Corn Flour: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Rajeev Singh

Introduction:

Corn always reminds us of our all-time favorite roadside snack ‘bhutta’ or ‘street style corn on the cob’ during the rainy season. Corn is commonly known as maize in British English, and its scientific name is Zea mays. Corn was first found in America by a European explorer, Christopher Columbus, in 1492. Within the next 100 years, it was introduced to the rest of the world. Corn is one of the staple food sources in the world along with rice and wheat since it can be stored easily. A variety of corn is available like white corn, yellow corn, white sweet corn, and yellow sweet corn. Additionally, it has gained popularity due to its multiple health benefits like reducing high blood pressure, managing weight, minimizing iron deficiency etc. Corn was introduced in India by the Portuguese and is widely grown in Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh.¹ Let us look at some health benefits of corn flour. 

Nutritional Value of Corn Flour:

Corn flour may contain several bioactive compounds like carotenoids, xanthophylls, lignins and many more. Corn flour may also have the following nutritional components: 

• Energy: 370 kcal
• Water: 11.2 g
• Fats: 1.75 g
• Proteins: 7.11 g
• Sugars: 1.61 g
• Fibre: 3.9 g
• Carbohydrate: 79.4 g
• Starch: 73.3 g
• Magnesium: 32 mg
• Iron: 1.1 mg
• Calcium: 3 mg
• Potassium: 142 mg
• Phosphorus: 99 mg
• Vitamin B1: 0.14 mg
• Vitamin B2: 0.05 mg
• Vitamin B6: 0.182 mg
• Flavonoids: 1.68 µmol

Did you know that corn flour is a powerhouse of nutrients? It’s got protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and even fibre! Here’s an interesting twist: corn flour is gluten-free. So, if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, corn flour is your go-to ingredient.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Properties of Corn Flour:

Corn flour may possess the following properties: 

• It may be an antioxidant. 
• It may protect the heart. 
• It may reduce blood pressure.  
• It may help to manage weight. 
• It may lower the bad cholesterol levels (LDL- low density lipoprotein).  
• It may have anti-diabetic properties. 
• It may relieve diarrhoea.¹ 
• It may protect against esophageal cancer due to its antioxidant properties.³ 
• It may reduce inflammation (swelling).  
• It may prevent any abnormal changes in the DNA cells. ³ 
• It may help to minimize iron deficiency.⁴ 

The oil found in corn flour, specifically in the corn germ, is like a treasure trove of goodness. It contains unsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols, and vitamins A and E, adding to its nutritional and medicinal value!

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Potential Uses of Corn Flour for Overall Health

Some of the potential uses of corn flour are: 

1. Potential Use of Corn Flour for Heart Health

Several clinical studies suggest that whole grain-derived products like corn flour may be beneficial to the heart. A study conducted in 2010 by Tighe et al. stated that consumption of corn flour may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by lowering blood pressure.⁵ Another study by Mellen et al. in 2008 suggested that dietary fibers present in corn flour may lower the risk of heart disease.⁶ However, you must consult your doctor if you have any symptoms of heart disease. 

2. Potential Use of Corn Flour to Lower Cholesterol Levels

Due to dietary fiber, corn flour may help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL- low-density lipoproteins) levels. Hollander et al in 2015 conducted a study stating that corn flour might lower bad and total cholesterol levels.⁷ However, you must check your cholesterol levels and consult your doctor in case of high cholesterol levels. 

3. Potential Use of Corn Flour for Diabetes

Several studies have shown that whole grain-derived products like corn flour may help in the case of type 2 diabetes. A majority of people with type 2 diabetes may not be able to produce insulin properly. Dietary magnesium, fiber, and vitamin A may regulate the insulin levels in the body.¹ Behall et al. conducted a long-term study in 1989 that showed that amylose starch might help to lower blood glucose levels in the body.⁸ However, you must consult your doctor in the case of high sugar levels. 

4. Potential Use of Corn Flour for Weight Management

Long-term and short-term studies showed that whole grain-derived products like corn flour may reduce the risk of obesity. Furthermore, 12 years suggested that a diet high in dietary fiber intake may help with weight management by increasing lipid oxidation after meals, thereby decreasing fat accumulation in the body.⁹ However, you must consult your dietician before making any changes in your diet. 

5. Potential Use of Corn Flour for Diarrhoea

Study conducted by Murphy et al. in 2008 showed that whole grain-derived products like corn flour may help in cases of diarrhoea. This is due to the dietary fibres and starch present in the corn flour, which enhance fermentation, thereby reducing the symptoms of diarrhoea.¹⁰ However, more research is required to check if corn flour can be beneficial in the case of diarrhoea. However, you must consult your doctor if you have severe diarrhoea. 

6. Potential Use of Corn Flour to Improve Digestion

Daily consumption of starch may enhance digestive health. Starch increases the uptake of minerals. Most of the starch survives in the digestive tract, bringing more bioactive compounds to the colon.¹ The dietary fibres present in corn flour further stimulate the activity and growth of the healthy bacteria found in the colon which improves gut health. ¹¹ However, more large-scale studies are yet to be done to confirm the effects of corn flour on digestive health. 

7. Potential Use of Corn Flour for Constipation

Corn flour may have a laxative effect, which may be beneficial for constipation. Starch present in corn flour may increase the water content in the stools. Muir et al. conducted research that suggested that corn flour may increase fecal output.¹² However, you must consult your doctor in the case of severe constipation instead of self-medicating. 

