Almost everyone loves munching fresh, delicious corn. But what about the corn silk?
Corn silk is the shiny and long fiber usually found at the top of the corn. Most of us probably toss it in the garbage bin.
But maybe we should not do that. Why? Well, corn silk, also known by the name Zea mays, is actually an annual grass that has an origin in Central America.
Corn silk comes from the grass family Poaceae. But, the great thing about cornsilk is that it can benefit us in many ways. Surprising, right? Read on, to find out more.
12 Marvelous Health Benefits of Corn Silk
1. Boost Immunity
Corn silk contains vitamin C which boosts immunity and helps regulate a multitude of functions in the body.
2. Blood Clot
This grass provides vitamin K. This vitamin has a crucial role when it comes to blood clotting. The presence of vitamin K prevents the events of excessive loss of blood in case of injury.
3. Fights Joint Pain
Corn silk has alkaline and anti-inflammatory properties which are great for treating joint pain.
The tea from this ingredient can reduce the possibility of an inflammatory reaction, combat fluid retention and reduce the acidity levels of the body.
4. Reduce Blood Pressure
Hypertension and high blood pressure are standard health issues. Corn silk tea can help to lower it.
5. Combat Congestion
Corn silk tea can control the symptoms of flu and cold, clear the airways, and decrease inflammation in the throat. Moreover, this tea comes with soothing properties to decongest our noses and chest.
6. Helps Regulate Blood Glucose Levels
According to recent studies, corn silk tea can help people who have issues with their blood glucose levels. The International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 2012 published a study on this topic.
This study showed the influence that corn silk extract had on blood glucose levels. According to this study, corn silk extract helps lower blood glucose levels.
7. Support Weight Loss
Corn silk tea has diuretic properties, and it’s low in calories. Therefore it’s great in case we want to lose a few pounds.
This tea will ease the removal of waste products, improve metabolism, control inflammation and provide that feeling of fullness.
8. Diuretic Activity
As we already mentioned before corn silk tea has diuretic activities which help flush out excess water and waste. Moreover, this tea can lower the health issues related to water retention.
As a matter of fact, using diuretics prevents the chances of having congestive heart failure and kidney diseases.
9. Helps Treat Urinary Tract Infections
Corn silk serves as an anti-inflammatory agent for infections in the urinary tract. In fact, it coats the lining of the urinary tract and obstructs the appearance of further irritations.
Consuming corn silk tea can help soothe the urinary tract and inflamed bladder.
10. Relieve Headaches
Corn silk can also help with chronic headaches, thanks to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Consuming corn silk tea can improve circulation, calm tension, and reduce stiffness in the jaw, shoulders, and neck.
11. Helps Detox the Body
Corn silk contains antioxidants that stimulate the elimination of retained toxins in the body.
This benefits the health of the liver, lowers the chance of fatty liver disease, and optimizes excretory function.
12. Prevents Kidney Stones
Kidney stones cause pain and annoyance because of the formation of small crystallized deposits. Corn silk tea can prevent kidney stones.
This tea lowers the chances of sediment formation in the kidneys, and it increases the flow of urine.
How to Make Corn Silk Tea
Necessary Ingredients:
- Lemon juice (optional)
- Dry or fresh cornsilk
- Water
How to Prepare It:
First, boil the water and add the cornsilk. Let it boil for a few minutes. The water will turn to brown-hued caramel liquid. After this happens, we need to remove it from the heat and strain it.
We can add lemon juice if we like to boost the flavor. The tea is ready; there is nothing more to say but bottoms up.
