Corn starch: benefits and harms

Experts are still debating about the benefits and harms of corn starch. It can not only benefit, but also cause significant harm to the body. It is important to apply and use it correctly.

What is corn starch and how to get it

Starch is a white powder, which often has a yellowish tint. In its aroma, it looks like corn. Get it from plant materials.

A feature of the product is its ability to increase in size when it enters water. At the same time, its chemical composition and properties remain unchanged.

The starch obtained by their corn grains, almost 90 percent consists of carbohydrate compounds. Also in the composition in a small amount are proteins and fats. To obtain starch, corn grains are left for some time in sulfuric acid, having previously been purified. When exposed to acid, protein dissolves, as a result of which starch begins to be released.

The grains also undergo a centrifuge and crushing. In these processes, a protein that does not dissolve is released. Then carry out washing, drying and packaging of the obtained starch.

Everyone, unaware of this, daily uses starch in food. This is due to the fact that this product is part of many different foods and dishes, but not in its pure form.

Starch is a source of energy that the body needs to function properly. After consumption, it is excreted in the same way as under industrial conditions, but gastric juice acts as a solvent.

Differences between corn starch and potato

Potato starch is a more common product than corn. Such popularity is due to the low cost of the product and availability. But many experts argue that corn is not only better, but also more beneficial. Differences between corn and potato starch:

1. Consistency. Corn starch can be confused with regular flour. To the touch it rolls in the hands, silky. Potato begins to crunch in his hands.
2. Colour. Corn differs in white-yellow or white color. Potato can also be snow-white, have a slight blue.
3. Solubility. Starch obtained from potatoes, after dissolving in cold water and bringing it to a boil, does not completely dissolve. Water does not become completely transparent. When used in cooking, jelly becomes elastic and thick. Corn starch is completely soluble in water. Even after boiling, it is transparent. Kissel is always liquid and pours in a thin stream.

Thus, corn starch can be used to make various creams. A potato is suitable for those dishes that need to be heavier.

What is more useful

Experts are still arguing about which starch is healthier. The thing is that both products contain various vitamins and minerals in small quantities. In addition, they are both used in cooking and cosmetology as components of a variety of dishes, means to restore the beauty of hair and facial skin.

But many scientists believe that, if possible, potato is best replaced with starch obtained from corn, as it contains a greater number of useful trace elements.

Composition and calorie content

Corn starch contains more than 90 percent of the total mass of carbohydrates. They are an indispensable source of energy. The rest, a small fraction, are protein compounds and fats.

The product also contains a small amount of vitamins:

1. Group B. This is a fairly voluminous group, which includes several different vitamins at once. Each of them is necessary for the body for certain processes. Their feature is the lack of ability to accumulate. That is why they are required in the daily diet and in large enough quantities. B vitamins take an active part in the transmission of nerve impulses, in the digestion process, in the work of the cardiovascular, endocrine, genitourinary and other body systems.
2. PP It is required in a small amount, but it is important for the proper functioning of the respiratory system, it is involved in oxidative processes. Its special quality is the ability to dilate blood vessels. Thus, the level of blood pressure also depends on its quantity.
3. Corn starch also contains some trace elements. Among them:
4. Calcium. The starch has a sufficient calcium content, which is necessary for bone tissue and is its main element. Its insufficiency becomes the cause of the development of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, oral cavity.
5. Potassium. It participates in the process of removing harmful substances from the body, helps relieve muscle spasms, and prevents the occurrence of atherosclerosis. Experts also claim that it has anti-allergic properties.
6. Magnesium. This substance is present in all organs and tissues. It is necessary for the heart muscle, blood vessels. Its feature is a sedative effect. Magnesium deficiency leads to problems with sleep, worsening of the condition of the hair, the development of arrhythmias and fatigue.
7. Sodium. It is required by the body to maintain a water-salt balance. Also involved in the digestive and cardiovascular systems.
8. Phosphorus. It is a component of bones and teeth, takes part in a large number of biochemical reactions.

The caloric content of corn starch is 330 kcal per 100 g. This is slightly higher than that of potato.

The product has no nutritional value, but is widely used to thicken dishes and increase their volume.

What is corn starch good for?

