Corn oil: composition, useful properties and contraindications

Healthy eating in recent years is becoming increasingly popular, and people are interested in what products are valuable and safe for the body. Corn oil - one of the available substitutes for our usual sunflower oil. It is useful for children, the elderly, thinners and athletes.

How Corn Oil is Made

Corn is quite a low-fat representative of cereals, so at first glance it is difficult to imagine how corn oil is prepared. The product is obtained in a non-waste production from the germ part of the kernels, while the other components are extracted from starch, flour and molasses.

Corn oil is made in two ways: dry, by separating the core of the kernel, and wet, when processed with liquid. In the first case, starch is added to the oil, but it is of higher quality. The oil itself is obtained by classic cold-pressing method so that the product retains a lot of vitamins, antioxidants and biologically active substances.

Types of

Corn oil can be found in several variants: unrefined and refined, which in turn can be deodorized or not. Odorless oil with maximum purification is recommended for baby food, because it is the lightest type of product, absorbed even by the body of the baby.

On sale most often oil is labeled D - for children's and dietary nutrition, as well as P - used in food industry and catering. Other types of extract are generally not widely available, but are used in margarine production and for technical purposes.

How it differs from sunflower oil

The main difference between corn oil and sunflower oil can be considered its light texture and complete digestibility of the body. It is corn oil that is recommended to be introduced into the children's and clinical diet when the digestive system is sensitive, weak or not yet developed. Corn oil practically does not burden the liver and gallbladder as it does with olive oil and even less so with sunflower oil.

Another difference is the absence of cholesterol compounds. Purified and non-deodorized oil retains a pleasant sweet smell and delicate color.

Which oil is healthier: corn oil or sunflower oil

Corn oil is rich in vitamin E and a complex of other micronutrients easily absorbed into the skin, so it becomes an excellent base for cosmetic lotions and balms, therapeutic ointments and sunscreens. Although sunflower oil has more of this vitamin, many people are less able to absorb its structure, but corn oil is easily absorbed.

Corn is also unique in its high content of gold, essential to the body. Most other foods, including oil products, lack this trace element.

Sunflower oil provides a more complete satiety, and perhaps more effective in keeping the body strong in winter. At the same time sunflower oil takes much longer to process, can be hard on the digestive system, and can cause heartburn.

Corn oil is as light and quickly digestible as possible, so it is suitable for consumption in the heat. Corn oil is often used for gastrointestinal diseases, because it does not strain the pancreas and liver and requires less effort to break it down.

In the diet, it is best to alternate several types of oils - then the menu will be full and healthy.

Composition and calories

Corn oil is rich in useful saturated and unsaturated fats that contribute to the effective absorption of vitamins, nourish the brain and tissues, ensure normal metabolism, healthy hair and nails, excellent vision, strengthen the body's defenses.

Scientists have proven that corn oil can protect the structure of DNA from mutations, which is its undeniable advantage over other vegetable fats. Regular use of this product in food will protect the body from the damaging effects of free radicals and negative external factors, helping to maintain long-term health and youth.

The oil contains:

• E vitamins (some indicators - 2 times higher than in olive oil);
• vitamin K;
• polyunsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids;
• omega-3 and 6 complexes;
• lecithin;
• sodium, iron, phosphorus, chromium, iodine.

The high content of phosphorus compounds, similar in structure to fats, allows you to maintain health without overloading the digestive system.

The composition of corn oil is not the richest among vegetable products. It is inferior to some nuts and grains in nutritional value, but the peculiarity of corn oil is its maximum lightness. The body can absorb more nutrients from corn oil than from more fatty raw materials.

The caloric value of corn oil is 899 kcal per 100 grams, but this figure may vary slightly depending on the purity of the product. You can consume the oil in small portions - 1-5 spoonfuls per day without harming your health.

Useful properties of corn oil

General benefits

The golden emulsion has long been recognized in both folk medicine and traditional medicine. The useful properties of the oil are revealed in food and when applied externally.

1. The product promotes healing of rashes, allergies, burns, relieving inflammation. It is even used to massage the joints.
2. The oil stimulates the outflow of bile and normalizes acidity in the stomach. It stimulates fat metabolism, so it helps to lose weight and maintain health during periods of malnutrition.
3. The product also normalizes the microflora in the intestines, removes toxins, produces a mild laxative effect, promotes the prevention of hemorrhoids.
4. Corn oil strengthens the body, promotes the absorption of phosphorus, makes strong hair and nails.
5. The remedy saves from the sun, prevents skin withering and loss of moisture, maintains normal water balance in the body.
6. Vitamin K in its composition regulates normal blood clotting.
7. The oil also supports normal brain activity and is involved in the regulation of normal body temperature and blood pressure.
8. Even the simple consumption of oil in food contributes to good health and keeps you young and vigorous.

