Corn flour - the benefits and harms of the product. What are the benefits of corn flour for the body?

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND NUTRITIONAL ANALYSIS

Nutritional value and chemical composition "Corn flour".

The table shows the contents nutrients(calories, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals) per 100 grams of edible portion.

Nutrient Quantity Norm** % of the norm in 100 g % of the norm in 100 kcal 100% normal
Calorie content 331 kcal 1684 kcal 19.7% 6% 509 g
Squirrels 7.2 g 76 g 9.5% 2.9% 1056 g
Fats 1.5 g 60 g 2.5% 0.8% 4000 g
Carbohydrates 72.1 g 211 g 34.2% 10.3% 293 g
Dietary fiber 4.4 g 20 g 22% 6.6% 455 g
Water 14 g 2400 g 0.6% 0.2% 17143 g
Ash 0.8 g ~
Vitamins
Vitamin A, RE 33 mcg 900 mcg 3.7% 1.1% 2727 g
beta carotene 0.2 mg 5 mg 4% 1.2% 2500 g
Vitamin B1, thiamine 0.35 mg 1.5 mg 23.3% 7% 429 g
Vitamin B2, riboflavin 0.13 mg 1.8 mg 7.2% 2.2% 1385 g
Vitamin B4, choline 8.6 mg 500 mg 1.7% 0.5% 5814 g
Vitamin B5, pantothenic 0.24 mg 5 mg 4.8% 1.5% 2083 g
Vitamin B6, pyridoxine 0.182 mg 2 mg 9.1% 2.7% 1099 g
Vitamin B9, folates 30 mcg 400 mcg 7.5% 2.3% 1333 g
Vitamin E, alpha tocopherol, TE 0.6 mg 15 mg 4% 1.2% 2500 g
Vitamin RR, NE 3 mg 20 mg 15% 4.5% 667 g
Niacin 1.8 mg ~
Macronutrients
Potassium, K 147 mg 2500 mg 5.9% 1.8% 1701 g
Calcium, Ca 20 mg 1000 mg 2% 0.6% 5000 g
Magnesium, Mg 30 mg 400 mg 7.5% 2.3% 1333 g
Sodium, Na 7 mg 1300 mg 0.5% 0.2% 18571 g
Sera, S 71.1 mg 1000 mg 7.1% 2.1% 1406 g
Phosphorus, Ph 109 mg 800 mg 13.6% 4.1% 734 g
Microelements
Iron, Fe 2.7 mg 18 mg 15% 4.5% 667 g
Manganese, Mn 0.174 mg 2 mg 8.7% 2.6% 1149 g
Copper, Cu 76 mcg 1000 mcg 7.6% 2.3% 1316 g
Selenium, Se 10.5 mcg 55 mcg 19.1% 5.8% 524 g
Zinc, Zn 0.66 mg 12 mg 5.5% 1.7% 1818
Digestible carbohydrates
Starch and dextrins 70.6 g ~
Mono- and disaccharides (sugars) 1.3 g max 100 g
Saturated fatty acids
Saturated fatty acids 0.2 g max 18.7 g
Polyunsaturated fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids 0.02 g from 0.9 to 3.7 g 2.2% 0.7%
Omega-6 fatty acids 0.808 g from 4.7 to 16.8 g 17.2% 5.2%

Energy value Corn flour is 331 kcal.

  • 250 ml glass = 160 g (529.6 kcal)
  • 200 ml glass = 130 g (430.3 kcal)
  • Tablespoon ("with top" except liquid products) = 25 g (82.8 kcal)
  • A teaspoon ("with top" except for liquid products) = 8 g (26.5 kcal)

Main source: Skurikhin I.M. and others. Chemical composition of food products. .

** This table shows the average levels of vitamins and minerals for an adult. If you want to know the norms taking into account your gender, age and other factors, then use the My Healthy Diet app.

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NUTRIENT BALANCE

Most foods may not contain the full range of vitamins and minerals. Therefore, it is important to eat a variety of foods to meet the body's needs for vitamins and minerals.

Product calorie analysis

SHARE OF BZHU IN CALORIES

Ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates:

Knowing the contribution of proteins, fats and carbohydrates to calorie content, you can understand how well a product or diet meets the standards healthy eating or requirements a certain diet. For example, the US and Russian Departments of Health recommend 10-12% of calories come from protein, 30% from fat and 58-60% from carbohydrates. The Atkins diet recommends low carbohydrate intake, although other diets focus on low fat intake.

