Corn
Corn
Corn, also known as Maize, is one of the most popular cereal grains in the world. It contains various nutrients and phytochemicals (such as carotenoids and phytosterols) that play a very important role in managing various diseases. Corn flour is also very beneficial for health as it contains important B vitamins, iron, potassium, magnesium and other nutrients. Apart from Corn, Corn silk (which are long strands attached to an ear of corn) is also used for medicinal purposes.
Corn helps in managing weight due to the presence of dietary fibers. It maintains the levels of blood sugar by enhancing insulin secretion due to its blood sugar-lowering property. It helps in reducing pain and inflammation related to rheumatoid arthritis due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Corn silk tea prepared by boiling corn silk in water is useful for bladder problems. Drinking Corn silk tea increases the production of urine and helps in the easy removal of kidney stones due to its diuretic activity. This is also useful for managing diabetes and blood pressure-related problems.
Diabetic patients are advised to consult a physician before taking Corn silk tea as it might cause too much lowering of blood sugar due to its blood sugar-lowering property. It might also cause allergies like skin rash and irritation among hypersensitive individuals[2][11][12].
Corn helps in managing weight due to the presence of dietary fibers. It maintains the levels of blood sugar by enhancing insulin secretion due to its blood sugar-lowering property. It helps in reducing pain and inflammation related to rheumatoid arthritis due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Corn silk tea prepared by boiling corn silk in water is useful for bladder problems. Drinking Corn silk tea increases the production of urine and helps in the easy removal of kidney stones due to its diuretic activity. This is also useful for managing diabetes and blood pressure-related problems.
Diabetic patients are advised to consult a physician before taking Corn silk tea as it might cause too much lowering of blood sugar due to its blood sugar-lowering property. It might also cause allergies like skin rash and irritation among hypersensitive individuals[2][11][12].
What are the synonyms of Corn?
Zea mays, Maize, Indian corn, Makka, Mungari, Bhutta, Buta, Javeri, Maeo, Mushankojola, Makkejol, Makkari, Makai, Cholam, Makki, Chujak, Colam[1].
What is the source of Corn?
Plant Based
Benefits of Corn
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Corn in Bedwetting. However, Corn silk might help prevent urinary infections (which may be a cause of bedwetting) due to its antibacterial property[2][16].
Modern Science View
Corn tea (prepared by soaking corn silk) is beneficial in preventing Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) as it has antiinflammatory and antibacterial properties. It helps to reduce inflammation and prevents the bacteria from attaching to the surface of the urinary tract. It also inhibits the growth and multiplication of the bacteria in the urinary tract[3][16].
Ayurvedic View
Bladder or Urinary tract infection is described under the broad term of Mutrakcchra in Ayurveda. Mutra means ooze, and krichra means painful. Thus, dysuria and painful urination are called Mutrakcchra. In the case of bladder or urinary tract infection, Corn tea (prepared by Corn silk) helps to control burning sensation because of its Mutral (diuretic) effect. It increases urine flow and reduces the symptoms of bladder infection like burning sensation during urination.
Tips for making Corn tea.
1. Take dry or fresh Corn silk.
2. Mix them in water.
3. Let it boil for 5-10 minutes and leave it for a few minutes.
4. The mixture will turn into a brown-hued caramel-like liquid.
5. Strain it and have it either cold or warm.
6. You can also add lime juice or honey if you want to change its flavor.
7. Have it twice a day (or as directed by the physician) to get rid of the symptoms of bladder infections.
Tips for making Corn tea.
1. Take dry or fresh Corn silk.
2. Mix them in water.
3. Let it boil for 5-10 minutes and leave it for a few minutes.
4. The mixture will turn into a brown-hued caramel-like liquid.
5. Strain it and have it either cold or warm.
6. You can also add lime juice or honey if you want to change its flavor.
7. Have it twice a day (or as directed by the physician) to get rid of the symptoms of bladder infections.
Modern Science View
Corn might help reduce the risk of Prostate cancer as it has an antiproliferative property. It inhibits proliferation (rapid cell multiplication) of prostate cells which helps manage prostate hyperplasia[4].
Modern Science View
Corn is beneficial in managing certain Kidney problems like kidney stones due to its diuretic property. Drinking Corn tea prepared by soaking Corn silk increases the production of urine and might promote the easy removal of kidney stones[5][6].