For women

Women are most appreciative of the oil's anti-aging and antioxidant properties due to its high tocopherol content. Corn extract moisturizes the skin, promotes the relief of inflammation and rapid tissue regeneration, eliminates fine lines and wrinkles and saggy appearance.

It also takes an important part in the process of breaking down and digesting fats, helps speed up the metabolism, and supports the immune system. Therefore, the use of corn oil helps women maintain slimness, good health and beauty. This product will help cope with hormonal disorders, normalize the disrupted female cycle, relieve severe symptoms of menopause, increase the chances of a comfortable pregnancy.

Corn oil nourishes your nails and hair, making them supple and shiny. It effectively helps to heal abrasions, eliminate peeling on the skin. Cosmetologists recommend treating eyelashes and eyebrows with it for normal growth. In case of sunburn, overheating, it is enough to lubricate the skin with the oil. You can also add a few drops of aloe extract - the fever will disappear, and the skin will recover.

For Men

Vitamin E and other components contained in corn oil make it useful for the sexual sphere. It protects sensitive tissues and helps normalize the hormonal background. For men it means normalization of mood, increase physical stamina and sexual power.

In the presence of dandruff, corn oil is rubbed into the roots. This stimulates normal hair growth and moisturizes the scalp. It is useful to consume the product to stimulate the gall bladder and strengthen digestive processes, maintain liver health.

When it is necessary to add fats to diet shakes athletes corn oil will be easier for the body and will not interfere with training.

In Pregnancy

Pregnant women are recommended to consume corn oil, because it promotes the development of a healthy fetus, rapid digestion of food, removal of edema. The product has a mild laxative effect and helps the body eliminate toxins.

During pregnancy, it is very important to maintain hormonal balance and monitor the immune system. Corn oil in combination with other products helps to solve these problems. Corn extract will be the best supplement for maintaining the body, preparing it for pregnancy and recovery after childbirth. In addition, the oil does not cause allergies.

When breastfeeding

Unrefined corn oil can improve the taste of milk and make it easier for a woman to feel good during lactation. After pregnancy, the body needs to recover, which is what the extract helps with. For massage purposes, the product can be used to get rid of stretch marks and rejuvenate tissues.

For children

In children's diets, the oil, rich in phosphorus, will be beneficial for the bone system of the young body. It is easily absorbed by the immature gastrointestinal tract. Corn oil supports normal blood composition and provides rapid cell renewal, which contributes to the development of the baby.

Corn oil is introduced into the diet from as early as 3 years of age, making sure that the child has no allergies. Interestingly, corn oil is a good substitute for dairy products if the child has an intolerance to milk proteins or lactose.

When losing weight.

Modern nutrition science insists that you can not give up fats in the diet. It is thanks to them that the body stays awake and strong. Fats in the diet during weight loss allow to maintain healthy skin, hair, normal digestive processes, brain activity, immune and hormonal background. So out of many other vegetable oils preference is given to corn oil - it is quickly digested by the body, helps to take everything necessary from food, promotes the elimination of excess, stimulates fat metabolism, promotes burning of the stored layer.

The oil supports the body even in the absence of some important elements, helps to increase endurance, "tricks" the feeling of hunger, satiating with its smell alone.

It is better to use unrefined pure oil for diets, children's food and pregnancy, because all the useful elements are preserved in it. Fully refined product can pose the same danger to the body as other oils - excessive calories for the figure and heaviness in the stomach.

Corn oil in medicine

Medics and nutritionists have concluded that corn oil can replace heavier vegetable fats in patients' diets. Rich in vitamin E, corn oil is very easy to coat the food pathways, does not overload internal organs and helps relieve inflammation and tissue healing.

Corn oil is introduced into the diet of patients and patients on rehabilitation. In the menu of such people vegetable fats should be present, and of all available oils, corn oil is considered the lightest and most harmless.

In addition, the product is used as a base component for creating vitamin capsules, massage and rubbing mixtures, therapeutic essences. Light oil is quickly absorbed into the skin or absorbed through the mucous membranes into the blood.

For Diabetes Mellitus.

Anyone with diabetes with complications is recommended to consume healthy corn oil and products with Omega-3 complexes to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, reduce inflammation and normalize the hormonal picture. The oil gently restores the body and keeps it toned. Of course, it is necessary to use it in dosage, so that it works for the benefit of the body, not to the detriment.

The useful composition of the natural, unrefined product helps control sugar, prevents the development of atherosclerosis, helps burn excess fat and normalize metabolism.