If more energy is expended than it is received, the body begins to use up fat reserves, and body weight decreases.

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USEFUL PROPERTIES OF CORN FLOUR

Corn flour rich in vitamins and minerals such as: vitamin B1 - 23.3%, vitamin PP - 15%, phosphorus - 13.6%, iron - 15%, selenium - 19.1%

What are the benefits of corn flour?

  • Vitamin B1 is part of the most important enzymes of carbohydrate and energy metabolism, providing the body with energy and plastic substances, as well as the metabolism of branched amino acids. A lack of this vitamin leads to serious disorders of the nervous, digestive and cardiovascular systems.
  • Vitamin PP participates in redox reactions of energy metabolism. Insufficient vitamin intake is accompanied by disruption of the normal condition of the skin, gastrointestinal tract and nervous system.
  • Phosphorus takes part in many physiological processes, including energy metabolism, regulates acid-base balance, is part of phospholipids, nucleotides and nucleic acids, and is necessary for the mineralization of bones and teeth. Deficiency leads to anorexia, anemia, and rickets.
  • Iron is part of proteins of various functions, including enzymes. Participates in the transport of electrons and oxygen, ensures the occurrence of redox reactions and activation of peroxidation. Insufficient consumption leads to hypochromic anemia, myoglobin deficiency atony of skeletal muscles, increased fatigue, myocardiopathy, and atrophic gastritis.
  • Selenium- an essential element of the antioxidant defense system of the human body, has an immunomodulatory effect, participates in the regulation of the action of thyroid hormones. Deficiency leads to Kashin-Beck disease (osteoarthritis with multiple deformities of the joints, spine and limbs), Keshan disease (endemic myocardiopathy), and hereditary thrombasthenia.
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Nutritional value- content of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the product.

Nutritional value food product - a set of properties of a food product, the presence of which satisfies the physiological needs of a person for the necessary substances and energy.

Vitamins, organic substances required in small quantities in the diet of both humans and most vertebrates. Vitamin synthesis is usually carried out by plants, not animals. A person's daily requirement for vitamins is only a few milligrams or micrograms. Unlike inorganic substances, vitamins are destroyed by strong heat. Many vitamins are unstable and are “lost” during cooking or food processing.

Corn flour is valued not only by chefs for its ability to give baked goods an extraordinary airiness, but also by nutritionists and cosmetologists. The rich composition of the product allows you to include it in your diet for weight loss and as a therapeutic nutrition. The most valuable is flour coarse, made from durum varieties corn.

Benefit

Corn flour can be used in the system dietary nutrition to get rid of unnecessary kilograms, since dishes made from it contribute to rapid saturation. The corn diet is ideal for fasting days after a hearty feast, when it is important not to let the gained kilograms accumulate. In the menu for losing weight, you can safely include baked goods made from such flour (limiting the addition of sugar and butter): it turns out light, crumbly, but very nutritious.

Corn flour has many beneficial properties for the body.:

  • due to its significant fiber content (4.36 g per 100 g of product - 22% of the recommended norm per day), it maintains intestinal health, prevents and eliminates constipation, and helps reduce the risk of colon cancer;
  • contains a sufficient amount of vitamin B1, which is involved in important metabolic processes throughout the body, stimulating blood circulation and brain activity, tidying up the functioning of the nervous system;
  • improves the condition of blood vessels, removes excess cholesterol, fights heart disease;
  • maintains acid-base balance in the body, ensures normal growth and maintenance of healthy bone and dental tissues thanks to phosphorus;
  • prevents cell aging;
  • enhances muscle growth, therefore useful when playing sports;
  • the high iron content allows you to include flour in the diet with low hemoglobin in the blood;
  • has choleretic functions, which makes it the most important product in case of problems in gallbladder and liver;
  • normalizes urination, relieves inflammation bladder, promotes the dissolution of kidney stones;
  • reduces excessively high blood pressure;
  • Regular consumption of corn flour improves skin color.

Products containing corn flour are successfully used in home cosmetology. With their help you can

  • rejuvenate the skin of the hands and face, smooth out small wrinkles;
  • remove the top keratinized layer of skin;
  • tighten the oval of the face;
  • cleanse oily skin, get rid of inflammatory processes;
  • reduce visible cellulite;
  • depending on additional ingredients nourish or moisturize hair.

