Which of the following is a primary source of carbohydrates in a typical Western diet?

The primary source of carbohydrates in a typical Western diet is starch. Starch is a polysaccharide that serves as a major energy source and is found in high quantities in foods such as grains (like rice and wheat), legumes, and starchy vegetables (such as potatoes and corn). These foods are staples in many Western diets, contributing significantly to daily carbohydrate intake.

In contrast to starch, cellulose is a form of dietary fiber found in plant cell walls that the body cannot digest, and while it is important for digestion, it does not serve as a primary energy source. Glycogen, on the other hand, is the stored form of carbohydrate in animals, including humans, and not a direct dietary carbohydrate source. Sucrose, commonly known as table sugar, is a simple carbohydrate found in many foods but typically exists in smaller quantities compared to the starchy foods that dominate the diet. Therefore, starch stands out as the main contributor to carbohydrate consumption in a typical Western diet.