Most people throw maize silk in the compost or trash. Corn silky threads can be challenging to remove from the cob, hands and teeth.
Native Americans, Chinese, Turks, and others saw maize silk differently. Corn silk has been a therapeutic herb for generations, and corn silk tea and vitamins are becoming more popular. Susan Campbell, RD, LD, discusses why you should save corn silk the next time you husk corn.
Corn silk (Stigma maydis) is the shiny, thread-like covering between the corn husk and ear. Corn silks number 300–600 each ear. They pollinate crops and are vital to vegetable reproduction. Fibres catch pollen that fertilizes the cob and grows kernels. Corn silk preserves kernels together with the husk, retaining moisture and flavour.
Despite centuries of herbal remedy use, maize silk’s health benefits still need to be studied. Animal research predominated. Still, some studies
Maize silk and similar items may be healthy.
Corn silk extract increases urination. Campbell believes increased urine flow can prevent UTIs and bladder infections. Corn silk extract reduces inflammation and pain from UTIs and bladder infections.
Urinating more strengthens your bladder. Doctors may recommend corn silk extract or teas for bedwetting and urine incontinence. Corn silk may also prevent kidney stones and kidney damage from drugs and cancer therapies.
Corn silk diuretics may reduce blood pressure. However, Campbell warns that diuretics and blood pressure medications may cause potassium loss, and Hypokalemia may result. Campbell believes low potassium can alter heartbeat. Before taking supplements, consult your doctor.
Corn silks’ light green, yellow, brown, or red colours come from antioxidant flavonoids. Corn silk is antioxidant-rich, like vitamin C. Campbell says antioxidants prevent inflammation, ageing, cancer, and diabetes.
Native American and Chinese medicine uses maize silk extracts.
Diabetes control. According to one study, the extract may decrease blood sugar and prevent diabetes-related neuropathy. Further research
Indicate that maize silk extracts may reduce blood sugar increases by slowing starch absorption.
Campbell advises talking with your doctor before taking a supplement if you’re already using blood sugar drugs. “Low blood sugar can be dangerous.”
Through decreasing triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins, maize silk flavonoids may decrease cholesterol (LDL). “These bad forms of cholesterol produce plaque deposits inside your arteries, raising your risk of heart attacks and strokes,” Campbell says.
Yes! Corn silk tastes gentle and sweet, like maize. After husking, you can use the silks to top salads, potatoes, soups, tacos, and more. Corn silk can be dried and stored for one year.
Place the strands on a cooling rack out of direct sunlight as the water evaporates. This drying stage may take a few days or a week.
Store the strands in a tight container or paper bag in a cool, dry place.
Use corn silk powder on eggs, salads, casseroles and smoothies by grinding the dried strands in a blender.
Healthcare providers need to learn more about maize silk’s hazards. There is no recommended dosage for maize silk supplements, so consult your doctor before using them. Dosages vary by gender, age, weight, medications, and health concerns.
For now, Campbell advises against eating maize silk if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or using drugs like:
Yet, maize silk can provide a healthful, fresh edge to your favourite foods for many. Don’t discard maize silks, and save them for your next smoothie, salad, or tea!
Consume maize silk? Indeed! Understand how silky strands can improve your health.
