Cornmeal: health benefits and harms

Cornmeal is powdered grains of sweet corn. The absence of gluten in comparison with wheat flour provides an opportunity to use it for people suffering from gluten intolerance. Flour from corn grains is considered a universal product for the preparation of various dishes of national cuisine, as a combination of taste and benefit are the main positive qualities. The beneficial properties of the product have become the basis for its development around the world.

Types of Corn Flour

Corn flour is sold today in a wide assortment. Products are classified according to species, as breeders are constantly creating new varieties in order to ultimately get the best taste and quality of flour. There are several criteria by which flour is divided into certain varieties.

Depending on the grinding method

1. Coarse grinding. Corn grains are crushed using large millstones, so the final product becomes heterogeneous in structure. An important property is that coarse corn flour is a dietary product with many positive properties in terms of taste and overall benefit.
2. Medium grinding. Such a variety of flour for baking is in demand, in particular for bread and rolls.
3. Finely ground. It turns out such a product through the use of modern equipment based on metal millstones to be able to get gentle and soft raw materials. Such flour is suitable for soft dough and the preparation of various puddings.

Depending on the color of the corn kernels

1. Blue A bluish and slightly purple hue is obtained through the use of a special variety of sweet corn.
2. Red Italians became more interested in a more intense and pronounced taste, so they actively use this type of flour for preparing polenta.
3. Yellow. This is the most common type of cornmeal, which is popular literally around the world due to its outstanding quality, taste and nutrition. It is actively used for cooking various types of baked goods.
4. White. For cooking, white corn is used, so a special taste and nutrition are provided. Such a product is popular in Africa and the southern United States.

Each type of cornmeal has its own positive qualities and features of use, so special attention to detail is required, since only in this way you can choose the most suitable option. Naturalness, nutrition and benefits are the key benefits.

Important! Corn flour, depending on the type, has its own calorie content and the ratio of fats, proteins and carbohydrates.

What is the difference between corn starch and corn flour

There is a common misconception that cornmeal and starch are one type of product, since the difference is only in the method of production. But in fact, these are different products with characteristic taste and appearance, therefore, special attention to details is required for the right choice in the future.

The main difference is that corn flour is created by grinding grains to obtain a powder of a different type and structure depending on the production technology. But starch is a kind of extract from corn grains, so a high concentration of healthy vitamins and minerals is noted in it.An important quality is also the fact that 72% flour is composed of carbohydrates, while starch is almost 100% considered a high-carbohydrate product, so it is not recommended to use it when losing weight or eating a balanced diet. In some situations, starch can be replaced with flour and vice versa, but it is important to consider the structure of the product and its taste.

Composition and calorie content

Corn flour is a useful carbohydrate, therefore, even with the right balanced diet, it can be used for a variety of baked goods. The chemical composition of the product includes important vitamin components:

• carotene;
• retinol;
• B vitamins;
• choline related to vitamin-like substances;
• vitamin C;
• vitamins of group K;
• a nicotinic acid.

And also in the composition there are more than 10 elements of the periodic table, among which it is worth noting iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc and many others. All of them are extremely important for the normal functioning of the body, strengthen immunity and improve overall health.

Corn flour is a high-calorie product, since the energy value of 100 grams is 331 kcal, which is very much, especially if a person adheres to proper nutrition and carefully calculates all calories consumed. And BZHU (proteins / fats / carbohydrates) is 7.2 / 1.5 / 70.5 g, respectively, therefore, nutritionists are advised to consume no more than 100 grams of product per day in order to avoid not only overeating, but also oversaturation of the body with carbohydrates.

What is useful corn flour

The use of high-quality cornmeal has been known for a long time, since the product since its inception began to be considered a lifesaver for those who want to saturate the body with useful micro and macro elements, while improving the functioning of internal organs. Calorie content is several times lower than that of wheat flour, so it can become a full replacement for a traditional product.

Among the main useful properties of the product can be identified:

1. Favorable effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and digestive system, as the product softens the intestinal wall, due to which the products are digested faster and completely removed from the body.
2. The vessels are strengthened, which prevents the appearance of vascular diseases.
3. Prevention of accumulation of cholesterol, as it is carefully removed from the body, which contributes to the normal functioning of internal organs.
4. The immune system is strengthened and colds are prevented.
5. Iron, which is part of cornmeal, contributes to the saturation of blood cells with oxygen, which positively affects the overall health of a person.
6. Calcium strengthens bones, teeth and nails.
7. The vitamins in the product start the process of cell regeneration, therefore, the appearance improves, which is considered an important positive quality for girls who want to preserve their youth and beauty.

