Polysaccharides are large molecules made up of many sugar units linked together. They are a type of carbohydrate and serve various important functions in living organisms. Common examples include starch, which plants use to store energy, and cellulose, which provides structure to plant cell walls.
These complex carbohydrates can be found in many foods, such as grains, fruits, and vegetables. When we eat polysaccharides, our bodies break them down into simpler sugars for energy. They also play a role in digestive health, as some polysaccharides, like fiber, help keep our digestive system functioning properly.