General benefit

Despite the fact that the product practically does not have a large number of trace elements and vitamins in its composition, it can be beneficial. Useful qualities of starch:

1. Helps to activate the process of removing toxins and harmful substances that get there when using various products and through the environment.
2. Activates muscle growth.
3. Increases blood coagulation, which is useful for people suffering from such abnormalities.
4. Provides nutrition to nerve tissue cells.
5. It stabilizes and reduces the amount of sugar in the blood.
6. It does not have a positive effect on the nervous system, allowing a person to calm down and relax.
7. It has anti-inflammatory effect, activates the process of excretion of bile.
8. Activates the body's defenses due to the content of B vitamins.

Among other things, corn starch is used in folk medicine as a component for the preparation of drugs aimed at the prevention of hypertension, cystitis.

For women

Starch made from corn grains can be invaluable to the female body. It is used in cosmetology to restore the beauty of hair and facial skin.With its help, it is possible to restore the skin's natural color, remove wrinkles, restore the structure of the hair, give them shine and elasticity.

For men

For the male body, according to experts, corn starch can also be beneficial. First of all, it has a positive effect on the musculoskeletal system and muscle tissue, as it contains calcium, magnesium. They are the main components of muscles and bones.

According to experts, men are more prone to cardiovascular disease. Starch contains all the necessary trace elements that are required for the proper functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels.

During pregnancy

Many scientists suggest that due to corn starch, the period of toxicosis tolerates much better. The trace elements that make up help to cope with unpleasant symptoms and replenish the supply of elements that are necessary to maintain the functioning of the myocardium and blood vessels.

But starch made from corn grains is a difficult digestion product. That is why during pregnancy it is recommended to reduce the consumption of dishes with a lot of starch.

When breastfeeding

During lactation, it is important for a woman to eat right and monitor her diet. This is due to the fact that all microelements, harmful substances, vitamins entering the body also get into milk in a certain amount.

Specialists recommend reducing the amount of products that contain corn starch when breastfeeding. It is hard for digestion. It is best to give preference to natural corn.

For children

Starch obtained from corn grain is one of the main components from which various cereals, mixes and jelly are made.

It can be introduced into the diet starting from three months. An allergic reaction to this product occurs in rare cases. It is expressed in the appearance of a rash, itching, redness on the skin. When symptoms appear, it is necessary to exclude the use of products that contain corn starch, and consult a doctor.

The use of corn starch in folk medicine

Starch obtained from corn grain has found its application in medicine, both folk and traditional. It is part of many ointments, tablets and powders. It is also an affordable ingredient for the preparation of traditional medicine.

Starch is used in the treatment of cholecystitis. To prepare the solution, you need half a teaspoon of starch and half a glass of warm input. Starch is diluted in water and taken 3 times a day 30 minutes before a meal. The course of therapy is 3 weeks. But it is important to remember that this medicine is not able to cope with a disease such as cholecystitis on its own. It is used as adjunctive therapy.

Starch obtained from corn grain is also used to treat burns, including sunburn. To prepare the product, you need to dilute a small amount of starch with water so that a mass is obtained that, in its consistency, is similar to sour cream. It is applied to the affected area and left for two hours. Then wash off with warm water.

Corn starch in cosmetology

Starch, which is obtained from corn, also provides invaluable benefits for hair and facial skin. It has found its application in cosmetology and is used to eliminate such unpleasant symptoms as dry skin and hair, peeling, relieves small wrinkles.

For face

When used properly in cosmetology, corn starch has a healing effect, rejuvenates and soothes the skin. Before applying funds based on it, you should make sure that there is no allergy to the product and severe inflammation on the skin of the face.

Popular, effective and uncomplicated face masks are the following:

1. To eliminate wrinkles. 2 tablespoons of milk are slightly heated on the stove, add 2 small tablespoons of starch and the same amount of honey, previously melted in a water bath, a pinch of salt. Stir everything thoroughly. Steam the face skin and clean with a scrub, then apply the mask in an even thin layer. After 10 minutes, repeat the procedure without washing off the first layer. Wash off the mask after 20 minutes.
2. Botox effect. For cooking, you need half a tablespoon of olive oil, half a tomato and 1 tablespoon of corn starch. Mix everything, apply on face skin. Wash off after 15 minutes with warm water.
3. Against black spots and oily skin. On the basis of starch from corn, you can cook an excellent tool that will help to quickly eliminate black spots, restore the sebaceous glands. To do this, you need tea tree oil in the amount of 1 teaspoon, mashed protein and 2 teaspoons of powder. Mix everything thoroughly and apply to the skin, avoiding the area around the eyes. Wash off after a quarter of an hour.
4. Anti-aging. Melt the honey in a water bath, pour the same amount of milk, starch and salt. Rub the product in circular light movements. Wash off the mask after 15-20 minutes.