Harm

Corn flour helps thicken the blood, so it is contraindicated if you are prone to thrombosis. The product prevents weight gain, which is why it can harm people who are underweight or have poor appetite. Corn flour causes harm to the diseased gastrointestinal tract, especially during exacerbation of ulcers. Corn and products made from it cause excessive bile secretion and contribute to the deterioration of the diseased liver.

In 2014, the cultivation of genetically modified corn was officially permitted in the countries European Union. Flour made from such a plant may contain a certain amount of GMOs, so you should be interested in which country the product is made from.

As a result of use mineral fertilizers and other modern agrochemical measures, corn can contain significant amounts of nitrates, which turn into carcinogenic compounds that can cause cancer. Carcinogens are also found in yellow mold, which can affect corn flour stored at high humidity.

The amount of carbohydrates and saturated fats in corn flour does not exceed the norm.

Calorie content

The calorie content of 100 g of corn flour is 331 kcal, which is 16% of the recommended daily intake. To measure the mass of a product at home, use glasses and spoons. The table provides data on the calorie content of corn flour in these units of measurement:

Contraindications

The product is not contraindicated during pregnancy. Nutritionists advise expectant mothers to include cornmeal dishes (pancakes, flatbreads, casseroles) in their diet up to 4 times a day.

After a year, the product can be gradually included in the child’s menu. Dishes with corn flour are especially indicated for children who, for some reason, cannot eat wheat flour, and also prone to diathesis.

Corn flour is contraindicated for:

  • exacerbation of gastric ulcer;
  • serious intestinal diseases;
  • desire to gain weight;
  • acute liver diseases;
  • tendency to thrombosis.

Nutritional value

Vitamins and minerals

To get maximum quantity benefits for the body from dishes with corn flour, it is important to choose the right product. Real flour has a pleasant yellow, its grains are small in size. It must be in a sealed bag indicating the production date and expiration date. The product acquires most of its beneficial qualities only a month after production.

Corn flour benefits and harms

What is corn flour

Corn flour is a product obtained by grinding dried corn grains. It is widely used in the preparation of various types of baked goods (corn bread, pies, cookies, muffins, scones, etc.).

One cup (125 grams) of yellow cornmeal contains 416 calories and 4.4 grams of fat (virtually no saturated fat). It contains 11 g of protein and 89 g of total carbohydrates, including 75 g of starches. This amount of flour contains 7.3 g of dietary fiber, which can help reduce the risk of constipation. Corn flour contains no cholesterol and is good source phytonutrients and antioxidants called .

So, why is it useful? corn flour?

The benefits of corn flour for the body

Is corn flour healthy? Corn flour is beneficial for the body due to its composition, which includes the following substances:

Sodium

Cornmeal is naturally low in sodium—one cup (125 grams) of cornmeal contains 6 milligrams of sodium. Diet with low content sodium may help prevent high blood pressure or help lower blood pressure if you already have hypertension. It is recommended to consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day for adults, and up to 1,500 milligrams per day for those with hypertension.

Zinc

Yellow cornmeal provides a source of zinc, an essential mineral for enzymatic function. activates enzymes that regulate gene activity in your cells, increasing immune system and help convert food into energy. It also makes up part of your cell membranes and activates an antioxidant enzyme that helps prevent damage to those membranes as well as your DNA and proteins. A cup of yellow cornmeal provides your body with 2 milligrams of zinc. This provides 25% of the recommended daily intake for women and 18% for men, according to guidelines set by Institute of Medicine.

Iron

The beneficial properties of corn flour are also due to the presence of iron in it. According to Institute of Medicine, Each cup of yellow cornmeal contains 2.8 milligrams of iron, which is 35% of the daily iron needs for men and 16% for women. The iron you get from food is included in the hemoglobin found in your red blood cells and promotes healthy oxygen circulation. Iron also allows your cells to produce energy and helps your white blood cells (a component of your immune system) fight infection.

Carotenoids and vitamin A

The golden hue of yellow cornmeal is due to the carotenoids found in corn. Carotenoids are yellow-orange pigments that promote tissue function and fight disease. Lutein and zeaxnatnin (two carotenoids in yellow cornmeal) filter light as it enters the eyes, helping to healthy vision and prevent age-related eye diseases. Other carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, convert to vitamin A and support your immune system, aid cell growth, and increase red blood cell production. Thanks to its carotenoid content, each cup of yellow cornmeal provides 250 IU of vitamin A, providing 11% of the daily intake for women and 8% for men, as recommended Institute of Medicine.