Note! Despite the nutritional benefits and benefits of cornmeal, other foods must be in the diet to properly saturate the body.

The benefits of cornmeal for breastfeeding

Almost all the useful substances that are in the composition of corn are stored in flour, so when breastfeeding it is a useful and nutritious product that can improve the quality of milk, enriching it with vitamins for the normal development of the baby's body. Specialists highlight the following advantages when using cornmeal during breastfeeding:

1. Metabolism is accelerated, so a lactating woman feels great in physical terms, as the occurrence of constipation and gastrointestinal upset is prevented.
2. The central nervous system is strengthened.
3. The useful substances that are part of the product are passed into breast milk, so the baby’s body becomes stronger and healthier.
4. Slags and toxins are removed from the body, so a nursing mother can more easily achieve weight loss, while restoring her figure.

Important! If the mother introduced cornmeal into the diet, and the child has an allergic reaction in the form of a rash or there is diarrhea and / or constipation, you should exclude the product from your menu and go to a pediatrician for a consultation.

Slimming corn flour

The composition of cornmeal contains anthocyanins, which contribute to the destruction of fat cells, so regular moderate use of the product in the diet improves skin condition, eliminating the appearance of an undesirable orange peel. And also the digestive system is stabilized, the intestines and stomach are cleaned of toxins, which is considered an important advantage.

Fiber, which is present in the composition of flour from corn grains, provides full saturation of the body, therefore, for a long time, a feeling of satiety remains, which eliminates overeating, which leads to weight gain.

Important! Corn flour is not recommended for people with poor blood coagulation, as the product can cause great harm.

Cornmeal in medicine

Corn flour is a popular product for weight loss, and additionally it is possible to establish the work of internal organs and strengthen the body, making it much easier to cope with all the stresses. The benefits of flour from corn grains for diabetes, gastritis, pancreatitis and the like diseases are highlighted. But it is important to take into account the specifics of each individual case, so as not to encounter adverse reactions of the body.

With diabetes

With increased sugar, cornmeal will be a particularly important product, as it helps to reduce performance, while improving well-being. And also a large number of vitamins and minerals supports the immune system, preventing the appearance of various complications against the background of diabetes.

Important: glycemic index of cornmeal - 70 units.

With pancreatitis

Corn flour is allowed in remission, since the period of exacerbation requires the observance of special dietary nutrition - this prevents the occurrence of an inflammatory process that disrupts the normal functioning of the pancreas. And also it is worth consulting with your doctor, as corn flour can be a burden for the body, because pancreatitis has different stages and forms.

With gastritis

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach cavity (gastritis) requires a special diet, so that the products can reduce acidity and relieve irritation, thereby normalizing the functioning of the organ. Gastroenterologists recommend the inclusion of a small amount of natural corn flour in the diet, as it soothes the walls of the stomach, eliminating pain and pain. Cooking on it is better than baked, not fried.

Cornmeal in cosmetology

Corn flour has proven itself not only in medicine, but also in cosmetology, which is why various cosmetic products for hair and skin are often created on its basis to improve the appearance.

Note! It is not recommended to store home-made products for a long time, as they can deteriorate.

For face

Facial skin with age and under the influence of the environment loses its former appearance, therefore, careful attention is required to the choice of care products or components for their home preparation. Cornmeal is an effective and safe product often used in face and hair masks.

There are several types of masks - you can choose the option that matches the type of skin.

1. Anti-aging mask. It is created on the basis of natural corn flour with the addition of egg white and lemon juice, since such a combination tones the skin, making it more elastic and elastic.
2. Moisturizing face and neck mask. At the heart of such a mask, in addition to cornmeal, there are a few drops of olive oil and egg yolk. This eliminates excess dryness, making the skin more attractive and tender.
3. Acne mask. Cosmetic clay in combination with cornmeal and lemon balm decoction is an opportunity to clean pores, eliminate comedones, thereby improving skin color, making it more attractive and fresh.

For hair

Based on the powder of corn grains, you can prepare a good mask for oily hair, while eliminating the effect of grease, creating additional pomp and softness. An important quality is also the fact that such a mask nourishes the hair roots, improving blood circulation, so the bulbs grow better, making the hairstyle especially magnificent and beautiful.

Recipe: mix corn flour (the amount is determined by the length of the hair) mix with water (the consistency should be liquid), add burdock oil - 1-2 tbsp., add 1 tsp. mustard. Keep for 15-20 minutes, rinse with warm water.

