Corn starch: useful properties and contraindications

About the benefits and harms of corn starch, experts are still debating. He can not only bring benefits, but also cause significant harm to the body. It is important to use and consume it correctly.

What is corn starch and how to make it

Cornstarch is a white powder that often has a yellowish tinge as well. In its flavor, it is similar to corn. It is obtained from vegetable raw materials.

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

Starch derived from corn kernels, almost 90 percent consists of carbohydrate compounds. Also in the composition in small quantities there are proteins and fats. To obtain starch, corn kernels are left for some time in sulfuric acid, having previously cleaned them. The acid dissolves the protein, which results in the release of starch.

The grains are also centrifuged and crushed. In these processes, the protein that has not dissolved is released. The resulting starch is then washed, dried, and packaged.

Every person, without knowing it, consumes starch in his or her food every day. This is due to the fact that this product is part of many different products and dishes, but not in its pure form.

Starch is a source of energy, which is necessary for the body to work properly. Its release after consumption occurs in the same way as in production conditions, but the gastric juice acts as a solvent.

Differences between corn starch and potato starch

Potato starch is a more common product than corn starch. Such popularity is due to the low cost of the product and its affordability. But many experts argue that it is the corn starch that is not only of higher quality, but also more useful. Differences between corn and potato starch:

1. Consistency. Starch derived from the corn kernel can be confused with ordinary flour. To the touch, it rolls over in the hands and is silky. Potato starch begins to crunch in the hands.
2. Color. Corn is distinguished by its white-yellow or white color. Potato can also be snow-white, with a slight blueness.
3. Solubility. Starch derived from potatoes, after dissolving in cold water and bringing it to a boil is not completely soluble. The water does not become completely clear. When it is used in cooking, the kissel becomes elastic and thick. Corn starch is completely dissolved 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. And potato starch is suitable for those dishes that need to be weighted down.

Which is healthier

Experts are still arguing about which starch is more useful. The fact is that both products contain various vitamins and trace elements in small amounts. In addition, they are both used in cooking and cosmetology as ingredients in a variety of dishes, means to restore the beauty of hair and skin.

But many scientists believe that if possible, it is better to replace the potato starch derived from corn, as it contains a greater number of useful trace elements.

Composition and calories

Starch derived from corn kernels contains more than 90 percent of total carbohydrates. They are an irreplaceable source of energy. Protein compounds and fats make up the rest, a small proportion.

The product also contains a small amount of vitamins:

1. Group B. This is quite a large group, including several different vitamins at once. Each of them is needed by the body for certain processes. Their peculiarity is the lack of the ability to accumulate. That's why they are required in the daily diet and in fairly large quantities. B vitamins are actively involved in the transmission of nerve impulses, in the digestive process, in the cardiovascular, endocrine, genitourinary and other body systems.
2. PP. It is required in small quantities, but is important for the proper functioning of the respiratory system, participates in oxidation processes. Its special quality is the ability to expand blood vessels. Thus, the level of blood pressure also depends on its quantity.
3. Corn starch also contains some micronutrients. Among them:
4. Calcium. Starch has a sufficient content of calcium, which is essential for bone tissue and is its main element. Its insufficiency causes the development of diseases of the musculoskeletal system and oral cavity.
5. Potassium. It participates in the process of eliminating harmful substances from the body, helps relieve muscle tissue spasms, and prevents the occurrence of atherosclerosis. Experts also claim that it also 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 peculiarity is a sedative effect. Magnesium deficiency leads to sleep problems, hair deterioration, development of arrhythmia and rapid fatigue.
7. Sodium. Sodium is necessary for maintaining the body's water-salt balance. Also involved in the digestive and cardiovascular systems.
8. Phosphorus. It is a component of bones and teeth and takes part in a large number of biochemical reactions.

The caloric value of corn starch is 330 kcal per 100 grams. It is slightly higher than that of potato starch.

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

What are the benefits of corn starch

General benefits

Despite the fact that the product almost does not have in its composition a large number of micronutrients and vitamins, it can bring benefits. Useful qualities of starch:

1. Helps to activate the process of excretion of toxins and harmful substances that get there through the consumption of various products and through the environment.
2. Activates the growth of muscle tissue.
3. Increases blood clotting, which is useful for people who suffer from such abnormalities.
4. Provides nourishment to the cells of nervous tissue.
5. Stabilizes and lowers the amount of sugar in the blood.
6. It has a positive effect on the nervous system, allowing a person to calm down, relax.
7. It has an anti-inflammatory effect, activates the process of bile excretion.
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 remedies aimed at the prevention of hypertension, cystitis.

For women

Starch, prepared from corn grain, can bring invaluable benefits for the female body. It is used in cosmetology to restore the beauty of hair, facial skin. With his help, it is possible to return the skin to its natural color, remove wrinkles, restore the structure of 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, because it contains calcium, magnesium. They are the main components of muscles and bones.

According to experts, men are more susceptible to the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. Starch contains all the necessary micronutrients that are required for the proper functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels.

In Pregnancy.

