Cornstarch: Possible Health Benefits, Downsides And Uses

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1. It is gluten-free

Gluten sensitivity is an autoimmune disorder in which a person is sensitive to gluten found in dietary sources like wheat, cereals and barley. As corn is gluten-free, cornstarch obtained is also free of gluten, which makes for a good option for people with celiac diseases or gluten sensitivity. Caution, double-check the gluten count while buying market-based cornstarch as some may contain lower amounts of it. [1]

2. Provides instant energy

When cornstarch is processed, the fibre in them is removed or reduced to obtain a fine powder. With low fibre content, cornstarch easily gets digested by the body providing instant energy. Also, carbs in them fuel your body at a faster rate and provide you with energy.

3. Helps with weight gain

Cornstarch is high in carbohydrates and calories that add to weight gain. One cup (128 g) of cornstarch contains 488 kcal of energy. Therefore, regular consumption of this food item can lead to increased weight. Though cornstarch is safe for weight gain, it shouldn't be consumed every day as it may increase diabetes risk. [2]

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Downsides Of Cornstarch

1. May spike glucose levels

The high carbs, calories and glycemic index of cornstarch can spike glucose levels in the body and increase the risk of diabetes. If you are already a diabetic, it may worsen the symptoms. Also, the low fibre count in the food can process it at a faster rate, thus raising the sugar levels instantly.

2. May cause nutritional deficiency

The lack of many vital nutrients in cornstarch due to high processing can cause nutritional deficiency if not accompanied by other nutrient-dense foods. Therefore, to ensure a well-balanced diet, combine cornstarch with some fibre-rich or low glycemic index foods.

3. May cause heart diseases

Cornstarch is refined carbs which may increase the risk of heart diseases by 10-20 per cent if consumed in large amounts. Also, a high proportion of calories can lead to diabetes-related heart diseases. [3]

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Culinary Use Of Cornstarch

• Cornstarch is mixed with vegetable oils to create a stabilizer for sauces, salad dressings, beverages and ice creams.
• It is used as a thickening agent in culinary as it forms a gel-like transparent by binding the solution.
• It makes for a great coating for fried and baked food items.
• Cornstarch is used as an anti-caking agent to prevent the formation of lumps, especially during the preparation of cake and pastries batter.

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Topical Use of Cornstarch

• It is used in the management of the athlete's foot or treats diabetes-related foot infections.
• It helps treat skin itching and allergies caused due to various conditions such as thyroid problems. Use cornstarch by adding it to your bathtub and soaking for at least 15-20 minutes.
• It is added to many talcum powders and deodorants as it helps soak moisture effectively.
• It can be applied on bug bites to prevent itchiness.
• It is also added to talcum powder for infants to reduce diaper rashes.

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How Much To Consume

Cornstarch is enjoyed mainly in moderation, around 1-2 tablespoons, which equals 8-15 gms. It can also be swapped by some of its healthy substitutes such as potato starch, rice flour, guar gum, cassava flour and arrowroot flour.

To Conclude

Cornstarch may not be a good option for diabetics or people with cardiovascular diseases but can be a good option for healthy adults due to its versatility in culinary and topical uses.

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Common FAQs

1. Is modified corn starch bad for your health?

Modified cornstarch, especially high-amylose cornstarch has many health benefits. It helps with digestion, prevents sudden glucose spike and increases satiety. In natural cornstarch, the amylose content is less but in modified form, its proportion is increased industrially.

2. What is a healthy substitute for cornstarch?

There are many healthy substitutes for cornstarch such as ground flaxseeds, arrowroot powder, potato starch and rice flour. These products are also powdered finely and used for culinary purposes similar to cornstarch.

3. Is corn starch inflammatory?

Cornstarch, when consumed in high amount can cause inflammation. For example, cornstarch tends to spike glucose levels and increase the risk of diabetes, which is an inflammatory condition.