8. Potential Use of Corn Flour in Minimizing Iron Deficiency

Corn flour may help to reduce iron deficiency. When corn flour is fortified by iron, it may be beneficial to combat iron deficiency. The process of fortifying involves the strengthening of a substance. A study conducted by Miglioranza et al. in 2008 showed that there was a possible increase in levels of haemoglobin, transferrin (a protein that transports iron in the blood), and ferritin (a protein that stores iron). An increase in these may help in the case of iron deficiency and anemia.4 However, further studies are yet to be done to check if corn flour may help in the case of iron deficiency. Therefore, you must consult your doctor instead of self-medicating. 

Though some studies show the benefits of corn starch in various conditions, these are insufficient, and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of corn starch on human health. 

Processing corn grains into various corn products can affect their mineral content. Milling into flour may reduce iron, magnesium, sodium, and copper levels, while calcium, manganese, and magnesium remain unchanged. Roasting might decrease iron and potassium but increases calcium, sodium, magnesium, and zinc in yellow and white corn varieties.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

How to Use Corn Flour?

Corn flour can be incorporated into a variety of foods like: 

• It can be added to waffle or pancake batter to make a delicious breakfast. 
• Corn flour can be baked into bread, cakes, and muffins. 
• Corn flour biscuits and halwa (pudding) are some of the sweet dishes made from corn flour. 
• Corn flour is commonly used to make fritters. 

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Likewise, do not discontinue or replace an ongoing modern medical treatment with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor. 

Side Effects of Corn Flour

Side effects of corn flour may be due to allergies induced by exposure to corn pollen. The symptoms of the allergy may be as follows: 

• You may be sneezing. 
• It may cause itchy eyes and nose. 
• It may cause coughing. 
• It may cause rhinorrhoea (runny nose). 
• It may cause urticaria (rash and itching on the skin). 
• There may be nasal blockage.¹³ 

However, if any side effects are noticed with its use, you must seek medical help immediately.  

Precautions When Using Corn Flour

Adequate precautions should be taken before consuming corn flour, just like any other medicine. Pregnant women and lactating mothers should be extra cautious. Likewise, before giving corn flour to the elderly or children, precautions should be taken. Therefore, it is suggested to kindly consult a doctor before using corn flour for these individuals particularly.  

Interaction with Other Drugs

There are not enough studies on the interaction of corn flour with other drugs. Further studies on the interaction of corn flour are yet to be done. Therefore, you must consult your doctor if you are on any other medication before consuming corn flour.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References:

1. Siyuan S, Tong L, Liu R. Corn phytochemicals and their health benefits. Food Science and Human Wellness. 2018 Sep 1;7(3):185-95. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213453018301009 
2. Cornmeal, degermed, unenriched, yellow [Internet]. Food Data Central. [cited 2022 Sep29]. Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168929/nutrients 
3. Lao F, Sigurdson GT, Giusti MM. Health benefits of purple corn (Zea mays L.) phenolic compounds. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. 2017 Mar;16(2):234-46. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1541-4337.12249 
4. Garcia‐Casal MN, Peña‐Rosas JP, De‐Regil LM, Gwirtz JA, Pasricha SR. Fortification of maize flour with iron for controlling anemia and iron deficiency in populations. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2018(12). Available from: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD010187.pub2/abstract 
5. Tighe P, Duthie G, Vaughan N, Brittenden J, Simpson WG, Duthie S, Mutch W, Wahle K, Horgan G, Thies F. Effect of increased consumption of whole-grain foods on blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk markers in healthy middle-aged persons: a randomized controlled trial. The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2010 Oct 1;92(4):733-40. Available from: https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article-abstract/92/4/733/4597497 
6. Mellen PB, Walsh TF, Herrington DM. Whole grain intake and cardiovascular disease: a meta-analysis. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases. 2008 May 1;18(4):283-90. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0939475307000026 
7. Hollænder PL, Ross AB, Kristensen M. Whole-grain and blood lipid changes in apparently healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies–. The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2015 Sep 1;102(3):556-72. Available from: https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article-abstract/102/3/556/4564317 
8. Behall KM, Scholfield DJ, Yuhaniak I, Canary J. Diets containing high amylose vs amylopectin starch: effects on metabolic variables in human subjects. The American journal of clinical nutrition. 1989 Feb 1;49(2):337-44. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2644803/ 
9. Liu S, Willett WC, Manson JE, Hu FB, Rosner B, Colditz G. Relation between changes in intakes of dietary fiber and grain products and changes in weight and development of obesity among middle-aged women. The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2003 Nov 1;78(5):920-7. Available from: https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article-abstract/78/5/920/4677500 
10. Murphy MM, Douglass JS, Birkett A. Resistant starch intakes in the United States. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2008 Jan 1;108(1):67-78. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002822307019323 
11. Wilson SL. Evaluation of the Effects of Corn Flour Consumption on Cardiometabolic Outcomes and the Gut Microbiota in Adults with High Cholesterol (Doctoral dissertation, Arizona State University). Available from: https://search.proquest.com/openview/d3e831a7b02be1cd22dd2bae26458b68/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=yearch.proquest.com/openview/d3e831a7b02be1cd22dd2bae26458b68/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y 
12. Muir JG, Yeow EG, Keogh J, Pizzey C, Bird AR, Sharpe K, O’Dea K, Macrae FA. Combining wheat bran with resistant starch has more beneficial effects on fecal indexes than does wheat bran alone. The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2004 Jun 1;79(6):1020-8. Available from: https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article-abstract/79/6/1020/4690208 
13. Sung SY, Lee WY, Yong SJ, Shin KC, Park HS, Kim HM, Kim SH. A case of occupational rhinitis induced by maize pollen exposure in a farmer: detection of Ig E-binding components. Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research. 2012 Jan 1;4(1):49-51. Available from: https://synapse.koreamed.org/articles/1052300 

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