Fiber (dietary fiber)

Fiber helps your body respond properly to insulin and control blood sugar levels, and also helps lower blood cholesterol. Fiber also promotes your long-term health, fights cardiovascular disease and reduces your risk of developing diabetes mellitus 2 types. A cup of yellow cornmeal contains 8.5 grams of fiber, which is 34% of the daily recommended fiber intake for women and 22% for men.

Other nutrients

Risk of developing pellagra

Corn is a staple food for many people. If you consume corn and corn meal in large quantities, there is a possibility of developing a disease called pellagra. Pellagra is nothing but a deficiency of vitamins, especially niacin (vitamin B3) in the body. Corn does not contain enough amino acids (and tryptophan) and niacin, which help protect the body from pellagra. If corn is a major part of your diet, make sure you supplement your diet with vitamin-rich foods to avoid developing pellagra.

Bloating and flatulence

Corn contains a high percentage of starch. When you consume corn, it is broken down in the colon and produces a lot of gas. Therefore, if someone consumes corn and corn flour products in large quantities, it may cause bloating and flatulence.

Indigestion

Corn is a good source of fiber and other vital nutrients which help cleanse the body of toxins. But an overdose of these dietary fiber may cause side effects such as stomach upset and cramping! So, watch how much corn you consume, in any form.

Tooth decay

Corn and cornmeal contain large number sugar, so it can lead to tooth decay in some people. This is one of the rare side effects corn, but not one to be taken lightly! Make sure you follow good oral hygiene and brush your teeth after eating cornmeal products.

Causes osteoporosis

People who eat a lot of corn-based foods may suffer from osteoporosis because corn contains very little calcium. But this only matters if the corn is not supplemented with appropriate calcium-rich foods.

Increases weight

As mentioned earlier, corn contains high amounts of sugar and carbohydrates. Excessive consumption of corn can certainly lead to weight gain. People on a diet should avoid consuming cornmeal-based products.

Causes lethargy

Corn contains a sufficient amount of starch. Starch can cause drowsiness and lead to lethargy.

In most cases, the harm of corn flour can be minimized simply by diversifying your diet and consuming corn-based products in moderation.

Corn flour is valuable product nutrition, which has become widespread in cooking, cosmetology, and folk medicine. It gives dishes unusual taste, and valuable chemical elements have positive influence on the body.


This type of flour is not as rich in composition as wheat flour. However, it contains some unique components that give it positive properties.

Contains the following nutrients:

  • vitamins E, A, H, PP, B1, B2, B5 and B9;
  • minerals– magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, potassium;
  • amino acids;
  • dietary fiber;
  • carotenoids.

The calorie content of corn powder is 331 kcal per 100 g. It contains 3.5 g of fat, 8.8 g of protein and 71 g of carbohydrates, 60 g of which is starch.

To calculate the calorie content of ready-made corn dishes you can use the following table:

This flour is included in many weight loss diets with limited added sugar in prepared foods. It contains a lot of fiber, so it provides a long-lasting feeling of fullness and reduces appetite.

How is corn better than wheat?

Wheat flour is most often used in cooking. However, its corn variety has more beneficial properties:

  1. It can be consumed by those who are on a diet. It improves the microflora of the stomach and intestines, and also slows down the fermentation process of carbohydrates.
  2. It is allowed to be eaten by people with gluten intolerance.
  3. The feeling of fullness after eating it lasts much longer.
  4. Due to its rich chemical composition, it is recommended for use by athletes and people undergoing severe physical activity.

Effect on the body

This product is not very popular in Russia, so not every person knows about the benefits and harms of corn flour. However, the presence of valuable components determines its positive effect on health.

Health Benefits

The product has wide range effects on many body systems:

  1. Improved digestion. Fiber and amino acids stimulate gastric secretion, cleanse the gastrointestinal tract of harmful substances, and prevent the development of cancer diseases intestines and contribute better absorption nutritional components.
  2. Helps strengthen bones and teeth. Phosphorus, which is part of the product, is their main component.
  3. Renders beneficial influence on nervous system, restores neural connections and improves concentration.
  4. The choleretic properties of the product are used for cholecystitis. However, its use is prohibited for cholelithiasis.
  5. It has a beneficial effect on the skin, improving its color and general condition.
  6. Thanks to high content Protein helps maintain muscle tissue in good condition.
  7. Renders positive action on the circulatory system, strengthens blood vessels and prevents the formation of cholesterol plaques.
  8. Iron, necessary for the synthesis of red blood cells, improves the process of hematopoiesis, and amino acids help cleanse the blood.
  9. Vitamins and microelements strengthen the immune system.

