Maize Starch & its Diverse Functionality
Starches from different sources, even those extracted from less common corn varieties, offer a range of functionality and present several potential advantages. Starch and derivatives have emerged as the most promising environment friendly ingredients over the years, offering varied application benefits in both food & non-food industries. These cost-efficient functional ingredients tend to influence appearance, texture, taste and shelf life of the products.
We all want foods and beverages with great mouthfeel and taste, but don’t want to fill up with fat, calories and sugar. Product developers recognize that low-fat, high-fiber and low carbs are critical factors today for baked goods and snack formulations. Starches help manufacturers to address these challenges. Starch can be extracted from more than 50 types of plants and supports sauces, puddings, pie fillings and soups.
But no two starches are created equal, and that’s good for bakery and snack product developers seeking to differentiate their products and solve formulating problems. Food starches provide “go to” answers that address structure, moisture, shelf life, yield and even cost issues. And they make a crucial difference when preparing the gluten-free and clean-label products that attract so much consumer buzz these days.
Bakery and snack food formulators can choose among native and modified grade of starch as well as pregelatinized styles.
Native Starches
Food starches come from many sources, but the most common are cereal grains (wheat, corn, rice),
tubers (potato, tapioca) and legumes (pea). Plants form starches to store energy for later use, but they do so in different ways — hence, the functional differences between them. Native starches are untreated and include corn (dent or field corn, waxy maize, high amylose), potato and tapioca. These native starch are allowed for use in food, but the range of chemically modified starches is restricted for food use. The use of native starch from plants is on the rise, as food developers and manufacturers replicate the properties and functions of wheat for gluten-free
applications, which hasn’t always been easy to do.
The functionality of native starch varies from heavy bodied pastes (corn) to high viscosity, long texture, creamy consistency and low temperature stability (waxy maize). Native starch are most suitable for products that are freshly prepared and used without prolonged storage. Native starch offered in purified but not otherwise modified form, differ in the way they work in baked foods and snacks. In snacks, native starches offer various features and functionalities, depending on the base material. Native maize starch hold the ability to provide expansion and texture control, uniform surface characteristics, structural stability and increased crunchiness.
Native starch also differ in how they thicken and texturize fillings, toppings and glazes. Different grades of starch can also enhance shear resistance, as well as acid and heat stability in varying degrees.
There’s a taste factor involved, too. Some starches can contribute a cereal note when cooked. Potato and tapioca starches possess less flavour and are used in more delicately flavoured products. Native starch must be cooked to get their full benefits. The functionality of native starch is also affected by processing conditions such as mixing, shear, pH and baking time and temperature. Other ingredients may change the performance of native starches.
HL Agro manufactures native maize starch for food processing, textile and paper industries. Made from the Non-GMO maize, the starch powder is invariably used to impart viscosity, stability, creaminess, texture, binding properties, pleasant mouthfeel, and more to food formulations ranging from frozen baked goods to powdered instant puddings to bottled salad dressings.
Modified Starches
Modified starches have been used for years in many applications, often as a thickening agent, emulsifier or stabilizer. But processors are increasing their use of clean-label starches as well as native starches, the latter especially for gluten-free products. Modified starch are made by chemically treating native starch to change their properties, typically through hydrolyzing bonds or crosslinking parts of the starch molecule, thus shortening or lengthening its chain length.
Bakery formulations gain benefits through use of modified starches. These benefits include viscosity control and management of moisture during baking. Also, starches enable control over texture, cell structure and finished product shape and size. In fillings, they optimize viscosity, texture, appearance, bake stability and shelf life. And they help with cost control.
The more specialized the job, the more a modified starch is needed. Modified starches benefit bakery formulations by addressing specific needs within the product. These requirements might be freezethaw stability, batter adhesion, moisture control or viscosity stability.