Ayurvedic View
Urolithiasis or kidney stone is the stone formed in the urinary tract. According to Ayurveda, it is considered as Mutrashmari. Mutrashmari (renal calculi) is a disease of Vata-Kapha origin which causes Sanga (obstruction) in the Mutravaha Srotas (urinary system). Urinary stones are classified based on doshas as Vata, Pitta, Kapha, and treatment is given accordingly. Corn silk tea helps to remove the renal stone by increasing urinary flow. This is because of its Mutral (diuretic) nature.
Tips for using Corn tea.
1. Take dry or fresh Corn silk.
2. Mix them in water.
3. Let it boil for 5-10 minutes and leave it for a few minutes.
4. The mixture will turn into a brown-hued caramel-like liquid.
5. Strain it and have it either cold or warm.
6. You can also add lime juice or honey if you want to change its flavor.
7. Have it twice a day (or as directed by the physician) to get rid of the symptoms of kidney stone.
Tips for using Corn tea.
1. Take dry or fresh Corn silk.
2. Mix them in water.
3. Let it boil for 5-10 minutes and leave it for a few minutes.
4. The mixture will turn into a brown-hued caramel-like liquid.
5. Strain it and have it either cold or warm.
6. You can also add lime juice or honey if you want to change its flavor.
7. Have it twice a day (or as directed by the physician) to get rid of the symptoms of kidney stone.
Modern Science View
Corn helps manage the symptoms of diabetes due to its blood sugar-lowering activity. It contains certain constituents which prevents the damage of pancreatic cells and enhances insulin secretion. Drinking Corn silk tea helps in managing blood sugar levels and is considered effective for dietary management for type-2 diabetes[7][8][16].
Tips for using Corn tea
1. Take dry or fresh Corn silk.
2. Mix them in water.
3. Let it boil for 5-10 minutes and leave it for a few minutes.
4. The mixture will turn into a brown-hued caramel-like liquid.
5. Strain it and have it either cold or warm.
6. You can also add lime juice or honey if you want to change its flavor.
7. Have it twice a day (or as directed by the physician) to get quick control of high blood sugar levels.
Tips for using Corn tea
1. Take dry or fresh Corn silk.
2. Mix them in water.
3. Let it boil for 5-10 minutes and leave it for a few minutes.
4. The mixture will turn into a brown-hued caramel-like liquid.
5. Strain it and have it either cold or warm.
6. You can also add lime juice or honey if you want to change its flavor.
7. Have it twice a day (or as directed by the physician) to get quick control of high blood sugar levels.
Modern Science View
Corn might help to prevent or reduce fatigue due to its anti-fatigue activity. Fatigue occurs when the level of glycogen decreases in the muscles due to prolonged physical activity and muscles feel exhausted. Corn silk increases the content of glycogen in the muscles and also reduces glycogen consumption during exercise, thereby preventing fatigue[9].
Ayurvedic View
Corn is useful to manage fatigue in day to day life. Fatigue refers to a feeling of tiredness, weakness or lack of energy. According to Ayurveda, fatigue is referred to as klama and Kapha dosha is the primary dosha that is imbalanced in case of fatigue. Corn helps to reduce the symptoms of fatigue due to its Balya (strength provider) property when added to our daily diet.
Tips for using Corn in fatigue.
1. You can add Corn in your daily diet by adding boiled Corn in your breakfast.
2. You may have it in the form of salads.
3. You can also eat maize flour roti in lunch or dinner to get maximum benefits of Corn.
Tips for using Corn in fatigue.
1. You can add Corn in your daily diet by adding boiled Corn in your breakfast.
2. You may have it in the form of salads.
3. You can also eat maize flour roti in lunch or dinner to get maximum benefits of Corn.
Modern Science View
Corn might help in managing high cholesterol levels due to the presence of flavonoids (Maysin). Studies state that Corn silk decreases the synthesis of cholesterol and increases cholesterol metabolism. It lowers the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) as well as triglycerides and manages the cholesterol levels[10].
How effective is Corn?
Insufficient evidence
Bed-wetting, Diabetes, Fatigue, High cholesterol, Kidney stone, Prostate cancer, Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Precautions when using Corn
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available about the use of Corn during breastfeeding. So,it is advisable to avoid or consult a physician before taking Corn during breastfeeding[2].