Many scientists suggest that thanks to corn starch, the period of toxicosis is much better tolerated. Included in the composition of trace elements help to cope with unpleasant symptoms and replenish the elements that are necessary to maintain myocardial and vascular function.

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

When breastfeeding

During lactation it is important for a woman to eat right and watch her diet. This is because all the micronutrients, harmful substances, vitamins also get into the milk in a certain amount.

Experts recommend that during breastfeeding you reduce the amount of products that contain corn starch. It is hard for digestion. It is best to give preference to natural corn.

For children.

The starch derived from the corn grain is one of the main components from which various porridges, mixtures and kissels are made.

It can be introduced into the diet from three months of age. An allergic reaction to this product occurs in rare cases. It is expressed in the appearance of rash, itching, redness on the skin. If symptoms appear, you should exclude the consumption of products containing corn starch and consult a doctor.

The use of corn starch in traditional medicine

The starch derived from the corn kernel has found its use in medicine, both folk and traditional. It is part of many ointments, pills and powders. It is also an available ingredient for the preparation of remedies for folk medicine.

Starch is used in the treatment of cholecystitis. To prepare a solution, half a teaspoon of starch and half a glass of warm water will be needed. Starch is diluted in water and taken 3 times a day for 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 independently with such a disease as cholecystitis. It is used as an additional therapy.

Starch derived from corn kernels is also used to treat burns, including sunburns. To prepare a remedy, it is necessary to dilute a small amount of starch with water so that a mass similar in consistency to sour cream is obtained. It is applied to the affected area and left for two hours. Then rinse with warm water.

Corn starch in cosmetology

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

For Face

Corn starch when used correctly in cosmetology has a healing effect, rejuvenates and soothes the skin. Before you apply products based on it, you should make sure you are not allergic to the product and severe inflammation on the facial skin.

Popular, effective and uncomplicated facial masks are the following:

1. To eliminate wrinkles. Heat 2 tablespoons of milk slightly on the stove, add 2 small spoons of starch and the same amount of honey, pre-melted in a water bath, a pinch of salt. Stir everything thoroughly. Steam the skin and clean it with a scrub, then apply the mask in an even thin layer. After 10 minutes repeat the procedure without rinsing off the first layer. Rinse the mask off after 20 minutes.
2. Botox effect. To prepare you will need half a tablespoon of olive oil, half a tomato and 1 tablespoon of corn starch. Mix everything and apply to the skin of the face. Wash off after 15 minutes with warm water.
3. Against black spots and oily skin. On the basis of corn starch, you can prepare an excellent remedy, which will help to quickly eliminate black spots, restore the work of the sebaceous glands. You will need 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil, mashed egg white and 2 teaspoons of powder. Mix everything thoroughly and apply to the skin, avoiding the eye area. Wash off after a quarter of an hour.
4. Rejuvenating. Melt the honey in a water bath, pour the same amount of milk, starch and salt. Rub the face in a circular motion with light strokes. Wash off the mask after 15-20 minutes.

Use masks only if you have no allergies, no wounds or burns on the skin. It is also important to make sure that there is no allergic reaction to the components of the means.

For Hair

Corn starch, which is obtained from the corn grain, is used in cosmetology and as a shampoo. It is applied to the roots of the hair, rubbed, and then remove the residue with a comb. The powder tends to absorb grease, making the head look clean. Such a remedy can be used when there is no opportunity to wash your hair.

Based on the starch make and nourishing masks that are used weekly. Due to the properties of the ingredients in the mask helps to strengthen the hair, give them softness and return shine.

To prepare the mask you will need 300 grams of cream, which has a percentage of fat content of 10% and 3 tablespoons of starch. All thoroughly mixed. Before applying the product dry your head slightly so that the hair is wet. The ready mass is applied to the entire length, wrap the head in plastic wrap and wrap with a towel. Wash off after half an hour.

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

Culinary applications

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

The powder is also added in baking. It is widely used in almost all industrial processes in the preparation of food products.

What can be used as a substitute?

The hostess in the kitchen can not always be corn starch. It can be replaced with potato starch in the first place. They are similar in their properties, consistency. But it should be taken into account that the starch derived from potatoes should be used in a smaller volume. This is due to the fact that it will make the finished product viscous, dense. The portion should be reduced by half than required by the recipe.

When cooking cheesecakes, casseroles, you can replace the starch with semolina. It will absorb excess moisture. It is not necessary to change the portion. Also, alternatives to corn starch can be such options:

1. Coconut shavings. It absorbs moisture.
2. Eggs. Their amount is determined as follows: 1 egg instead of 2 tablespoons of starch. Suitable for making creams.
3. Gelatin. Used as a substitute when baking confectionery products with delicate fillings.

Also starch is replaced by agar-agar. But its amount is reduced by 4 times, because its properties are much higher than those of the powder.

Harm and contraindications

Starch derived 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 it is used incorrectly, the product can also cause harm. First of all, after its use an allergy occurs. It is expressed in the appearance of such signs as dermatitis, skin irritation, itching and peeling. In some cases, there is respiratory distress. This condition can be life-threatening because it leads to asphyxiation. Such a symptom is medically called Quincke's edema. If it occurs, it is necessary to call an ambulance as a matter of urgency.