This product has been used in folk medicine. It is used to prepare medicinal potions that relieve kidney stones, high blood pressure and inflammation of the bladder.

Possible harm and contraindications


Contraindications to the use of corn grain powder logically follow from its beneficial qualities:

  1. Due to the fact that this flour has a stimulating effect on digestion, it should not be used as food for people with gastrointestinal diseases - gastritis or stomach ulcers during an exacerbation, pancreatitis.
  2. Prevents weight gain, so consumption should be limited if you are underweight.
  3. It is not recommended for use by people prone to blood clots, because the product further thickens the blood.
  4. For diseases of the liver and gallbladder, preliminary consultation with a specialist is necessary.
  5. Individual intolerance.

If you have the listed health problems, you must exclude the product from your diet.

Features of use

Corn powder is widely used in cooking. It is used to bake bread and flatbreads, produce confectionery and snacks, and use it in the preparation of sauces as a thickener. But, despite the usefulness of this product, certain standards for its use should be observed.

Normal for an adult

Allowed daily use this product, but it is better to eat it in the first half of the day.

Largest number valuable substances contained in wholemeal flour, so preference should be given to this variety.

Excessive consumption of rich baked goods leads to excess weight gain.

For diseases

Consumption of this product should be limited in case of pancreatitis. During the period of weakening of symptoms, it is allowed to consume up to 100 g per day of stale cornbread or porridge. Fresh baked goods provokes an exacerbation of the disease.

Diabetics are allowed to eat corn products. Regular bread should be replaced with yeast-free ones unleavened cakes. You can periodically introduce porridge into your diet - it has a low glycemic index and slows down the process of glucose absorption. But sweet and deep-fried foods are prohibited.

When losing weight

The beneficial effect on the digestive system and the presence of some valuable components determine the use of corn for weight loss. Dishes prepared with flour from this cereal give a feeling of fullness for a long time. They contribute better cleansing body during fasting days and prevent the appearance extra pounds after festive feasts.

With this product you can cook dietary baking, but some conditions must be observed - add a minimum amount of sugar, butter and eggs. Even in this case, the products turn out unusually tasty and airy.

During the diet, it is useful to eat bread made from corn flour. However, it is necessary to carefully study the composition - some additives increase its calorie content.

To overweight left faster, it is important to follow a few simple recommendations:

  1. Dishes made from this type of flour are best consumed in the morning. They will provide the body with energy for the whole coming day. For breakfast you can eat unleavened tortillas or tortillas. They go well with fruits, vegetables and seafood. To prevent the product from being lost dietary value, you should choose products made from wholemeal flour.
  2. You can also have corn flakes for breakfast. But they should not contain sugar, glaze or chemical additives. Then they will have a positive effect on the digestion process;
  3. It is forbidden to eat during the diet corn sticks and other sweets with high calorie content.

There are various mono-diets based on corn. However, you cannot limit your diet to one product for a long time.

During pregnancy


Eating corn flour in moderation during pregnancy will not only do no harm, but will also help cope with some problems.

Dishes prepared from this product should be added to the diet 3-4 times a week. It is better to eat them in the first half of the day: consumption in the evening increases gas formation and disrupts sleep. This effect is associated with a large number fiber and carbohydrates.

  1. Unleavened stale cakes relieve toxicosis in the first trimester of pregnancy. Eat enough small piece and wash it down clean water. Unpleasant sensations will quickly go away;
  2. In the second trimester, when the fetus is growing most actively, corn flour will saturate the body with essential substances. To replenish losses, it is recommended to consume 50-80 g per day. It can be used to bake bread or add to other dishes;
  3. In the final trimester corn product will relieve swelling and prevent severe weight gain. It should be consumed daily, but in small quantities. If discomfort and bloating occur, the portion must be reduced until the discomfort disappears.

Use baked goods should be limited to 1-2 times a week.

For nursing mothers

It is allowed to consume corn flour during the entire lactation period. It can be added to dishes, such as cheesecakes, or used to make unleavened bread and liquid porridge, which are best absorbed by the body.