Minor Medicine Interaction
Modern Science View
Corn silk has a blood pressure-lowering effect and taking antihypertensive drugs along with it might result in too much lowering of blood pressure. So, it is advisable to consult a physician before taking Corn silk along with antihypertensive drugs[2].
Modern Science View
Corn silk lowers the blood pressure and antihypertensive drugs are also used to decrease blood pressure. Taking Corn silk along with antihypertensive drugs might result in too much lowering of blood pressure. So it is advisable to consult a physician before taking Corn silk along with antihypertensive drugs[2].
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Corn silk might cause too much lowering of blood sugar in diabetic patients. So, it is advisable to consult a physician before taking Corn silk by diabetic patients[2].
Patients with heart disease
Modern Science View
Corn silk in higher amounts might cause too much lowering of blood pressure. So, it is advisable to consult a physician before taking Corn silk by heart patients[2].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Corn silk is found to be safe when taken in food amounts. However, higher doses might increase uterine contractions and lead to miscarriage during pregnancy. So it is advisable to consult a physician before taking Corn silk during pregnancy[2].
Side Effects
Modern Science View
Skin rashes
Itchiness
Corn allergies[2].
Itchiness
Corn allergies[2].
How to use Corn
1. Corn Silk Tea
a. Take dry or fresh Corn silk.
b. Mix them in water.
c. Let it boil for 5-10 minutes and leave it for a few minutes.
d. This will turn into a brown-hued caramel-like liquid.
e. Strain and you may have it both cold or warm.
f. You can add lime juice or honey if you want to change its flavor.
g. Have it twice a day or as directed by the physician.
2. Boiled Corn or flour in daily diet
a. You can add Corn to your daily diet.
b. By adding boiled Corn in your breakfast.
c. You may have it in form of salad.
d. You can also eat maize flour roti for lunch or dinner.
e. To get maximum benefits of Corn.
a. Take dry or fresh Corn silk.
b. Mix them in water.
c. Let it boil for 5-10 minutes and leave it for a few minutes.
d. This will turn into a brown-hued caramel-like liquid.
e. Strain and you may have it both cold or warm.
f. You can add lime juice or honey if you want to change its flavor.
g. Have it twice a day or as directed by the physician.
2. Boiled Corn or flour in daily diet
a. You can add Corn to your daily diet.
b. By adding boiled Corn in your breakfast.
c. You may have it in form of salad.
d. You can also eat maize flour roti for lunch or dinner.
e. To get maximum benefits of Corn.
Benefits of Corn
FAQs about Corn benefits
1. Dandruff
According to Ayurveda, dandruff is a condition marked by flakes of dry skin on the scalp. This may be due to an aggravated Vata and Pitta dosha. Oil of Corn (maize) helps to control dandruff due to its Snigdha (oily) and Pitta balancing properties. These properties also help to remove excessive dryness of scalp and promotes the natural growth of hair.
Tips for using Corn oil
a. Take a few drops of Corn oil (or as per your requirement).
b. Mix it with coconut oil.
c. Apply it once a week to get rid of the dandruff.
2. Skin Allergy
Oil of Corn (maize) is also used to treat various skin disorders like allergies, urticaria, skin rash and other problems related to skin. Corn oil has a Snigdha (oily) and Pitta balancing properties which help to reduce the signs of skin allergy and also control excessive dryness.
Tips for using Corn oil.
a. Corn oil can be used on skin as base oil (as per your requirement)
b. Mix it with night massage oil like olive oil.
c. Apply this mixture on the affected area at night to get rid of the skin allergy or skin rashes.
According to Ayurveda, dandruff is a condition marked by flakes of dry skin on the scalp. This may be due to an aggravated Vata and Pitta dosha. Oil of Corn (maize) helps to control dandruff due to its Snigdha (oily) and Pitta balancing properties. These properties also help to remove excessive dryness of scalp and promotes the natural growth of hair.
Tips for using Corn oil
a. Take a few drops of Corn oil (or as per your requirement).
b. Mix it with coconut oil.
c. Apply it once a week to get rid of the dandruff.
2. Skin Allergy
Oil of Corn (maize) is also used to treat various skin disorders like allergies, urticaria, skin rash and other problems related to skin. Corn oil has a Snigdha (oily) and Pitta balancing properties which help to reduce the signs of skin allergy and also control excessive dryness.
