Don’t Throw Away That Corn Silk!

By Titilayo Kupoliyi

Corn silk is the shiny, thread-like, weak fibers that grow as part of ears of corn (maize).

 The tuft or tassel of silky fibers protrudes from the tip of the ear of corn, and is a key part of the vegetable’s reproductive system and essential to crop pollination.

The fibers trap the pollen that fertilizes the cob and helps kernels grow. Along with the husk, corn silk also protects kernels, helping the ear of corn retain its moisture and sweetness.

Amazingly, corn silk is used as a medicine.

Corn silk is used for chest pain (angina), high blood pressure, preventing a group of eye disorders that can lead to vision loss (glaucoma), and many other conditions.

Corn silk contains proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It also contains chemicals which might work like water pills (diuretics), and it might alter blood sugar levels, and help reduce inflammation.

Most people toss corn silk straight into the compost bin or trash as these silky threads that cover ears of corn can be a nuisance to remove from the cob, your hands and your teeth.

But Native Americans, people in China, Turkey and other countries think differently about corn silk. For centuries, they have been using corn silk as an herbal remedy for medicinal purposes.

Today, corn silk and products like corn silk tea and supplements are growing in popularity.

Studies show that corn silk contains:

• Carbohydrates.
• Fiber.
• Minerals like calcium, iron, sodium, potassium, zinc and chloride.
• Protein.

Corn Silk Benefits

Despite centuries of herbal remedy use, there are limited studies on the health benefits of corn silk.

1. Keeps your urinary system healthy

Corn silk extract can act as a powerful diuretic, making you pee more. “Increased urine flow can prevent the buildup of bacteria that leads to urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bladder infections,” says Campbell. And if you do get a UTI or bladder infection, corn silk extract soothes inflammation to ease pain.

Increased urination can also help strengthen your bladder. Healthcare providers sometimes recommend corn silk extract or teas for children experiencing bedwetting and adults with urinary incontinence. Corn silk may also prevent kidney stones and protect against kidney damage caused by certain medications or cancer treatments.

The diuretic properties of corn silk may also lower blood pressure. But Campbell cautions that people who already take diuretics or blood pressure medicine may be at risk for losing too much potassium. This could lead to low blood potassium levels or hypokalemia. “Low potassium is concerning because it can affect the way your heart beats,” says Campbell. “It’s always important to check with your healthcare provider before taking a supplement.”

 

 

2. Fights inflammation

The plant pigment or flavonoid that gives corn silks their light green, yellow, brown or red colors is also an antioxidant. In fact, corn silk has as much antioxidant value as vitamin C. “Antioxidants protect against inflammation and the effects of aging, as well as diseases like cancer and diabetes,” notes Campbell.

3. Lowers blood sugar

Corn silk extracts are part of Native American and traditional Chinese medicine for diabetes management. The extract may lower blood sugar levels and help prevent complications like diabetes-related neuropathy (nerve damage), according to one study.

Other studies indicate that corn silk extracts may slow your body’s absorption of starchy foods, preventing spikes in blood sugar.

But if you’re already taking medications to lower your blood sugar, experts advised checking with your provider before beginning to take a supplement. “Blood sugar that is too low can be dangerous, too.”

4. Improves cholesterol levels

The flavonoids in corn silk may improve your cholesterol numbers by lowering triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). “These unhealthy forms of cholesterol cause plaque deposits to form inside your arteries, increasing your risk of heart attacks and strokes,” Campbell explains.

In addition, Corn silk has a mild taste and a sweetness you would expect from corn. It can be saved and use as fresh topping on salads, potatoes, soups, tacos and more. It can also be dried and stored for up to one year.

Here are steps to dry corn silk:

1. Separate the silk strands as much as possible.
2. Place the strands on a cooling rack out of direct sunlight until the water evaporates and the strands feel slightly crispy. (This drying step may take a few days or a week.)
3. Place the strands into a closed jar or paper bag and store in a cool, dry place.
4. You can grind the dried strands in a blender to make corn silk powder and sprinkle it onto eggs, salads, casseroles and smoothies.

To make corn silk tea:

1. Fill a pan with 2 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of fresh or dried corn silk.
2. Cover the pan and cook over medium heat until boiling.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.
4. Turn off the heat and let the tea simmer (still covered) for 30 minutes.
5. Use a strainer to filter out the strands.
6. Enjoy your tea hot or cold.

It should be noted that not much is known about the risks of consuming corn silk or products like teas and supplements.

In this light, it better to contact your healthcare provider before taking a corn silk supplement, as there currently isn’t a recommended dosage.

Dosage amounts typically vary depending on a person’s sex, age, weight, medications and health issues.

Experts however advised against adding corn silk to your diet if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medications such as:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Blood pressure medications.
• Blood thinners.
• Diuretics.
• Insulin or diabetes medications.

But for many people, corn silk can add a healthy, fresh twist to your favorite dishes. So, don’t throw away those corn silks. Save them for your next tea, salad or smoothie!

 www.webmd.com

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