Sugary foods such as corn pops should not be eaten until the baby is at least 3 months old. Sugar has negative impact on the baby’s digestive system, unnecessarily loading the intestines and pancreas, and causing diathesis.

In the diet of children

At the age of 6-7 months, corn porridge is recommended to be included in the diet of babies. Preference should be given to a medium or coarse grind product, because the amount of valuable components in it is greatest. You can prepare it yourself from corn grains by grinding them in a coffee grinder.

To ensure that the use of a new product does not have a negative impact on the child’s health, it is necessary to follow the recommendations of the World Health Organization:

  1. For children with insufficient body weight, complementary foods can be introduced at the age of 5.5-6 months. Other babies should be given porridge after vegetables - upon reaching 7 months;
  2. It should be gradually introduced into the diet and monitor the baby’s reaction. For the first time, 1 teaspoon will be enough. If no problems arise, the portion can be gradually increased;
  3. The porridge should have a liquid consistency and not contain salt or sugar. To 1 tbsp. You need to add 80 ml of water to a spoonful of flour - this is the optimal proportion. You can add a small amount of breast milk to the finished dish;
  4. For 8-9 month old babies it is allowed to prepare a mixture of corn porridge and fruit purees.

Baking made from this flour, like other confectionery products, is allowed only from 1.5 years of age.

Types of corn flour


Depending on the grinding method, it happens:

  • coarse - obtained by grinding grains using stone millstones. This type is the most useful and dietary;
  • medium grinding – most often used in bakery production;
  • fine grinding - produced using modern processing of cereals with metal millstones. The product does not contain bran impurities and is used for making puddings, desserts and other confectionery.

Depending on the variety of cereal, the following types are distinguished:

  • blue – has a sweet taste and a bluish tint;
  • yellow - received greatest distribution, since this variety of cereal is grown almost all over the world;
  • red – different rich taste. The Spaniards use it to prepare polenta, an analogue of hominy;
  • white - produced in Africa and the USA.

The yellow variety of this product is usually found on the shelves of Russian stores.

Dietary recipes


Hominy

This is the porridge that is national dish in Moldova and Romania.

It requires the following ingredients:

  • 400 g medium flour;
  • 1.3 liters of water;
  • salt (to taste).

You should take a small cauldron with thick walls, fill it with water and put it on the fire. After the liquid boils, flour is carefully poured in and salt is added.

The porridge must be stirred constantly. The mixture is cooked for half an hour until thickened. After this, place it on a plate and sprinkle low-fat cottage cheese or cheese.

Corn cheesecakes

To prepare you need:

  • 300 g low-calorie cottage cheese;
  • 3 tbsp. spoons of flour;
  • 1 egg;
  • 1 tbsp. spoon of brown sugar;
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest;
  • 1/3 teaspoon vanilla.

Cottage cheese, vanilla and sugar are ground to a homogeneous consistency. Then add 2 tbsp. spoons of corn flour and knead the dough from which the cheesecakes are made. Next they are breaded and fried.

This is just a small part dietary recipes, which use this nutritious product. It can be purchased at a regular supermarket or specialty store. When consumed in moderation, it will help support the immune system and solve some health problems.

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Corn is a large annual cereal and is considered one of the oldest crops mastered by mankind 7-12 thousand years ago. Today they occupy approximately 132 million hectares of land, and the annual harvest is about 450 million tons.

About half of the world's crop comes from the United States, where local farmers grow corn for home pastures. The grain of this crop is intended not only for human nutritional needs. It is also the main feed for livestock and poultry. In this article we will look at questions such as:

  • Corn flour, its benefits and harm for humans.
  • Areas of application of corn flour.
  • Properties.

Corn and harm

Fresh corn is one of many people's favorite foods. The grains of this wonderful cereal can be eaten boiled or dried (popcorn). It is also very popular and is an indispensable ingredient in many dishes. home cooking. Corn is also used to make cereals intended for preparing tasty and healthy porridge. An equally popular product is corn flour, which is widely used by many chefs to prepare a variety of baked goods.

The benefit of corn flour lies in its high nutritional properties. A variety of products made from this component are well absorbed by the body, improve digestion and metabolism.

You can often hear the following question: “Is cornmeal healthy?” To answer this, we need to take a closer look chemical composition And nutritional value of this product. Flour contains many minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, group B (B1, B2), vitamins PP and E, starch and beta-carotene.

Despite the fact that this product It has a fairly high calorie content (331 kcal per 100 g); some types of bread baked from it can be used as a dietary food and promote weight loss.

