What Is It And What Are The Benefits Of Corn Beard?
Corn beard has interesting medicinal applications. In particular, it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that contribute to well-being. Do you want to know more about it? Keep reading!
Corn whiskers are the long, shiny fibers found on the tops of the ears. They are also known as “corn silk” and are valued in natural medicine for their nutritional composition.
According to a publication in the magazine Molecules , it is an ingredient used by the Chinese and Native Americans to treat certain diseases. This is due to its contribution of flavonoids, terpenoids and other pharmacological compounds that help promote well-being.
What are the principal uses? In which cases should its consumption be avoided? In this regard, there are some doubts. Therefore, below we want to tell you more about its properties and contraindications. Keep reading!
What is corn beard?
Corn beard is a medicinal plant that is used as a stimulant, anti-inflammatory and source of antioxidants. In particular, they are the threads of plant material found under the husk of the fresh cob.
Its function is to help in the growth of corn and in pollination; however, it has also been used in natural medicine.
Although it is not considered a first-line treatment for disease, some research has found that it does provide health benefits. In addition, information compiled by the American corporation WebMD states that it is a source of essential nutrients such as the following:
- Proteins.
- Carbohydrates
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Dietary fiber.
Health benefits of corn beard
In natural medicine, the corn beard has been used for various therapeutic purposes. To be more exact, it is considered an ally of cardiovascular health, weight loss and the elimination of fluids. Still, studies on it remain limited. In the next space we will review its main benefits.
Contains antioxidants
Getting antioxidants is important to protect cells against the negative effects of free radicals. The latter are directly associated with a high risk of chronic diseases. Fortunately, ingredients like corn beard provide an interesting concentration of these molecules.
As detailed by research published in Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy , this ingredient has a considerable amount of phenolics and flavonoids, known for their antioxidant effect. It also provides terpenoids, whose assimilation helps to stimulate the functions of the immune system.
Acts as an anti-inflammatory
The anti-inflammatory properties of corn beard have been exploited for various medicinal purposes. Research shared in the Journal of Inflammation concluded that corn beard extract supplementation may be a promising treatment against inflammatory diseases linked to oxidative stress.
Considering the above, it could be an adjunct in heart diseases, tumors and gout, among other conditions. Still, tests are needed to corroborate such effects on human health.
Helps regulate blood glucose levels
Right now, corn beard supplements are not considered a diabetes treatment option. However, in natural medicine it is a supplement to lower high blood glucose levels.
In this regard, an animal study published in Molecules observed that corn silk flavonoids favor the reduction of glucose.
In turn, a test-tube study determined that the antioxidants in this corn derivative are useful in the prevention of diabetic kidney disease, also called diabetic nephropathy .
It favors the elimination of liquids
That the corn beard acts as a diuretic leads to other benefits. Specifically, it reduces complications related to fluid retention, such as kidney disease, joint pain and high blood pressure.
Research in Phytomedicine supports its potential as a diuretic. However, it highlights the need to obtain more evidence.
Helps regulate cholesterol
High cholesterol levels are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. For its control, it is necessary to modify the diet and lifestyle. Also, some useful supplements can be considered, such as corn beard extracts.
According to a review shared in Current Pharmaceutical Design , corn silk has hypolipemic properties that support the reduction of total cholesterol and bad cholesterol (LDL). It even seems that it stimulates the synthesis of good cholesterol (HDL). Still, more human studies are required.
Other possible benefits
Due to its many uses in natural medicine, it is not surprising that other properties are attributed to the corn beard. However, as WebMD points out , the evidence is insufficient. Thus, it should be used with caution, not intended to replace medical treatments.
Among the other possible benefits we have the following:
- Relief of chest pain or angina.
- Prevention of eye disorders such as glaucoma.
- Decrease in high blood pressure.
- Decrease and relief of bladder inflammation (cystitis).
- Adjuvant against kidney stones and urinary system problems.
- Reduction of the feeling of fatigue.
- Promoter of liver health.
- Ally in the treatment of overweight and obesity.
Risks and contraindications
So far, corn beard is listed as “probably safe” for most healthy adults. Despite this, its moderate use is recommended, since there is not enough information about what dose is safe. Some plant supplements suggest taking 400 to 450 milligrams, 2 to 3 times a day.
The cases in which its consumption is discouraged are the following:
- People who are taking potassium supplements or whose potassium levels are low.
- History of allergy to corn.
- Patients in treatments with diuretics, anticoagulants, anti-inflammatories or drugs for diabetes.
How is the corn beard used?
Corn beard is available in several types of supplements. However, the most popular form of consumption is by making a tea with the plant. It is even believed that this preparation is more effective than the tincture.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of dried corn husk (15 grams).
- 1 cup of water (250 milliliters).
Preparation
- Add the water and the corn husk to a saucepan.
- Then bring the preparation to a boil over low heat for about 10 minutes.
- After this time, turn off the drink, let it cool and pass it through a strainer.
- You can consume it 3 times a day.
It should be noted that corn threads can also be used as a plaster in case of minor injuries, such as sores or hemorrhoids. However, it is always advisable to consult a doctor.
What is there to remember about the corn beard?
Although it is often a discarded ingredient, corn beard contains antioxidants and nutrients that help promote wellness. For now, more evidence is necessary, but it seems that it has potential as an anti-inflammatory, diuretic, hypolipidemic, among others.
It is important to take it in moderation, only in specific cases, since the long-term effects of its consumption are unknown. Likewise, its intake should be avoided in case of being under medical treatments, as it can interfere. It is best to ask the professional first.
