Corn cobs' tops contain a fibre called corn silk, which resembles thread. Although they are not typically eaten, some people utilize them as a herbal cure, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant for certain ailments.
The protruding, long, silky strands on corncobs are known as corn silk.
Even though it's frequently thrown out when maize is cooked for consumption, it might have several medical uses.
Corn silk has a long history of use in traditional Chinese and Native American medicine as a herbal cure. Many nations, including China, France, Turkey, and the United States, continue to utilize it today.
Everything you need to know about corn silk, including its applications, advantages, and dosage, is covered in this article.
What is corn silk, and how is it used?
The long, threadlike strands of plant matter that develop under the husk of a young ear of corn are known as corn silk.
These bright, delicate fibres are also employed in conventional herbal remedies and help pollinate and produce maize.
A range of plant substances found in corn silk may be the cause of numerous health consequences.
It is used to treat a wide range of illnesses in traditional Chinese and Native American medicine, such as prostate issues, malaria, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and heart conditions.
It may also help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and inflammation, according to more recent research.
Although corn silk can be ingested fresh, it is frequently dried first and then made into a tea or extract. It is also available as a pill.
Summary
Natural fiber known as corn silk is produced by maize plants. In traditional or folk medicine, it is used as a herbal cure for a range of diseases.
Potential benefits of cornsilk
Although cornsilk is frequently employed in herbal medicine, little research has been done on it.
However, early evidence indicates that it might be healthy, particularly for some inflammatory diseases including diabetes and heart disease.
Antioxidants are provided
Plant molecules called antioxidants shield the cells in your body from oxidative stress and free radical damage. One of the main causes of several chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and inflammation, is oxidative stress.
Natural sources of flavonoid antioxidants abound in corn silk.
Its flavonoids lower oxidative stress and defend against free radical damage, according to numerous test-tube and animal studies.
The majority of the advantages of corn silk may be attributed to these substances.
Possesses anti-inflammatory qualities
The natural immunological response of your body includes inflammation. However, excessive inflammation has been related to several diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.
Corn silk extract may lessen inflammation by limiting the action of two key inflammatory chemicals, according to test-tube and animal research.
Magnesium, another component of this stringy plant fibre, aids in controlling your body's inflammatory reaction.
So, human research is required.
Could control blood sugar
According to several studies, corn silk may reduce blood sugar levels and aid with the symptoms of diabetes.
According to one study on animals, diabetic mice given cornsilk flavonoids experienced considerably lower blood sugar levels than the control group.
Antioxidants in this corn product may help prevent diabetic kidney disease, according to a new test-tube study.
These results are encouraging, but more research on humans is required.
Could reduce blood pressure
The possibility exists that cornsilk can lower blood pressure.
First of all, it promotes your body's removal of extra fluid. As a result, it might be a safe natural substitute for prescription diuretics, which are frequently used to lower blood pressure.
Additionally, a current rat study found that maize silk extract greatly lowered blood pressure by preventing the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) from functioning.
In one 8-week research, this supplement was administered to 40 high blood pressure patients in escalating doses until they received a dose of 118 mg per pound of body weight (260 mg per kg).
When compared to a control group, their blood pressure dramatically decreased, with those who received the highest dose having the biggest drop.
More human research is still required.
Could lower cholesterol
Additionally, cornsilk may reduce cholesterol.
According to one study on animals, mice fed maize silk extract had significantly lower levels of total and LDL (bad) cholesterol and higher levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.
In another experiment, mice given a high-fat diet showed considerably lower total cholesterol in the corn silk-treated mice than in the control group.
However, human research is still required.
SummaryA few studies suggest that corn silk may lower cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and inflammation. However, more study is required.
Corn silk dosage
Official dosage recommendations for corn silk have not been created due to the paucity of human research in this area.
Your age, health, and medical history could all have an impact on how your body responds to this product.
The majority of the existing data points to corn silk as being nontoxic, and most people are likely safe at daily doses of up to 4.5 grams per pound of body weight (10 grams per kilogram).
However, the majority of labels for corn silk supplements suggest far lower amounts of 400–450 mg taken twice a day.
To make sure your body reacts favourably, it is advised to start with a modest dose and progressively raise it as needed.
Consult your healthcare practitioner if you're unsure of the right dosage.
SummaryDue to a dearth of studies, a suggested dosage for corn silk has not been established. To evaluate how your body responds, it's advisable to start with a lesser dose.
Corn silk side effects and precautions
Corn silk may not be safe for everyone, even though very few negative effects have been documented.
Corn silk should not be consumed if you have ever had an allergic response to corn or corn products.
Additionally, if you use any of the following medicines, corn silk is not advised:
- diuretics
- anti-inflammatory drugs
- blood pressure drugs
- blood thinners
- diabetes medicine
Additionally, as corn silk may increase the excretion of this mineral, you should avoid this product if you take potassium supplements or have had treatment for low potassium levels.
It's also crucial to think about the quality of the supplement you purchase.
Herbal supplements are unregulated in some nations, including the United States. Therefore, it is advisable to pick a brand that has undergone independent testing, such as that done by ConsumerLab, NSF International, or the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP).
The label's ingredient list should always be consulted because additional herbs can occasionally be added.
Consult your doctor if you're unsure whether corn silk is the right supplement for your regimen.
SummaryMost people are probably safe to consume corn silk. However, if you have a corn allergy or are taking any drugs, stay away from it. If you have questions about how this supplement will impact your health, see a healthcare professional.
The bottom line
Natural corn fibre known as "corn silk" is employed in Native American and Chinese traditional medicine.
Despite the paucity of research, some studies have suggested that it may lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and inflammation.
Although most individuals probably won't have any problems with corn silk, you should still talk to your doctor before using it.
0 Comments