The benefits of corn flour have long been known in folk medicine. This wonderful product is used for polio, helps strengthen blood vessels, normalize heart function, stimulates bile secretion, increases hemoglobin and even prolongs youth. For diseases such as tuberculosis and chronic disorders digestive system, corn flour is also an essential food product.

What are the properties of corn flour? Known useful qualities of this product for various inflammatory processes of the gallbladder, hypertension and kidney stones. Many athletes try to include dishes prepared with corn flour in their diet due to its high nutritional value.

It should be noted that this product does not contain gluten (gluten), a protein substance found in white grains (wheat, rye, etc.). Persons suffering from a disease such as celiac disease are prohibited from eating gluten-containing foods. In this case, while following a diet, patients can use corn flour as an alternative to wheat or rye. However, products made from it should not be eaten if:

  • You have increased blood clotting. Corn flour helps thicken the blood, so with this disease, its use should be kept to a minimum.
  • Are there any pathologies? gastrointestinal tract. IN in this case Corn flour products should be consumed with caution to avoid exacerbations chronic diseases Gastrointestinal tract.

Application

What other properties does corn flour have? The benefits and harms of this product have been described above. Let's consider additional uses of corn flour.

This product is known to be used in completely unexpected areas. For example, flour is widely used in fishing as bait for white fish. In addition, it is used as a binding agent in the manufacture of various sausages, brewing, etc. Another important property is that it slows down the fermentation of carbohydrates, which is why products with the addition of such a component retain their shelf life longer.

The use of corn flour is known in various areas human activity. It is most often used in cooking. In addition to a variety of baked goods, this product is used in the manufacture corn flakes, which modern children love so much. Coarse flour is used primarily for baking bread and confectionery. To produce the most fluffy and airy culinary creations, a finely ground product is used. Corn flour is used to make dishes such as pancakes, pancakes, bakery products, pies, various cookies and cakes, desserts, soups, main courses, etc.

Corn flour is also used in cosmetology. There are known recipes for various face and hand masks made using this product.

for smoothing wrinkles

2 tbsp. spoons of corn flour should be mixed with the white of 1 egg until foam forms. Using a cotton swab, apply a thin layer to the skin of the face or hands. After 20 minutes, the mask must be washed off or wiped with a damp cloth. To achieve the effect of narrowing pores, your face should be rinsed cold water and apply nourishing cream.

Exfoliating mask

A tablespoon of honey must be mixed with a tbsp. spoon of corn flour. You can use the resulting mass as a scrub or mask. It is advisable to apply the mixture in a circular motion. After 10 minutes, the residue must be washed off.

Firming mask

1 tbsp. a spoonful of white clay should be mixed with a tbsp. spoon of flour. Add 2 tbsp. spoons of strong brewed black tea and 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, then mix the mixture until smooth. For dry skin, brewed tea can be replaced with yogurt.

Apply the mask to your face and wait 20 minutes. After completing the procedure, the residue should be washed off.

Anti-acne mask with corn flour

2 tbsp. spoons of corn flour must be mixed with 2 tbsp. spoons of liquid soap. Add 2 tbsp. spoons of chopped almond powder and 1-2 tbsp. spoons of apple cider vinegar.

This mask has an extremely beneficial effect on the condition oily skin face, and will also help get rid of acne and various skin inflammations. This acne remedy can be used daily, leaving on the face until completely dry.

How to replace corn flour

Often housewives when making culinary masterpieces encountered in recipes with such an ingredient as corn flour. Often this product is not available in household supplies. The question arises: “What can replace corn flour?”

If you don’t have such an ingredient at home, you can prepare it yourself. For this you need the usual corn grits and a coffee grinder. Grind the dry cereal thoroughly until flour forms.

After grinding, grains may remain in the flour. In this case, it can be sifted through a sieve, and large unground particles can be removed.

Conclusion

So, we looked at what properties corn flour has, what its benefits and harms are. Let's pay a little attention to the problem genetically modified products, filling domestic shelves in the 21st century.

Recently, the cultivation of corn from genetically modified seeds has been expanding and increasing every year. What are the dangers of GMOs?

GMO products are obtained by introducing “target genes” into the genetic structure of plants in order to endow them with new properties. In this way, evolution is artificially accelerated.

Due to the lack of research in this area, one can be wary of excessive consumption of any corn products, since most corn grains are grown using this technology.

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