Use masks only if there is no allergy, wounds and burns on the skin. It is also important to ensure that there is no allergic reaction to the components of the funds.

For hair

Starch obtained from corn grain is used in cosmetology and as a shampoo. It is applied to the hair roots, rubbed, and then the remnants of the comb are removed. The powder has the ability to absorb fat, making the head look clean. Such a tool can be used when there is no way to wash your hair.

Nourishing masks, which are used weekly, are also made on the basis of starch. Due to the properties of the components included in the composition, the mask helps to strengthen the hair, give it softness and restore shine.

For cooking, you need 300 grams of cream, the fat content of which is 10% and starch in the amount of 3 tablespoons. Mix everything thoroughly. Dry the head before applying the product so that the hair is wet. Apply the finished mass to the full length, wrap the head with plastic wrap and wrap it with a towel. Wash off after half an hour.

Masks need to be done once a week. This will help not only restore the structure of the hair, but also prevent their further damage.

Cooking Application

Corn starch is also used in cooking, food industry. It is one of the main components of various jelly, sauces, mousses, mayonnaise and ketchup.

The powder is added during baking. It is widely used in almost all technological processes in industry for the preparation of food products.

What can be replaced

The hostess in the kitchen may not always have corn starch. It can be replaced primarily with potato. They are similar in their properties, consistency. But it should be borne in mind that starch obtained from potatoes must be used to a lesser extent. This is due to the fact that he will make the finished product viscous, dense. The serving should be reduced by half than the recipe requires.

When cooking cottage cheese pancakes, casseroles starch can be replaced with semolina. It absorbs excess moisture. The portion does not need to be changed. Alternatively, corn starch may be such options:

1. Coconut flakes. It absorbs moisture.
2. The eggs. Their number is determined as follows: 1 egg instead of 2 tablespoons of starch. Suitable for making creams.
3. Gelatin. It is used as a substitute for baking confectionery products with delicate filling.

Also, starch is replaced with agar-agar. But its amount is reduced by 4 times, since its properties significantly exceed the properties of the powder.

Harm and contraindications

Starch obtained from corn grain, in its composition has a small amount of vitamins and minerals, but still brings benefits to the body.

It is important to know that if used improperly, the product can also cause harm.First of all, after using it, an allergy occurs. It is expressed in the appearance of signs such as dermatitis, irritation of the skin, itching and peeling. In some cases, there is a violation of the respiratory process. This condition can be life threatening, as it leads to asphyxiation. A similar symptom is called Quincke's edema in medicine. When it appears, you must urgently call an ambulance.

But an allergy to corn starch is observed in exceptional cases. Therefore, the product should not be consumed by people who are allergic to corn.

Contraindications to the use of the powder include gastrointestinal diseases, such as ulcers, gastritis. Starch is not used for heartburn. It is also harmful in the presence of excess weight, as it relates to high-calorie foods.

Experts do not recommend using it with excessive blood coagulation. In this case, the product must be excluded from the diet.

How to store

Starch derived from corn grain should be stored in a tightly closed container in a dark, dry place. It does not need to be left in places with high humidity, as it absorbs it. As a result, the product will not be suitable for use.

The shelf life of the product under all conditions is three years.

How to Cook Corn Starch Jelly

Kissel is a drink that not all children like because of its consistency. But it is quite useful for the body, since it uses natural ingredients in its preparation.

The drink can also be prepared using corn starch. This will require the following components:

• 6 tablespoons of corn starch.
• Liter of water.
• 5 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
• 400 grams of berries.

Berries can be used any. Before cooking, they must be cleaned, washed under cool water. Put the fruits in a saucepan and cover with sugar. You can also add a small amount of vanilla sugar. This will give the drink an additional aroma.

Pour everything with water preheated to a temperature of 50-60 degrees, and put the pan on the stove, turn on the maximum heat. When the jelly boils, reduce the heat and cook for 10 minutes until the fruits are soft.

In a separate container, mix starch with cold water in an amount of 50 ml, mix thoroughly. Use warm or hot water should not be, as the powder breaks into lumps, which are difficult to stir. Reduce the fire to a minimum, carefully add diluted starch to the pan. Pour in a thin stream while stirring. Boil the drink for another 2-3 minutes, not allowing it to boil. Foam should appear on the surface of the drink. Then remove from heat and cool. At the same time, it should be stirred so that the film does not appear. Serve warm.

