What Does Eating Cornstarch Do to Your Body

Cornstarch is a type of starch that is derived from maize. It is commonly used as a thickener in food preparation and has also been used as an adhesive agent and sizing agent in textile production.

Cornstarch is generally considered to be a safe ingredient to consume, but there are some potential health risks associated with its consumption.

In this article, we will take a look at what eating cornstarch does to your body, as well as the various health benefits and potential downsides of consuming it.

What Does Eating Cornstarch Do to Your Body?

cornstarch in bowl
Image Credit: womenshealthmag.com

When cornstarch is consumed, it is broken down into simple sugars in the digestive system. These simple sugars are then absorbed into the bloodstream and used for energy by the body.

Cornstarch is a complex carbohydrate, which means that it takes longer for the body to break it down and absorb its nutrients. This makes cornstarch a good choice for people who are looking for a slow release of energy throughout the day.

There are some potential health benefits associated with consuming cornstarch. Cornstarch is a good source of fiber, which can help to regulate digestion and may also help to lower cholesterol levels. 

Additionally, cornstarch contains some essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. However, it is important to note that the health benefits of cornstarch are generally only seen when it is consumed in moderate amounts.

What is Cornstarch?

Cornstarch is a type of starch that is derived from maize. It is commonly used as a thickener in food preparation and has also been used as an adhesive agent and sizing agent in textile production. 

Cornstarch is generally considered to be a safe ingredient to consume, but there are some potential health risks associated with its consumption. Following this article, we will take a look at what eating cornstarch does to your body, as well as the various health benefits and potential downsides of consuming it.

Cooked Cornstarch vs. Raw Cornstarch

One of the most common questions about cornstarch is whether it is better to consume cooked or raw cornstarch. While there are some benefits to consuming raw cornstarch, such as higher nutrient content, it is generally recommended that people cook their cornstarch before consuming it.

This is because cooking helps to break down the starch molecules and makes them easier for the body to digest. Additionally, cooked cornstarch has a lower risk of containing harmful compounds, such as acrylamide.

If you are considering adding cornstarch to your diet, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional about the best way to prepare it.

What Are the Potential Downsides of Consuming Cornstarch?

There are some potential downsides to consuming cornstarch. One of the most common concerns is that cornstarch may contain unhealthy levels of acrylamide, a carcinogenic compound that is formed during the cooking process.

Additionally, cornstarch is high in calories and may contribute to weight gain if consumed in large quantities. Finally, cornstarch may also cause digestive issues in some people, such as gas and bloating.

When it comes to what eating cornstarch does to your body, there are both potential benefits and risks associated with its consumption. However, overall, cornstarch is generally considered to be a safe ingredient to consume.

If you are concerned about any of the potential downsides of consuming cornstarch, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional before adding it to your diet.

Furthermore, blood sugar levels can rise quickly when eating foods high in cornstarch. This is because cornstarch is broken down into simple sugars in the digestive system and then absorbed into the bloodstream.

For people with diabetes or prediabetes, this can cause blood sugar levels to spike. It is important to monitor your blood sugar levels closely if you are consuming foods high in cornstarch.

There can be several heart problems that are caused by eating foods that contain cornstarch. These heart problems include an irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart disease.

Additionally, cornstarch can also cause indigestion and gas. If you experience any of these side effects after consuming cornstarch, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional.

Health Benefits of Cornstarch

There are some potential health benefits associated with consuming cornstarch. Cornstarch is a good source of fiber, which can help to regulate digestion and may also help to lower cholesterol levels.

Additionally, cornstarch contains some essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. However, it is important to note that the health benefits of cornstarch are generally only seen when it is consumed in moderate amounts.

Cornstarch is gluten-free, making it a suitable substitute for wheat flour for people with celiac disease or other gluten allergies. Although this is the case, there are many more nutritious gluten-free flours. Oat flour, for example, contains considerably more fiber, protein, and minerals than cornstarch.

Carbs are broken down by your body and converted into glucose, which is used as energy by your cells. Fiber, fat, and protein keep blood sugar levels stable. Cornstarch has fewer nutrients than whole-grain carbohydrates, so it gives you more energy faster.

Conclusion

Eating cornstarch can offer some potential health benefits; however, there are also some risks associated with its consumption. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before adding cornstarch to your diet. If you do choose to consume cornstarch, it is important to do so in moderation.

Additionally, cooked cornstarch is generally better for you than raw cornstarch. This is because cooking helps to break down the starch molecules and makes them easier for the body to digest.

If you are considering adding cornstarch to your diet, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional about the best way to prepare it.

While there are some potential health benefits associated with consuming cornstarch, it is important to remember that it should be consumed in moderation. This is because cornstarch is high in calories and may contribute to weight gain if consumed in large quantities. Additionally, there are many more nutritious gluten-free flours available.

FAQs

Is it safe to consume cornstarch?

Yes, it is safe to consume cornstarch in moderation. However, there are some risks associated with its consumption, such as indigestion and gas. If you experience any of these side effects after consuming cornstarch, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional. Additionally, cooked cornstarch is generally better for you than raw cornstarch.

Why should you take cornstarch in moderate amounts?

Cornstarch is high in calories and may contribute to weight gain if consumed in large quantities. Additionally, there are many more nutritious gluten-free flours available. Therefore, it is important to consume cornstarch in moderate amounts.

What are the health benefits of cornstarch?

Some potential health benefits associated with consuming cornstarch include regulating digestion, lower cholesterol levels, and providing essential vitamins and minerals. However, these benefits are only seen when cornstarch is consumed in moderate amounts.

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