sweet potatoes are healthier than white potatoes, as they also contain large amounts of vitamin A and C.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are food sources that have not been altered during the food manufacturing process. Unlike refined grain sources, they retain the nutritious parts of the grain, such as the endosperm, germ and bran. They also contain fiber, magnesium, potassium and selenium. Whole grains, such as cracked wheat, popcorn, barley, oats, wild rice, brown rice and millet, are examples of starchy carbohydrates.

Refined Grains

Refined grains have had their bran and germ parts chemically removed. In the book "Anatomy and Physiology," author Gary Thibodeau states that you should limit refined grains such as enriched bread, crackers, muffins, bagels, rice and sweet cereal carbohydrate foods, since these grains typically lose fiber and gain sugar during processing.

Beans

Beans or legumes contain fiber, which keeps your body full and satisfied. In addition to being a starchy food, beans are beneficial sources of protein and help to reduce your cholesterol. Starchy beans include kidney beans, black-eyed peas, split peas, black beans, lentils and pinto beans. You can consume beans in soups, casseroles, rice, burritos, salads and many other dishes.