Usually used as a thickener in sauces, soups, and stews, corn starch is a dense, white powder. We have covered everything you need to know about this starch in this article. Please stay with us.
Starch properties of corn
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) prevention
Raw corn starch is beneficial in preventing hypoglycemia, according to some studies. This food acts as a glucose reservoir in the digestive tract and is slowly absorbed by the digestive system within 6 to 8 hours. Therefore, people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes do not experience hypoglycemia.
- It is easier to eat
Those with dysphagia can eat more easily using cornstarch if they have difficulty swallowing solids or liquids. As we age, eating problems increase, and using this starch is a good solution.
- Corn syrup can be substituted with this product
Many processed foods and even homemade foods are thickened with corn syrup. Corn syrup or corn syrup rich in fructose causes diseases such as type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and fatty liver disease, according to studies. These risks can be reduced by using corn starch.
- Foods that are gluten-free
Cornstarch can be used instead of wheat flour if you are allergic to wheat or gluten, have celiac disease, or follow a gluten-free diet for any other reason.
- Loss of weight
The low glycemic index of corn starch reduces appetite and creates a feeling of satiety, according to researchers. Moreover, this starch adds fewer calories to the body and can aid in weight loss.
It is obvious that drinks containing this substance rich in glucose not only do not reduce appetite, but also add more calories to the body. In addition, they expose people to type 2 diabetes.
Corn starch’s effects
- Allergies
Some people are allergic to this food item and should not consume it. Corn starch can cause mild to severe allergic reactions, including:
Vomit;
stomach problems;
wheezing or difficulty breathing;
weak pulse;
Changes in the skin, including hives;
Lips or tongue swelling;
dizziness
Anaphylaxis may even occur in severe cases. Death may result from this type of severe allergic reaction.
- Heart disease risk
A refined carbohydrate is one that has been highly processed and stripped of its nutrients. The consumption of carbohydrates has negative effects on the heart, according to researchers. Consuming carbohydrates can also increase blood pressure, so be careful.
carbohydrate
The carbohydrates in corn starch provide about 30 calories per 8 grams. Despite its high starch content, raw corn has a low glycemic index. This type of starch is slowly absorbed by the body, according to studies.
Protein and fat:
In 8 grams of cornstarch, there is no fat, protein, or special minerals, and in 1 cup, there is less than 1 gram of fat and only 0.3 grams of protein. Furthermore, this food contains no special minerals or vitamins.
Corn flour differs from corn starch in the following ways:
Despite being derived from corn, corn flour and corn starch differ in nutritional value, taste, and use.
In order to obtain corn flour, whole corn kernels are powdered and completely softened. The starchy part of corn provides soft starch powder.
As with whole and yellow corn, corn flour contains protein, fiber, starch, vitamins and minerals. But its starch lacks the fiber and protein found in whole grains of corn. White starch is formed when starch is processed.
The taste of these 2 corn products is also different. The starch in cornmeal is almost tasteless, but it has a sweet taste like corn.
Corn starch is used in the following applications:
This type of starch has a variety of uses, some of which we will explain below.
- Skin care with corn starch
For irritated skin, cornstarch is an inexpensive yet effective treatment. You can use this starch to treat sunburns and reduce itching on your skin. Mix some starch with some cold water and apply the paste to the damaged areas.
- Hair care with corn starch
This starch powder can be used as a dry shampoo. To achieve this, sprinkle a small amount of starch at the roots of your hair and comb it very slowly and gently to the bottom. It is not suitable for dark hair, since corn starch is colored and shows up on the sides.
You can also use cornstarch to detangle your hair if it gets tangled because it reduces hair friction and makes hair strands slippery, making it easier to untangle.
- Making a deodorant
The natural deodorant cornstarch can be used to reduce sweat and body odor. Prepare the following ingredients to make natural deodorant:
3 tablespoons of coconut oil;
2 tablespoons of starch;
2 tablespoons of baking soda.
Melt the coconut oil for 15 to 20 seconds. Then slowly mix it with cornstarch and baking soda until you get a thick paste. You can also add your favorite essential oil to this mixture. Your natural deodorant is ready so easily! Those who are allergic to baking soda or sweat excessively should not use this deodorant.
- Color of matte nail polish
If you want your nail polish matte, add some cornstarch to it and mix it thoroughly before applying it to your nails. You will get matte nail polish this way.
- Burning sweat on the body is a problem that needs to be solved
Body sweating can also be controlled with corn starch. It can be used to prevent friction between fatty surfaces on the body. To keep these parts of your body from sweating, you should apply a little starch powder before wearing clothes. Additionally, diaper-wearing babies can use this starch to prevent sweating.
- Insect bite treatment
Itchy and painful insect bites are usually worse when the skin is wet. For itchy skin, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a few drops of cold water and apply it to the bite area.
- Relief from blisters
In a moist environment or when blisters come in contact with surfaces like shoes or clothing, blisters get worse. Keep the blister area dry by applying some starch. Starch should never be applied to open blisters or sores on your skin, as this can lead to infection.
Uses other than these
Using this material, you can easily untie knots in thread, shoelaces, and ropes.
Silverware can be brightened by using this type of starch.
Put some starch powder on your palms if your hands sweat a lot during sports like tennis.
Using corn starch, you can easily remove grease stains. After 10 to 15 minutes, spray it on the stain and wipe it off. Fat stains disappear. With this type of starch, you can also lighten the carpet. Sprinkle some starch powder on the carpet and vacuum it half an hour later. Almost all of the carpet’s darkness is removed.
Using cornstarch and corn flour to make food:
As corn flour and starch flour have different tastes and compositions, they cannot be used interchangeably.
Baking bread, pancakes, waffles, biscuits, and all kinds of sweets can be made with corn flour instead of wheat flour. These foods are yellow in color and have a corn flavor due to corn flour.
The starch thickens and changes the texture of the food more than it adds flavor. Consequently, it is used to thicken soups, stews, sauces, and broths. Some people also use cornstarch to improve the consistency of cakes and cutlets.
Adding starch to hot food should be done after dissolving it in cold water in a separate container, then adding it to the hot food.
Method of maintenance
Cornstarch absorbs moisture, so keep it away from moisture in a closed container. Store this type of starch in a cool, dry place. It will last forever if you maintain it properly.