For pancreatitis.

Light and rich in tocopherols oil is preferable for patients with chronic pancreatitis. Of all vegetable fats it is worth choosing it. Since it is impossible to completely eliminate oils from the diet, patients with chronic inflammation of the pancreas, it is better to choose a gentle oil that helps to restore the damaged tissues. Oil is introduced gradually in the porridges and purees, non-fat dairy products, vegetables and fruits.

The diet and dosages are established together with the doctor on the basis of the clinical picture. Lecithin in the oil helps maintain normal blood, control sugar and cholesterol, prevents the development of pathologies.

Gastritis

The product can also have a positive effect in gastritis, helping to relieve unpleasant symptoms, burning, heartburn, discomfort. Corn oil is much easier to break down, not requiring the participation of complex enzymes. The introduction of such a product in the diet will not deprive the body of everything necessary during the period of illness.

For constipation

Oil is drunk to normalize the stool and defecation regime. It naturally stimulates peristalsis, removes toxins, has an imperceptible laxative effect, binds water, so that the stool is softened. Anti-inflammatory components in the oil will help prevent the development of hemorrhoids.

Due to its participation in fat metabolism, the oil is able to prevent the deposition of toxins, so its regular use has a cleansing effect.

For the liver

Corn oil has regenerative properties and promotes cleansing and restoration of liver cells. It relieves the organ without asking for extra resources for its processing. In addition, corn germ extract stimulates the gallbladder and bile flow. The oil is not recommended for biliary stone disease, so as not to provoke the movement of solid deposits.

How to use corn oil for medicinal purposes

For the general recovery and strengthening of the body, experts recommend consuming 1 tsp of corn oil a day on an empty stomach in courses. If the product is combined with other useful components, then focus on the dosage of the main active ingredients - juices and essences of herbs, bark and other components.

The oil is recommended for healing and rejuvenation of the joints - both in the form of rubbing and rejuvenating massages, and internally (on an empty stomach).

Drink it to improve fertility and prepare the body for pregnancy, strengthen the immune system after a debilitating illness, restore strength and normal digestion. During hair loss, in cold weather, with avitaminosis this product will be a good support, but it is worth using in combination with other medicinal infusions and oils.

Corn oil in cosmetology

Corn oil is in the top of the best light basic means for the preparation of cosmetics and is widely used on an industrial scale. The product can be easily used to make home remedies as well, from hair balms and strengthening nail oils to face creams and lotions.

The corn oil easily dissolves other components, including important vitamins, which the skin, hair and nails are easier to absorb in this form. In addition, the product is useful on its own. It hydrates the skin to the maximum, restoring its elasticity and healthy glow. Corn oil is one of the main ingredients that bring back an attractive complexion and relieve symptoms of tired skin or hair.

The light oil is ideal for nourishing hair and nails - it is completely absorbed into the cell structure without leaving a heavy film on the surface and gives shine. It fills the damaged areas, triggers the regeneration of cells.

The oil is effective in the fight against fading and aging. It restores firmness and elasticity to the skin, protects it from the negative effects of UV light and negative factors.

One of the advantages of light corn oil over alternative vegetable fats is its compatibility with any skin type. Thanks to its thin texture, it does not over saturate, but only nourishes oily skin and helps to restore the balance of skin secretion.

For the face

1. To eliminate flaking, flabby and tired look, remove irritation, you can wipe your face with natural corn oil as a lotion 2-3 times a day for 2 weeks.
2. The product is also used as a mild makeup remover. It is enough to put some emulsion on a cotton pad and the mascara and tone will be easily removed together with the dust and dirt, cleansing the skin. Of course, after that you need to use a foam for washing.
3. Home facial masks can be made on the basis of corn or olive oil. They are well disclosed their action of essential extracts and vegetable purees. Corn oil will help combat oily skin - just dilute a few drops of bergamot or grapefruit oil in it and add a cleansing component, such as aloe pulp.

Good to know! Corn oil restores youthfulness to the skin of the neck, chest and hands, softens parched heels and elbows. It can be used as a base for homemade lip balm or even natural lipstick.

For hair

Rubbing the oil into the scalp twice a week will help refresh the hair, normalize the secretion of grease, support hair growth and eliminate dry dandruff, which can occur from the use of industrial shampoos and styling products.

Lubrication of the hair ends will preserve the coloring, protect when combing, hold moisture in the hair structure without weighing it down. The oil is well absorbed and sometimes does not need to be washed off.

Adding corn oil to a combing spray will protect against drying out during styling and give your hair a golden shine.

