Corn silk resembles a doll hair. They are those long shiny fibers at the top of an ear of corn. You can use it in both fresh and dried form. Just pull-out the golden-green strands off the corn and store them in a pot. You can also put them in an airtight container and store it in the fridge so that they would last for a couple of weeks. Depending on the weather, you can also completely dry the silk for a few days, after which it can be stored for a long time.
The silk contains vitamins B2, C, and K, minerals, fiber, proteins, carbohydrates as well as chemicals that work like water pills (diuretics), help lessen inflammation, and alter blood sugar levels.
Most people have been throwing away corn silk for the reason that they don’t know its many uses and how it can benefit the human body. Due to its number of healing properties, various races since the ancient ages have been using corn silk. Its nutrients and antioxidant content indicate that there are certainly great benefits one can obtain by using it.
Here Are Some Of The Amazing Benefits Of Corn Silk:
Prevents Kidney Stones
Since ancient times, corn silk has been used to prevent kidney stones, which are formed by the accumulation of small crystals in the kidney. Corn silk usage can increase urine flow and decrease the chances of sediment formation in the kidney. However, it does not remove the stone already in the kidney.
Diuretic Properties
Due to its diuretic properties, corn silk can help flush out excess fluids and toxins from the body, thereby preventing the risk of cardiovascular disease and urinary tract infection (UTI).
Facilitates Blood Clotting
During the blood clotting process, the Vitamin K present in the corn silk ensures that you do not experience excessive blood loss in the event of an injury.
Helps Heal Inflammatory Ailments And Conditions
The anti-inflammatory properties of corn silk can help reduce the pain caused by inflammatory illnesses like arthritis and gout.
Helps Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
In a study was published in 2012 in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, results showed that application of corn silk polysaccharides helped reduce blood sugar levels.
Moreover, another study published in 2009 in Nutrition and Metabolism journal showed that corn silk tea aids insulin generation in the human body and in the repair of damaged cells in the pancreas, where insulin is produced.
Helps Fight Cholesterol
In the long-run, high cholesterol in the bloodstream can lead to various critical ailments. According to doctors, keeping cholesterol levels in the blood flow is the key to staying healthy and avoid heart hazards.
Consumption of outer silk of corn can help in keeping you away from the heart-related ailments.
A study carried out by Jilin University scientists in China showed that corn silk consumption decreases cholesterol levels in rodents.
Helps Fight Obesity
Nowadays, obesity is the major health problem affecting the human population. This condition may be caused by several factors including unhealthy diet and lifestyle, as well as genetics. However, some people put on excess weight owing to excess water retention and toxin accumulation in the body.
Corn silk helps eliminate excess water and waste from the body, wherein some people find it helpful to evade weight gain.
Here are the two methods on how you can prepare corn silk tea. Make sure to use only organically grown corns, not the ones sprayed with pesticide.
Method 1
If you want to obtain the natural benefits of corn silk, this method is ideal for you. This method does not need boiling.
Ingredients:
Dried corn silk, chopped
Water
Honey
Procedures:
- Pour some water in a glass jar with a lid.
- Add the dried silk corn in the water.
- Put on the lid and then keep the jar out in the sun for an entire day.
- At the end of the day, bring the jar inside and add some honey to it and stir well.
- Keep it in the refrigerator and serve chilled.
Method 2
This is the usual method.
Ingredients:
Dry or fresh corn silk
Lemon juice
Water
Procedures:
- Boil water for some time.
- When it starts boiling, drop the dried or fresh silk atop.
- Let it boil for a few minutes and steep for a few minutes.
- This will turn into a brown-hued caramel-like liquid.
- Strain and serve the tea. You may have it both cold and warm.
- Some people prefer adding lemon juice to add to the taste and flavor of this tea.
- Leftover tea can be kept in the refrigerator for a few days.
A Word Of Caution: Excessive consumption of corn silk is not advised. Consult your doctor before using corn silk if you are pregnant as it might lead to miscarriage.