Tips for using Corn oil.
a. Corn oil can be used on skin as base oil (as per your requirement)
b. Mix it with night massage oil like olive oil.
c. Apply this mixture on the affected area at night to get rid of the skin allergy or skin rashes.
Precautions when using Corn
Allergy
Modern Science View
Sometimes, applying a cream containing Cornsilk might cause skin rashes, red skin itchiness etc in people hypersensitive to Corn or Cornsilk[2].
How to use Corn
Corn Oil
1. Corn oil can be used on skin as base oil (as per your requirement).
2. Mix it with night massage oil like olive oil.
3. Apply this mixture on the affected area at night to get rid of the skin allergy or skin rashes.
1. Corn oil can be used on skin as base oil (as per your requirement).
2. Mix it with night massage oil like olive oil.
3. Apply this mixture on the affected area at night to get rid of the skin allergy or skin rashes.
Frequently asked questions
Ayurvedic View
Corn silk Tea
1. Take dry or fresh Corn silk.
2. Mix them in water.
3. Let it boil for 5-10 minutes and leave it for a few minutes.
4. The mixture will turn into a brown-hued caramel-like liquid.
5. Strain it and have it either cold or warm.
6. You can also add lime juice or honey if you want to change its flavor.
7. Have it twice a day (or as directed by the physician).
1. Take dry or fresh Corn silk.
2. Mix them in water.
3. Let it boil for 5-10 minutes and leave it for a few minutes.
4. The mixture will turn into a brown-hued caramel-like liquid.
5. Strain it and have it either cold or warm.
6. You can also add lime juice or honey if you want to change its flavor.
7. Have it twice a day (or as directed by the physician).
Modern Science View
You should store fresh Corn in the refrigerator by wrapping them tightly in a plastic bag.
Modern Science View
Yes, Corn silk is a diuretic agent due to the presence of potassium. It increases the production of urine and helps flush out excess water and waste from the body. It reduces the problems associated with water retention and also manages kidney stone problems[11].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Corn silk helps to increase urine flow and expels waste products from the urinary tract because of its Mutral(diuretic) property.
Modern Science View
Yes, Corn silk tea prepared from corn might help in depression due to its antidepressant property. It contains certain constituents (flavonoids) that are antioxidants in nature. These antioxidants fight against free radical and prevent brain cell damage[11][17].
Modern Science View
Yes, Corn might help in obesity as it contains antioxidants (such as flavonoids and Vitamin C) which have anti-obesity property. It reduces oxidative stress and fights against free radicals. This reduces the accumulation of lipid and fat in the body. Corn is also rich in dietary fibers due to which it reduces the intake of food and might help in weight management[11][12].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Corn helps to control excessive weight by reducing Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) which is the prime cause of weight gain. Corn has Ruskha (dry) and Kapha balancing properties which help to reduce Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) and excessive fat accumulation in the body.
Modern Science View
Corn is found to be beneficial for the skin due to the presence of vitamin B-complex. It helps the body to produce new skin cells and improves skin health[12].
Modern Science View
Yes, Corn might be useful in rheumatism due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It inhibits the activity of an inflammatory protein and improves joint motility[12].
Modern Science View
Yes, Corn might help improve the immune system due to the presence of various minerals and vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin K, vItamin C along with beta carotene. It also contains selenium which helps in improving the functions of the thyroid gland[12].
Modern Science View
Yes, Corn silk might help in blood clotting due to the presence of a large amount of Vitamin K. It reduces the blood clotting time and prevents the excessive loss of blood during any injury[2][18].
Modern Science View
Yes, Corn might help in improving eye health due to the presence of certain constituents (carotenoids). These carotenoids prevent the retinal cells from any damage caused by the free radicals due to their antioxidant property[15].
Modern Science View
Allergies caused due to consumption of Corn are relatively rare, but people allergic to Corn might show allergic reactions. Sometimes, applying a cream containing Corn silk might also cause skin rashes, itchiness etc in people hypersensitive to corn or corn silk[2][13][14].
Modern Science View
Yes, Corn when taken in raw form can give you gas. Most food items which contain carbohydrates and starch can be a leading cause of gas. Whereas, fats and proteins cause little gas (although certain proteins may intensify the odor of gas)[21]. Corn similar to other starchy food items like potatoes, noodles and wheat produces gas as they are broken down in the large intestine[21]. If you want to include corn in your diet then you can use corn flour or make tea out of the Corn silk (long strands attached to an ear of corn).
