Have you ever wondered what happens if you eat cornstarch everyday? You’re not alone. A lot of people are curious about this and for good reason.
Cornstarch is a popular food additive that’s found in a lot of processed foods. But what happens if you eat cornstarch everyday? And how can you stop eating it? Keep reading to find out.
Table of Contents
What is cornstarch?
Cornstarch is a powder made from the starch of the corn kernel. It is used as a thickening agent in many recipes, such as sauces, gravies, and pies.
When added to liquids, it forms a gel-like substance that can help to thicken and bind ingredients together.
Cornstarch is also a popular ingredient in gluten-free baking recipes, as it helps to create a light and fluffy texture.
In addition to its culinary uses, cornstarch can also be used for various household tasks, such as dusting surfaces or polishing silver. It is also a common ingredient in many commercial products, such as laundry starch and biodegradable plastic.
With so many uses, it’s no wonder that cornstarch is a kitchen staple in many households.
Also Read:
- Is corn starch gluten free?
- Cornstarch vs corn flour: all you need to know to compare.
- Why do people eat corn starch? Is it bad for you? & more.
- Why Do Females Eat Corn Starch? Does It Kill You?
- What Happens If You Eat Pork Fat?
- What Does Eating Cornstarch Do To Your Teeth?
- What Does Eating Cornstarch Do To Your Body? – Risk & All.
Health benefits of cornstarch
Many people think of cornstarch as nothing more than a simple cooking ingredient. However, this humble powder can actually offer a range of health benefits.
For example, cornstarch can help to soothe an upset stomach. When mixed with water, it forms a thick gel that coats the lining of the stomach, providing relief from nausea and cramps.
Cornstarch can also be used as a natural laxative. When taken before bedtime, it helps to soften stools and promote regular bowel movements.
Additionally, cornstarch can be used as a home remedy for insect bites and stings. When applied to the skin, it helps to draw out the venom and reduce swelling.
As you can see, cornstarch is not just for cooking- it is also a useful tool for promoting good health.
What happens if you eat cornstarch everyday?
Eating cornstarch every day can have various effects on your body, some of which may be undesirable. Here are a few things to consider:
- Caloric intake: Cornstarch is primarily composed of carbohydrates and contains about 30 calories per tablespoon. Consuming cornstarch regularly can increase your overall calorie intake, which may lead to weight gain if not balanced with an appropriate diet and exercise.
- Nutrient deficiencies: While cornstarch is a source of energy, it lacks essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Relying heavily on cornstarch as a dietary staple can potentially lead to nutrient deficiencies if it replaces more nutritious foods in your diet.
- Blood sugar fluctuations: Cornstarch is a high-glycemic index food, meaning it can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels when consumed. This can be problematic for individuals with diabetes or those who are at risk of developing the condition. Consistently elevated blood sugar levels can contribute to insulin resistance, weight gain, and other health issues.
- Digestive problems: Cornstarch is a highly refined and processed product, which means it contains minimal dietary fiber. Lack of fiber can lead to digestive issues such as constipation and irregular bowel movements. Adequate fiber intake is important for maintaining a healthy digestive system.
- Potential allergy or intolerance: Some individuals may have an allergic reaction or intolerance to corn or cornstarch. Symptoms can vary but may include digestive discomfort, skin rashes, itching, or respiratory problems. If you experience any adverse reactions after consuming cornstarch, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.
It’s important to note that cornstarch, when used in moderation as part of a balanced diet, may not cause significant harm.
However, relying heavily on it as a primary source of nutrition is not recommended. It’s always best to maintain a varied and well-rounded diet that includes a wide range of whole foods to ensure you receive the necessary nutrients for optimal health.
If you have any concerns about your diet or health, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian.
Who shouldn’t eat cornstarch regularly?
There are a few groups of people who should avoid eating cornstarch on a regular basis.
- First, children under the age of four should not consume cornstarch regularly, as it can cause them to develop a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia.
- Second, people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity should avoid cornstarch, as it may contain traces of gluten.
- Finally, people with corn allergies should obviously avoid eating cornstarch. Eating even a small amount of cornstarch can trigger an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals.
If you fall into any of these categories, it is best to limit your intake of cornstarch or avoid it altogether.
How to stop eating cornstarch?
If you want to stop eating cornstarch, the first step is to become aware of how much you are consuming. Start by reading food labels carefully and avoid processed foods that contain cornstarch or other refined carbohydrates. Instead, focus on eating whole, unprocessed foods.
You should also take care to limit your intake of cornstarch-based home remedies and commercial products. For example, don’t use cornstarch as a natural laxative or dust your furniture with it.
Finally, if you find it difficult to cut cornstarch out of your diet completely, try to eat it in moderation. Enjoy it as an occasional treat rather than consuming it on a daily basis.
By following these tips, you can help to reduce your intake of cornstarch and improve your overall health.
Side effects of eating too much cornstarch
These side effects are typically not serious and can be easily avoided by limiting your consumption of cornstarch.
The most common side effect of eating cornstarch is gas or bloating. This is because cornstarch is a type of carbohydrate that is not easily digested by the body.
When undigested carbohydrates like cornstarch reach the large intestine, they are fermented by bacteria which produces gas.
Too much gas can cause bloating, pain, and discomfort. It can also lead to flatulence and burping. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating cornstarch, try to limit your consumption or switch to another type of starch.
Another potential side effect of eating cornstarch is constipation. This is because cornstarch can absorb water from the intestine and make stool harder to pass. If you are constipated, you may experience pain, bloating, and difficulty passing stool.
To avoid constipation, make sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. If you are still having trouble, talk to your doctor about other options.
Finally, cornstarch can also affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes or are at risk of developing diabetes, it is important to monitor your blood sugar carefully when eating foods that contain cornstarch.
Other FAQs about cornstarch:
When cornstarch is added to a liquid, it forms a gel-like substance. This happens because the cornstarch molecules are attracted to the water molecules. The cornstarch molecules absorb the water and swell up, forming a thick mixture.
Flour and cornstarch both act as thickening agents, but they work in different ways. Flour is made up of long gluten molecules that tangle together to form a network. This network traps the liquid, causing it to thicken.
Cornstarch, on the other hand, forms a gel when it comes into contact with liquid.
There are several substitutes for cornstarch, including flour, arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, and potato starch. Each of these ingredients will thicken a liquid in a different way, so you may need to experiment to find the one that works best for your recipe.
Yes, you can use cornstarch instead of flour to coat the chicken. Cornstarch will create a crispy coating that is similar to the one you would get from using flour.
However, cornstarch is more likely to clump up than flour, so you will need to be careful when coating the chicken.
The main difference between cornstarch and flour is that cornstarch is made from corn while flour is made from wheat.
Cornstarch is a finer powder than flour, which makes it ideal for use as a thickening agent. It will also create a more translucent mixture than flour.
Conclusion
So, what happens if you eat cornstarch everyday? The answer is not entirely clear, but it likely isn’t good. Eating too much cornstarch can cause digestion problems and may even be linked to weight gain.
If you are struggling with eating too much cornstarch, there are ways to stop it. Start by gradually reducing the amount of cornstarch in your diet until you are no longer consuming it daily.
Replace unhealthy foods with healthy alternatives and make sure to drink plenty of water each day. These tips should help you break your addiction to cornstarch and improve your overall health.
Have you been eating too much cornstarch lately? What changes will you make to reduce your intake?
