If you're like the majority of people, you immediately throw corn silk in the garbage or compost. It might be a hassle to get rid of the silky threads that cover corn ears from the cob, your hands, and your teeth.
Native Americans, people in China, Turkey, and other nations, however, have various perspectives on corn silk. They have been employing corn silk as a herbal treatment for medical purposes for millennia. These days, maize silk is becoming more and more popular, as are goods like corn silk tea and vitamins. The next time you're husking corn, Susan Campbell, RD, LD, a registered dietitian, explains why you might want to save the silk rather than discard it.
Describe corn silk.
The coating of shiny, thread-like strands known as corn silk (Stigma maydis) is located between the corn husk and ear. A maize ear could have 300–600 corn silks. They play a crucial role in crop pollination and the reproductive system of the vegetable. Pollen that fertilizes the cob and promotes kernel growth is trapped by the fibers. In addition to the husk, corn silk also shields the kernels, preserving the moisture and sweetness of the corn ear.
Which nutrients can be found in corn silk?
According to studies, corn silk contains:
Carbohydrates.
Fiber.
Calcium, iron, sodium, potassium, zinc, and chloride are examples of minerals.
Protein.
corn silk advantages
There have been few studies on the health advantages of corn silk despite centuries of use as a natural treatment. Numerous studies that have already been conducted used animals rather than people. Nevertheless, some research imply that consuming corn silk and associated products may be beneficial to your health.
The following are the top four health advantages of corn silk:
1. Maintains a healthy urinary system
A potent diuretic, corn silk extract can cause you to urinate more. According to Campbell, increased urine flow can stop the bacterial overgrowth that causes bladder and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Additionally, corn silk extract reduces inflammation to lessen pain if you do get a UTI or bladder infection.
Urinating more frequently can also assist to strengthen your bladder. For children who bedwetted and for adults with urine incontinence, medical professionals occasionally suggested corn silk extract or teas. Additionally, corn silk may shield the kidneys from renal damage brought on by specific drugs or cancer treatments.
Corn silk's diuretic qualities may potentially help to reduce blood pressure. However, Campbell warns that individuals who are currently on diuretics or blood pressure medication may be at risk for excessive potassium loss. Hypokalemia or low blood potassium levels could result from this. Low potassium levels are problematic because they can alter how your heart beats, according to Campbell. "Always consult your healthcare professional before taking a supplement,"
2. Reduces swelling
An antioxidant is also included in the plant pigment or flavonoid that gives maize silks their light green, yellow, brown, or red hues. In actuality, corn silk has comparable antioxidant benefits as vitamin C. According to Campbell, "antioxidants protect against inflammation, the effects of aging, as well as illnesses like cancer and diabetes."
3. Brings down blood sugar
Native American and traditional Chinese medicine use corn silk extracts to treat diabetes. According to one study, the extract may help lower blood sugar levels and prevent consequences including diabetes-related neuropathy (nerve damage). According to another research, starchy food absorption may be slowed by maize silk extracts, reducing blood sugar rises.
However, Campbell advises seeing your doctor before starting a supplement if you're currently taking drugs to decrease your blood sugar. "Too low blood sugar can also be harmful."
4. Lowers blood cholesterol
The flavonoids in corn silk may reduce triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins (LDL), which may lower cholesterol levels. According to Campbell, "These unhealthy forms of cholesterol lead to plaque deposits forming inside your arteries, raising your risk of heart attacks and strokes."
Corn silk is it edible?
Yes! The gentle flavor and sweetness of corn silk are what you would anticipate from maize. After husking, keep the silks and use them fresh as a garnish on a variety of dishes, including salads, potatoes, soups, tacos, and more. Corn silk can also be dried and kept in storage for up to a year.
Drying corn silk
Try to keep the silk fibers apart as much as you can.
Place the strands on a cooling rack away from direct sunlight and leave them there until the water has evaporated and they have a slight crunch to them. It can take a few days or a week to dry everything out.
Put the strands in a tight container or paper bag and keep them somewhere cold and dry.
The dried strands can be blended into corn silk powder, which you can then sprinkle on eggs, salads, casseroles, and smoothies.
Making corn silk tea
2 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of fresh or dried corn silk should be added to a pan.
Boiling will occur when the pan is covered and heated to medium.
Turn down the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for ten minutes.
After turning off the heat, simmer the tea for 30 minutes with the lid on.
To remove the strands, use a strainer.
Tea can be savored warm or cold.
Who is not to consume corn silk?
The hazards of ingesting corn silk or goods like teas and supplements are not well understood by healthcare professionals yet. There isn't presently a recommended dosage for corn silk supplements, so consult your doctor before using one. Typically, dosage quantities change based on a person's sex, age, weight, medications, and health conditions.
For the time being, Campbell advises against include corn silk in your diet if you're expecting, nursing, or on any of the following medications:
medicines that reduce inflammation.
medicines for high blood pressure.
clotting agents.
Diuretics.
medicine for diabetes or insulin.
However, for many people, adding corn silk to your favorite foods can give them a new, healthful twist. Therefore, don't discard those corn silks. Keep them for your upcoming cup of tea, salad, or smoothie!