Kissel based on starch obtained from corn can also be prepared using compote. It will also be tasty and fragrant. First of all, you need to cook the compote. To do this, you need 400 grams of berries or dried fruits and 1 liter of inputs. Ultimately, you should get 1 liter and 250 ml of the drink. Then pour sugar into the pan, leave to boil for 5 minutes. Strain the berries. Pour the compote into a glass, cool it and add the same amount of starch. Stir everything as thoroughly as possible. Pour diluted starch into a boiling drink with a thin stream, stirring constantly. Bring everything to a boil and then cool.

Serve cold. For decoration, you can use whipped cream or powdered sugar.

There are many jelly recipes for starch derived from corn. It is important to follow the cooking technology. Both fresh and frozen berries, dried fruits are used.For flavor, you can add a small amount of vanilla sugar, and after cooking serve cold with mint.

How to make corn starch at home

Before you start cooking starch from corn yourself, it is important to consider the following rules:

1. Only raw corn is used. Do not use canned or already boiled.
2. Only ripe corn should be selected, since dairy contains insufficient starch.
3. For cooking, you can use grains intended for popcorn. They also have in their composition a sufficient amount of product. But you need to choose those that do not contain flavorings.
4. Do not turn on the oven during cooking at high temperature. The fact is that starch under its influence can turn into a paste.

It should also be borne in mind that the shelf life of starch cooked at home is 1 year, subject to technology and storage rules.

You can make starch from corn grains on your own at home. This will require 500 grams of ripe grains and 500 ml of water. Cooking is carried out according to the following algorithm:

1. With an ear of corn, cut off all the leaves and grains. Rinse them and lay on a towel to dry. It is important to remove all moisture. The fabric quickly absorbs excess water.
2. Grind grain with a meat grinder or blender.
3. Pour everything into a container and fill with water. It is important that it is cold.
4. Stir and strain with a fine sieve. It will remove large parts.
5. Leave the container to infuse in a cool place. For these purposes, you can use a refrigerator, a balcony in the cold season or a cellar.
6. Drain the liquid. This must be done with caution.
7. Lay a special baking paper on a baking sheet, spread the remaining precipitate in an even layer.
8. Preheat the oven to 40 degrees and place a baking sheet. Starch should be dried when the convention mode is on, if available.
9. The cooking process takes several hours, depending on the amount of raw material. During this time, the readiness of starch should be regularly checked.
10. As soon as the powder is dry, remove the pan and roll it with a rolling pin. This will help break up the resulting lumps.
11. Leave in the oven for another 30 minutes.

After this, pour the powder into a storage container. If necessary, you need to stretch it by hand. You can use starch immediately after cooking. If it is not intended to be stored, the powder is used after the input has been drained. There is no need to spend time drying it.

Interesting facts about corn

Corn, which has recently become so popular in Russia, is called maize in other countries. Here are some more interesting facts about her:

1. It is a staple in Mexico and among the Indians.
2. Scientists believe that it was used by the Mexicans in the preparation of dishes another 100,000 years before our era. This fact is confirmed by the results of excavations in Mexico City.
3. In Russia, corn appeared in the 17th century. She came from Europe, where the seeds of the product were brought by Columbus.
4. Corn refers to annual plants. Its height can reach 7 meters, which is equal to the height of a two-story private house.
5. It is interesting that female and male inflorescences can be present on one bush. You can determine them by appearance. Men have a whisk in the upper part, and women have ears. Corn does not bear fruit when planted one by one. That is why whole fields are sown.
6. Corn grows from seeds. It does not occur in the wild for the reason that it does not grow from a fallen ears, but rot on the ground. For growth, you need to plant only grain.
7. Corn is boiled without salt, as it makes it stiff. Old cobs are boiled for 2 hours. Young until ready 15 minutes is enough.

Corn has a rich history.During this time, many recipes were invented that are used by housewives today. All jelly, cream, pastries will have a pleasant texture, good taste and will benefit the body.

Corn starch is made not only in production. It can be made independently. The resulting powder is used not only in cooking for the preparation of creams, jelly and pastries. It is an excellent tool for restoring the beauty of hair, eliminating wrinkles and the main component of many recipes for the preparation of cosmetics. In addition, starch has found its application in traditional and traditional medicine. Thus, corn starch is undoubtedly beneficial for the human body. But you need to use it correctly, without abusing it.

Photo of corn starch