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

Contraindications to the use of the powder include diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers, gastritis. Starch also does not apply in case of heartburn. It is harmful and in the presence of excess weight, as it belongs to the high-calorie products.

Specialists do not recommend using it in case of excessive blood clotting. In this case, the product should be excluded from the diet.

How to store it correctly

Starch derived from corn grain should be stored in a tightly closed container in a dark, dry place. It should not be left in places with high humidity, because it will absorb 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 make kissel from corn starch

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

The drink can also be prepared using corn starch. For this you will need the following components:

• 6 tablespoons of cornstarch.
• A liter of water.
• 5 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
• 400 grams of berries.

You can use any berries. Before cooking, they must be peeled, rinsed under cool water. Place the berries in a saucepan and cover them with sugar. You can also add a small amount of vanilla sugar. This will give the drink extra flavor.

All pour water, preheated to a temperature of 50-60 degrees, and put the pot on the stove, turn on maximum heat. When the kissel boils, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes until the fruit is soft.

In a separate container, mix the starch with 50 ml of cold water, stir thoroughly. Do not use warm or hot water, as the powder gets lumpy and difficult to stir. Turn down the heat to minimum and add the diluted starch carefully in a pan. Pour a thin stream, stirring at the same time. Cook the drink for 2-3 minutes without allowing it to boil. On the surface of the drink should appear foam. Then remove from the heat and cool it. At the same time it should be stirred so that no film appeared. Serve it warm.

Kissel on the basis of starch derived from corn, you can also prepare with compote. He will also be delicious and fragrant. First of all, you need to boil the compote. To do this, you will need 400 grams of berries or dried fruits and 1 liter of water. The end result should be 1 liter and 250 ml of drink. Then pour sugar into the pot, 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 in a thin stream into the boiling drink, stirring all the time. Bring it all to the boil and then let it cool.

The drink should be served cold. For decoration you can use whipped cream or powdered sugar.

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

How to make corn starch at home

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

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

You should also take into account that the shelf life of starch, prepared at home, is 1 year, provided that the technology and storage rules are followed.

To make starch from corn kernels you can make starch yourself at home. You will need 500 grams of ripe kernels and 500 ml of water. Prepare according to the following algorithm:

1. From the cob of corn cut off all the leaves and kernels. Wash them and lay them on a towel to dry. It is important to remove all moisture. The cloth will quickly absorb excess water.
2. Grind the grains with a meat grinder or blender.
3. Pour everything into a container and pour water. It is important that it is cold.
4. Stir and strain with a fine sieve. This will remove the large parts.
5. Leave the container to infuse in a cool place. For this purpose, you can use a refrigerator, a balcony in cold seasons, or a cellar.
6. Drain the liquid. Do this with care.
7. On a baking tray, lay a special paper for baking, put the remaining sediment in an even layer.
8. Preheat the oven to 40 degrees and put the tray. Dry the starch should be with the convention on, if it is available.
9. The cooking process takes several hours, depending on the amount of the original raw material. During this time you should regularly check that the starch is ready.
10. As soon as the powder has dried, take out the baking tray and roll it with a rolling pin. This will help break up any lumps that have formed.
11. Leave in the oven for another 30 minutes.

After this, pour the powder into a container for storage. If necessary, it should be kneaded by hand. You can use the starch immediately after cooking. If it is not intended to be stored, the powder is used after the input has been drained. It is not necessary to spend time on its drying.

Interesting facts about corn

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

1. It is a staple in Mexico and the Indians.
2. Scientists believe that it was used by Mexicans in cooking as early as 100,000 years B.C. This fact is confirmed by the results of excavations in Mexico City.
3. In Russia, corn appeared in the 17th century. It came from Europe, where the seeds of the product were brought by Columbus.
4. Corn is an annual plant. It can reach a height of 7 meters, which is equal to the height of a two-story private house.
5. Interestingly, female and male inflorescences can be present on the same bush. You can identify them by their appearance. Male ones have a panicle at the top and female ones have cobs. Corn does not bear fruit when planted singly. This is why whole fields are sown.
6. Corn grows from seed. It is not found in the wild for the reason that it does not grow from a fallen cob, but rots on the ground. It requires only the seed to be planted to grow.
7. Corn is boiled without the use of salt, as it makes it tough. Old cobs are boiled for 2 hours. Young ones only need 15 minutes until fully cooked.

Corn has a rich history. During this time, many recipes have been invented, which are still used by housewives today. All kissels, creams, pastries will have a pleasant consistency, good taste and benefit the body.

Corn starch is made not only in production. It can be made and yourself. The resulting powder is used not only in cooking for the preparation of creams, casseroles and pastries. It is an excellent remedy for restoring the beauty of hair, removing wrinkles and the main component of many recipes for the preparation of cosmetics. In addition, starch has found its application in traditional and folk medicine. So, corn starch is undoubtedly useful for human body. But it should be used correctly, not abusing it.

Photo of cornstarch