Modern Science View
Yes, diabetics can have sweet corn. Corn is a rich source of energy, vitamins, minerals and fiber. It is a little bit high in sugar content, but it is not a high-glycemic food. It is ranked low to medium on the glycemic index (GI). GI is a parameter of measure to define how fast or slow carbs get digested in the body. Low GI food products slow the rate at which food is absorbed in the small intestine by blood, thus inhibiting any spike in blood sugar.
Modern Science View
Yes, Corn oil might be used on the skin. Massaging skin with Corn oil improves the skin functioning due to the presence of certain constituents (linoleic acid and Vitamin E). These constituents has an emollient property that help provide the softening or soothing effects to the skin and prevents skin rashes and allergies[19].
Modern Science View
Yes, Corn oil is beneficial for hair as it conditions the hair and makes them smooth due to its emollient property[19][20].
References
- Balkrishnan A.Shapushpinkh.Ayurved Jadi Buti Rehsya. Danik Bhaskar.2017.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-140/corn-silk
- Abdullah Surjee SM, Hady Zwain LA. Antibacterial activity of Zea mays L and Urtica Dioica L extract on the isolated bacteria from children UTI in Erbil city. IJRST. 2015;5(3):204-213.
- Kim SR, Ha AW, Choi HJ, et al. Corn silk extract improves benign prostatic hyperplasia in experimental rat model. Nutr Res Pract. 2017;11(5):373-380.
- Grases F, March JG, Ramis M, et al. The influence of Zea mays on urinary risk factors for kidney stones in rats. Wiley online LIbrary. 1993. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2650070210.
- Pulipati S, Babu PS, Narasu ML, et al. An overview on urinary tract infections and effective natural remedies. Journal of Medicinal plants studies. 2017;5(6):50-56.
- Okokon JE, Nyong ME. Antidiabetic and hypolipidemic activities of Zea mayshusk extract and fractions. Journal of Herbs, spices and medicinal plants.2018;24(2):134-150.
- Gomez E, P.Lo NK, G. Mallari JA.The effects of Corn Zea Mays in the dietary management of patients with Type-2 diabetes Mellitus. Global Forum on Research and innovation for health. 2015.
- Hu QL, Zhang LJ, Li YN, et al. Purification and anti-fatigue activity of flavonoids from corn silk. IJPS.2010;5(4):321-326.
- Cha JH, Kim SR, Kang HJ, et al. Corn silk extract improves cholesterol metabolism in C57BL/6J mouse fed high- fat diets. Nutr Res Pract. 2016;10(5):501-506.
- Ghete AB, Duda MM, Varban DI, et al. Maize (Zea mays), a prospective medicinal plant in Romania. Hop and Medicinal plants. 2018;26:1-2.
- Shah TR, Prasad K, Kumar P. Maize—A potential source of human nutrition and health: A review. Food science and technology. 2016;2:1-9.
- Melina V, Stepaniak J, Aronson DL. Food Allergy Survival Guide: Surviving and Thriving with Food Allergies and Sensitivities.Book Publishing company. 2004.
- Schaefer JJ.Serving People with Food Allergies: Kitchen Management and Menu Creation.CRC Press.2011.
- Arakelyan HS. Corn nutrition and health benefits. Research gate.2019.
- Wilson A.The Alchemy of Health Collection: 3 Book Collection of Essential Oils, Herbs, and Alkaline Diet.Adidas Wilson.
- Okokon J, Nelson E, Sunday M.Antidepressant activity of ethanol extract of Zea mays husk.Advanced Herbal Medicine.2016;2(4):22-28.
- Parle M, Dhamija I.Zea maize: A modern craze.IRJP.2013;4(6):39-43.
- Huma B, Hussain M, Ning C, et al. Human benefits from maize.Sch J Appl Sci Res. 2019;2(2):05-07.
- Food and drug administration. Part 1- Signed statements and certification. GRAS Notice (GRN) No. 704.
- International Foundation of Gastrointestinal Disorders. Foods that may cause gas.
- Ghete A and Duda M. Maize (Zea Mays), A Prospective Medicinal Plant In Romania.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.