Cooking Applications

Two kinds of corn oil are consumed in food: unrefined, which is the most useful for the body and is used even for medicinal purposes, and refined deodorized, in which the threshold of smokiness is increased.

In other words, in the natural oil remains a lot of organic impurities, necessary for health improvement, antioxidant and rejuvenating effect is preserved. Treated oil is optimized for cooking - it doesn't smoke, is easy to digest and poses no threat to the body, but many important compounds are no longer in it.

Natural corn oil is used cold in cooking - primarily in salads and appetizers. It can become a base for sauces, dairy and fruit desserts, and creams. In corn oil spices open up well.

In baking dough, as well as for frying take refined composition. From the culinary point of view it is safe, tasty and nutritious. But such oil has no therapeutic effect, and it should be consumed just as carefully as other heavy oils.

Corn oil makes delicious desserts because of its delicate texture and flavor. In baking, it allows products to brown beautifully and be soft. Corn oil is suitable for stir-frying because it contains no heavy compounds or cholesterol.

It is not common to use corn extract in winter preserves and canned goods.

Maize extract combines well with other natural oils, such as coconut or soybean oils, which cannot be said about the sunflower base. Such oil can increase the fat content of smoothies and vegetable smoothies - the taste of the additive will not be unpleasant. Also, there will not be a feeling of "film".

Can you fry in corn oil

All the benefits of corn oil are better revealed when it is fresh. But you can fry or add this fat to baked goods, too. It will use up a little faster than sunflower or olive oil, because corn extract is lighter. However, the properties of the oil will not change - it will give a ruddy crust to the dishes and have a beneficial effect on the body.

Corn has been one of the central food crops on the table of the American peoples since ancient times. As early as the heyday of Native American civilizations, the oily product was extracted from corn and used in cooking fires and ancient rituals. The oil was first extracted industrially only at the end of the 19th century, at which time it became pure and freely available.

The oil does not emit any harmful components when heated and does not smoke or give an unpleasant odor. Therefore, it may well be used for frying in children's and diet recipes. Keep in mind that this is the recommended D grade oil. Unrefined oil is sold in dark bottles, rather than in the cooking sections of conventional stores, but in specialized health food outlets.

Corn oil is ideal for frying vegetables, dishes with added flour, such as pancakes or carrot cakes. Such a product is less absorbed by vegetable fiber, thus reducing the caloric content of the finished dishes. Also, corn oil can be substituted for butter to grease porridge, pasta and soup dressing. Then they will be more tender and flavorful.

Hazards and Contraindications

Corn oil is a hypoallergenic product, rarely causing intolerance in people. But there are some contraindications to eating it:

• cholelithiasis;
• Thrombosis and increased blood clotting;
• allergies;
• acute forms of diseases of the digestive system - in such cases, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

It is important not to abuse the fatty product and keep in mind its caloric content. There are no other contraindications.

How to choose and store corn oil

Unrefined corn oil is considered "healthy". Such a product is afraid of direct sunlight and weathered, so it is sold in small bottles of dark glass or eco-plastic.

Oil in any case must be transparent, homogeneous and without extraneous impurities. Natural oil has a golden hue, its intensity may depend on the kind of corn, from which it is made. Such oil has a pleasant characteristic aroma and a sweetish flavor.

Refined and deodorized oil may be almost transparent and have no taste or smell at all. It is allowed to sell it in transparent bottles.

The packaging must be tightly sealed. After opening the product is stored for no more than a month, and in corked form - up to 1 year, the exact period is specified on the package. Rotten or cloudy oil must be disposed of.

It is better to store it in a cool place, for example, in the fridge door or in a closed pencil case.

Interesting facts about corn

1. Archaeological studies tell us that corn is about 12,000 years old and the cultivation of the plant began as early as the ancient Indians. Since then, corn has made its way to Europe and traveled around the world. Breeders were engaged in breeding useful and interesting varieties, so today you can find not only the familiar white and golden maize, but also blue, red and other unusual shades, so that corn looks more like a beautiful decoration than as food.
2. Maize is not only used for food purposes. Various parts of the plant-including leaves, fibers, and cobs-are used to make adhesives, paper, rubber-like substances, and even plaster.
3. The product is so highly valued in many countries and is one of the mainstays of the agricultural industry that monuments and sculptures have been erected to the plant. Also many architects and engineers have been inspired by the structure of the corn cob to create creative projects that look spectacular from the outside.

Consuming corn oil is an affordable and healthy way to keep the whole family healthy, so it's worth diversifying your diet with it. Like any product, the golden extract will not be a panacea for all ailments, but will be a great addition to the menu.

Photo of corn oil