{"id":24100,"date":"2023-05-16T22:21:29","date_gmt":"2023-05-16T21:21:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nkyeremunews.com\/?p=24100"},"modified":"2023-05-16T22:21:29","modified_gmt":"2023-05-16T21:21:29","slug":"can-you-eat-corn-silk-4-health-benefits-of-corn-silk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nkyeremunews.com\/index.php\/2023\/05\/16\/can-you-eat-corn-silk-4-health-benefits-of-corn-silk\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Eat Corn Silk? 4 Health Benefits of Corn Silk"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you\u2019re like most people, you toss corn silk straight into the compost bin or trash. These silky threads that cover ears of corn can be a nuisance to remove \u2014 from the cob, your hands, and your teeth.<\/p>\n

But Native Americans and people in China, Turkey, and other countries think differently about corn silk. For centuries, they\u2019ve been using corn silk as a herbal remedy for medicinal purposes. Today, corn silk \u2014 and products like corn silk tea and supplements \u2014 are growing in popularity. Registered dietitian Susan Campbell, RD, LD, explains why you might want to keep (and not trash) corn silk the next time you\u2019re husking corn.<\/p>\n

\"corn<\/p>\n

What is corn silk?<\/h2>\n

Corn silk (Stigma maydis<\/em>is the layer of glossy, thread-like strands found between the corn husk and ear. An ear of corn may have 300 to 600 corn silks. They\u2019re a key part of the vegetable\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

What nutrients are in corn silk?<\/h3>\n

Studies show that corns ilk contains:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Carbohydrates.<\/li>\n
  • Fiber.<\/li>\n
  • Minerals like calcium, iron, sodium, potassium, zinc, and chloride.<\/li>\n
  • Protein.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Corn silk benefits<\/h3>\n

    Despite centuries of herbal remedy use, there are limited studies on the health benefits of corn silk. Much of the existing research took place on animals and not humans. Still,\u00a0certain studies\u00a0suggest that consuming corn silk and related products may be good for your health.<\/p>\n

    Four benefits of corn silk for your health include:<\/p>\n

    1. Keeps your urinary system healthy<\/h4>\n

    Corn silk extract can act as a powerful diuretic, making you pee more. \u201cIncreased urine flow can prevent the buildup of bacteria that leads to urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bladder infections,\u201d says Campbell. And if you do get a\u00a0UTI or bladder infection, corn silk extract soothes inflammation to ease the pain.<\/p>\n

    Increased urination can also help strengthen your bladder. Healthcare providers sometimes recommend corn silk extract or teas for children experiencing\u00a0bedwetting\u00a0and adults with\u00a0urinary incontinence. Corn silk may also prevent\u00a0kidney stones\u00a0and protect against kidney damage caused by certain medications or cancer treatments.<\/p>\n

    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\u00a0hypokalemia. \u201cLow potassium is concerning because it can affect the way your heart beats,\u201d says Campbell. \u201cIt\u2019s always important to check with your healthcare provider before taking a supplement.\u201d<\/p>\n

    2. Fights inflammation<\/h4>\n

    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. \u201cAntioxidants protect against inflammation and the effects of aging, as well as diseases like cancer and diabetes,\u201d notes Campbell.<\/p>\n

    3. Lowers blood sugar<\/h4>\n

    Corn silk extracts are part of Native American and\u00a0traditional Chinese medicine\u00a0for diabetes management. The extract may lower blood sugar levels and help prevent complications like\u00a0diabetes-related neuropathy\u00a0(nerve damage), according to one\u00a0study. Other\u00a0studies\u00a0indicate that corn silk extracts may slow your body\u2019s absorption of starchy foods, preventing spikes in blood sugar.<\/p>\n

    But if you\u2019re already taking medications to lower your blood sugar, Campbell advises checking with your provider before beginning to take a supplement. \u201cBlood sugar that is too low can be dangerous, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

    4. Improves cholesterol levels<\/h4>\n

    The flavonoids in corn silk may improve your\u00a0cholesterol numbers\u00a0by\u00a0lowering triglycerides\u00a0and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). \u201cThese unhealthy forms of cholesterol cause plaque deposits to form inside your arteries, increasing your risk of heart attacks and strokes,\u201d Campbell explains.<\/p>\n

    Can you eat corn silk?<\/h2>\n

    Yes! Corn silk has a mild taste and a sweetness you would expect from corn. You can save the silks after husking and use them fresh as a topping on salads, potatoes, soups, tacos and more. You can also dry and store corn silk for up to one year.<\/p>\n

    To dry corn silk:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Separate the silk strands as much as possible.<\/li>\n
    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.)<\/li>\n
    3. Place the strands into a closed jar or paper bag and store them in a cool, dry place.<\/li>\n
    4. You can grind the dried strands in a blender to make corn silk powder and sprinkle it onto eggs, salads, casseroles, and smoothies.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      To make corn silk tea:<\/p>\n

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

        Who shouldn\u2019t eat corn silk?<\/h2>\n

        Healthcare providers don\u2019t know much yet about the risks of consuming corn silk or products like teas and supplements. Check with your healthcare provider before taking a corn silk supplement, as there currently isn\u2019t a recommended dosage. Dosage amounts typically vary depending on a person\u2019s sex, age, weight, medications, and health issues.<\/p>\n

        For now, Campbell advises against adding corn silk to your diet if you\u2019re pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medications such as:<\/p>\n