Corn Silk – 9 Surprising Benefits
Corn is a plant native to the Americas, which can grow up to three meters in height and has been consumed for tens of thousands of years. Currently, it is grown in warm regions, and corn silk is used in many natural remedies.
Most people prefer to eat only corn kernels. This component of the plant is very tasty and can be included in soups, cakes, chilli and many other dishes.
What many of us do not know is that corn silk has many incredible medicinal properties. Although we throw this ingredient in the trash, the truth is that corn silk can help us treat various health problems.
In today’s article we invite you to discover the main medicinal benefits of corn silk, as well as how you can use it to prepare a delicious tea.
9 health benefits of corn silk
1. Protects the urinary tract
The antiseptic and diuretic properties of corn silk can be a reliable ally against urinary tract infections. Specifically, corn silk tea reduces inflammation, relieves irritation and inhibits the proliferation of bacteria.
2. Fights joint pain
Corn silk has certain anti-inflammatory and alkaline properties, due to which it is a useful ingredient against joint pain. It reduces the level of acidity in the body, combats water retention and reduces the risk of inflammatory reactions.
3. Reduces blood pressure
Corn silk is indicated for people suffering from high blood pressure. Its flavonoid content improves blood circulation and regulates blood pressure. In addition, this ingredient controls the level of sodium in the body, the excess of this element causing hypertension.
4. Fights nasal congestion
Tea made from corn silk clears the airways, reduces inflammation in the throat and combats the main symptoms of colds and flu. This drink has expectorant and calming properties, stimulating decongestion of the chest and nose.
5. Supports detoxification of the body
The antioxidant content of corn silk is useful to stimulate the elimination of toxins retained by the body. This ingredient provides benefits for liver health, optimizing excretory function and reducing the risk of developing hepatic steatosis (fatty liver).
6. Regulates blood sugar
Those who suffer from type II diabetes and drink corn silk tea can significantly reduce their blood sugar. This remedy has been shown to regulate insulin production and fight the body’s resistance to this hormone.
7. Relieves headaches
Due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, corn silk can relieve chronic headaches. If you choose to drink tea prepared from this ingredient, you will improve your blood circulation and you will improve the rigidity of the shoulders, neck and jaw.
8. Fights muscle tension
Corn silk is recommended for athletes, as it has the ability to relieve muscle tension that occurs due to high-impact exercises. Also, this component of corn has a low calorie content, hydrates the body and balances the level of electrolytes.
9. Supports weight loss
Being low in calories and having diuretic properties, corn silk tea is useful for those trying to lose weight. Consumption of this drink prolongs the feeling of satiety, improves metabolism, keeps inflammation under control and facilitates waste disposal.
How to make corn silk tea?
To take advantage of corn silk and all its beneficial properties, we advise you to use this wonderful ingredient to make a tea.
ingredients
- 3 tablespoons (30 g) corn silk
- 1 l of water
Method of preparation
- Bring the liter of water to the boil, then reduce the heat and add the corn silk.
- Bring the mixture to a boil for a few minutes, then remove from the heat and let it infuse.
- As soon as it reaches an optimum temperature, strain the infusion and serve.
- You can drink between three and four cups of this drink a day.
Contraindications
Pregnant women and people suffering from kidney disease are not allowed to drink corn silk tea. Furthermore, if you are taking a drug against high blood pressure, consult your doctor before consuming this remedy.
