Cornstarch is one of the common ingredients in processed foods, but what does eating cornstarch do to your body?
When most people think about healthy eating, they automatically think about avoiding processed foods. But what many people don’t know is that there are some processed foods that can be good for you. Cornstarch is one of them!
Read on to find out what cornstarch does for your body and why you should consider adding it to your diet.
Table of Contents
What is cornstarch?
Cornstarch is a type of carbohydrate that is derived from corn. It is a white powder that is used to thicken sauces and gravies, and it can also be used as a binding agent in recipes.
Cornstarch is relatively high in calories and carbs, but it is also low in fat and protein.
Also Read:
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- What Happens If You Eat Cornstarch Everyday? – Don’t Try Ever.
- Cornstarch VS Corn Flour: Calorie, Nutrition, Use, Benefits, Risk.
- Why Do Females Eat Corn Starch? Does It Kill You?
- Why Do People Eat Corn Starch? – Is It Bad For You & More Info.
Nutrition facts about cornstarch:
Here is the nutrition chart for cornstarch (1 tablespoon or 10 grams):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 30 |
Total Fat | 0 g |
Saturated Fat | 0 g |
Polyunsaturated Fat | 0 g |
Monounsaturated Fat | 0 g |
Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Sodium | 0.7 mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 7 g |
Dietary Fiber | 0 g |
Sugars | 0 g |
Protein | 0 g |
Cornstarch is a type of starch that is made from corn. It is a white, powdery substance that is used as a thickener in cooking and baking.
Cornstarch is a good source of carbohydrates, but it is low in fat, cholesterol, sodium, and dietary fiber. It also contains no protein.
Cornstarch has a relatively high glycemic index (GI), which means that it can cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly after eating.
However, it is important to note that the GI of a food can vary depending on how it is prepared and consumed.
For example, cornstarch that is cooked in a liquid has a lower GI than cornstarch that is eaten dry.
Overall, cornstarch is a safe and nutritious food that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
However, it is important to be aware of its high GI and to consume it in moderation.
What does eating cornstarch do to your body?
Benefits and side effects can both happen by eating cornstarch to your body. Depend on how much you eat in a day, what else you’re eating with it, and what is your health condition.
Let’s find out what can happens if we eat this food:
Health benefits
1. It can help regulate blood sugar levels
Cornstarch is slowly broken down into glucose, which is then slowly released into the bloodstream. This provides a steadier supply of energy and helps to regulate blood sugar levels. This is especially beneficial for people with diabetes.
2. It can help with digestive problems
Cornstarch can also be used as a natural remedy for digestive issues like diarrhea and constipation. It works by absorbing water and adding bulk to the stool, which helps to regulate bowel movements.
3. It can aid in weight loss
Cornstarch is a low-calorie food that can help you lose weight. It is also high in fiber, which helps keep you full and satisfied after eating. Adding cornstarch to your diet can help you reach your weight loss goals.
4. It can help with joint pain
Cornstarch can also be used as a natural remedy for joint pain. When mixed with water, it forms a paste that can be applied to the affected area. Cornstarch helps to reduce inflammation and swelling.
5. It can be used as a natural beauty product
Cornstarch can also be used as a natural beauty product. It can be used as a facial scrub or mask, and it can also be used to absorb excess oil from the skin.
Side effects
1. It can cause digestive issues
If you consume too much cornstarch, it can cause digestive issues like gas and bloat. It is important to moderate your intake of cornstarch to avoid these side effects.
2. It can interfere with the absorption of other nutrients
Cornstarch can also interfere with the absorption of other nutrients. This is because it forms a gel-like substance in the intestine, which can trap other nutrients and prevent them from being absorbed.
3. It can cause blood sugar spikes
If you have diabetes, you should be careful with your intake of cornstarch. While it can help to regulate blood sugar levels, it can also cause blood sugar spikes if you consume too much.
4. It can contain toxins
Cornstarch can also contain toxins, which can be harmful to your health. Some of these toxins can come from the process of manufacturing cornstarch, while others can come from the corn itself.
5. It can trigger food allergies
Cornstarch can also trigger food allergies in some people. If you are allergic to corn, you should avoid cornstarch.
Adding cornstarch to your diet
Cornstarch can be added to your diet in a variety of ways. It can be used as a thickener for soups and sauces, or it can be used in place of flour in baking recipes.
You can also add it to your morning oatmeal or smoothie. If you are looking for a healthy snack, try pairing a few tablespoons of cornstarch with fruit or vegetables.
Cornstarch healthy recipes:
1. Banana cornstarch pudding
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, cornstarch, sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in bananas.
- Pour pudding into individual bowls and enjoy!
2. Honey cornstarch pancakes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Whisk together milk, honey, and vegetable oil in a separate bowl.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Heat a griddle or frying pan over medium heat and grease with butter or cooking spray.
- Pour batter by 1/4 cup onto the griddle or frying pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Serve pancakes with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
3. Cornstarch chicken fingers
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Place chicken strips in a large resealable bag. Add cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the bag. Seal the bag and shake it to coat the chicken.
- Pour milk into a shallow bowl. Dip each chicken strip into the milk, then place it on a plate.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
5. Cornstarch strawberry pie
Ingredients:
- 1 (9-inch) pie crust, baked
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water. Set aside.
- In a large pot, combine sugar and strawberries. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until strawberries are soft and the sugar has dissolved.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture and continue cooking until the mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Pour strawberry filling into the baked pie crust. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. Enjoy!
Who should totally avoid cornstarch?
- If you have a corn allergy, you should avoid cornstarch.
- If you are on a gluten-free diet, you should also avoid cornstarch as it contains gluten.
- If you are diabetic, you should avoid cornstarch as it can cause a spike in blood sugar levels.
- If you are trying to lose weight, you should limit your intake of cornstarch as it is high in calories.
Related FAQs:
Cornstarch can also be used as a gentle cleanser for the skin, as a natural fabric starch, or to polish silver. It can also be used to thicken sauces, gravies, and soups. What are some other uses for cornstarch?
Yes, cornstarch can be used as a substitute for flour. It is a good binding agent and will thicken sauces, gravies, and soups just like flour does. However, it does not have the same leavening properties as flour, so it is not a good choice for baked goods.
The main difference between cornstarch and flour is that cornstarch is derived from corn while flour is derived from wheat. Cornstarch is also a good binding agent and will thicken sauces, gravies, and soups just like flour does. However, it does not have the same leavening properties as flour, so it is not a good choice for baked goods.
Conclusion
So, what does eating cornstarch do to your body? Cornstarch is a high-calorie, high-carbohydrate food that can spike blood sugar levels.
It is also a good binding agent and will thicken sauces, gravies, and soups just like flour does.
However, it does not have the same leavening properties as flour, so it is not a good choice for baked goods. If you are trying to lose weight or are diabetic, you should avoid cornstarch. Otherwise, enjoy it in moderation!