Than corn flour is better than wheat

Many people compare corn flour with wheat flour, mistakenly believing that the difference is small, but in fact the product based on corn grains is more nutritious and healthy, as indicated by the following advantages:

1. Low calories compared to wheat flour.
2. It has a beneficial effect on the digestive system.
3. Metabolism is regulated, therefore all toxins and toxins are removed.
4. The condition of the body improves, since there is much more nutrients in cornmeal.

But to obtain all the positive properties when using corn flour, it is worth initially choosing it correctly, paying attention to the composition of the product, type of grinding and quality.

Harm and contraindications

1. Corn flour is considered a dangerous product with poor blood coagulability, since the enzymes in the product can increase its density, which will negatively affect the general condition of the body.
2. Another popular contraindication of cornmeal is individual intolerance to the body and an allergy to the product, therefore, careful attention to the introduction of the product into the diet is required so as not to encounter possible adverse reactions.
3. The use of such flour is not recommended for exacerbating problems with the gastrointestinal tract and digestive system, as this can provoke the appearance of even greater inflammation, which is fraught with many unpleasant consequences.

How to make corn flour at home

It is not necessary to purchase store flour from corn grains, since if you know certain rules and have the appropriate equipment, you can cook it at home. There is no need to have a millstone, since you can use a powerful coffee grinder, which has different modes for thoroughly grinding the product.

The recipe itself is simple. You need to sort only selected grains that have no damage.Then the grains are slightly dried to avoid dampness of the flour, and only after that they are ground until the desired consistency is obtained. If just grinding is not enough, you can repeat the procedure to get the desired type of grinding and structure of the finished product.

What can be made from cornmeal

Corn flour is a universal product in cooking, which can easily replace traditional wheat flour, while obtaining high quality, usefulness and nutritional value of the dish. Culinary gurus distinguish the following dishes in which cornmeal will be most welcome.

1. Scones. Corn tortillas are a dietary dish that can easily replace bread, as a minimum of products and maximum benefits are the main positive qualities. For this, flour of medium or fine grinding is ideal, which ensures the elasticity of the dough and the convenience of its use for baking.
2. Pancakes. Fine pancakes are ideal for pancakes, since on its basis a homogeneous dough without lumps is obtained, which gives the dish a more presentable appearance and rich taste.
3. Bread. If you don’t want to buy store bread, and home-made bread based on wheat flour is an inaccessible pleasure due to the fact that the product has a high calorie content, you can easily replace wheat flour with corn, while obtaining a more delicious and rich bread.
4. Cookies. Even with proper nutrition, you can occasionally indulge yourself with a delicious dessert, if you choose the right cooking recipe. Cookies based on cornmeal are a storehouse of vitamins and minerals, so the body receives a sufficient amount of nutrients that help to satisfy hunger and normalize the digestive tract.
5. Fritters. Hash browns are another popular cornmeal dish that can be prepared for breakfast without being afraid for your figure.
6. Hominy. This is a traditional dish of Moldavian and Western Ukrainian cuisine, which is a steeply cooked corn porridge based on cereals or flour, which makes a tasty and rich dish.

How to choose and store cornmeal

To get the maximum benefit from cornmeal, you need to choose it and store it in accordance with established standards so as not to encounter subsequent problems. If we talk about choice, it is important to highlight the following points:

1. Tightness and quality of packaging.
2. Type of grinding, because the taste of the product and the convenience of its use depend on it.
3. Shelf life, since an expired product not only does not bring any benefit, but can also harm the body.

Important! You can buy a high-quality product, focusing primarily on a well-known manufacturing company, otherwise there may be third-party impurities in the flour composition.

If we talk about the storage of cornmeal, it is also important to consider several rules:

1. Observe temperature conditions to avoid drying out or dampening of the product.
2. Humidity also plays an important role during storage.
3. It is important to pay attention to the need to store only in a sealed container, which protects the product from negative external influences.

Properly selected cornmeal is an opportunity to always have at hand a versatile culinary and cosmetic product, if you learn how to store and use it.

Interesting facts about cornmeal

Flour based on natural corn grains is considered a popular product, which is also associated with a lot of interesting facts.

1. For the first time corn flour was used by the ancient Indians, who were in search of healthy food to give strength and stamina.
2. The South American people consider corn flour their national product, so many dishes are created on its basis.
3. In the Slavic states, corn flour did not immediately take root, since many did not take the product seriously.

High-quality, natural and healthy cornmeal is an opportunity to maintain your body in a normal state, saturating it with many useful substances. But the basis for successful use is the right choice, storage and adherence to the cooking recipes, as there are certain nuances that cannot be ignored.

Photo of cornmeal