Food manufacturers find success with these native & modified array of starches. Modified and clean-label starches allow bakers to address mega market trends, including increased ingredient and formulation costs, nutrition — by either addition or reduction — as well as gluten-free and unique textures.
Starches help bakers address these trends in a cost-efficient manner. By stabilizing texture and shelf life, they enhance convenient use of baked foods.
7 Things to Know Before You Start Taking Natural Sweeteners
Eating sweet things is practically unavoidable because, after all, they are incredibly delicious! They help boost our mood and activate our brain’s reward system. However, excessive sugar consumption can lead to a range of health issues. Becoming very indulgent with sugary items is not healthy for our bodies.
Various sweet ingredients are available for people to use for their dessert recipes and good manufacturing. This includes both artificial sweeteners, like corn sweeteners, and natural sweeteners. Many claim natural sweeteners as a healthy alternative to consuming traditional sweet items that use liquid glucose or corn sweetener. But are natural sweeteners really better than processed products? We will answer this and more in the following article. Let’s dive into the 7 things to know before you start taking natural sweeteners.
1. Natural sweeteners have a negligible amount of nutrients.
Corn sweeteners are made by refining, and many believe that the minerals and nutrients inside the ingredients are stripped away. They think natural sweeteners, like honey and maple syrup, are in their raw or minimally-refined state, meaning they retain their nutrients. However, the number of nutrients is negligible as sweet desserts are never meant to be healthy, no matter how much you try. These desserts will never be able to fulfill your nutrient requirements, and you are better off consuming a healthy diet alongside traditional liquid glucose desserts.
2. Natural sweeteners differ in taste from corn sweeteners.
Since natural sweeteners are close to their raw state, they have a different taste and texture. They typically have a darker texture than artificial sweeteners like liquid glucose, which has a more white and transparent color. As a result, they have a very caramel-like taste. Because of this taste profile, they are more suitable for certain dishes than others. On the other hand, you cannot substitute them for corn sweeteners in items like soft drinks and fruit juices. Corn sweeteners are much better for products like these and are the most widely used sweetener.
3. Corn sweeteners are available in a consistent form compared to natural sweeteners.
Natural sweeteners are available in various options, but the taste can often differ since they are raw. This is not a good thing for companies that put out products with a consistent taste. Consumers want consistent products as they like products that are familiar and consistently delicious.
Corn Sweeteners or Liquid Glucose syrups has an important place in the sweet manufacturing business. It is preferred in baking for sweetening as well as for sensory attributes, such as color, consistency and texture. Corn sweeteners are deemed to be an ideal option because they are made with strict quality control, ensuring a uniform product that ticks all the boxes.
4. Natural sweeteners are not suitable for candy and baked food items.
Corn sweetener syrups are made to control sugar crystals’ formation. Additionally, it has moisture-retaining properties that keep the food moist and fresh. These factors are pretty crucial when candy and baked goods are being manufactured.
Therefore, natural sweeteners are not ideal for this purpose. On the other hand, corn sweeteners can help fulfill these requirements and allow such goods to be manufactured on a large scale.
5. Natural sweeteners can be expensive to manufacture.
When it comes to food item manufacturing, creating products that are within budget is quite crucial. This is where liquid glucose trumps natural sweeteners and other sweeteners like corn syrup. This is because it is made with readily available corn while not using whole kernels like corn syrup. Natural sweeteners are often more expensive as they are made from less readily available sources.
6. Natural sweeteners and liquid glucose are compatible with vegan diets.
There are many claims that natural sweeteners are better than liquid glucose because they are made with natural ingredients, making them ideal for a vegan diet. However, liquid glucose is vegan as no animal products are used inside. It is made with corn, a vegan ingredient, by heating the starch at high temperatures in the presence of enzymes. Therefore, you can certainly use liquid glucose to make an assortment of vegan dishes, specially baked and confectionary goods.
7. Natural sweeteners should be consumed in moderation, just like corn sweeteners.
Natural sweeteners may be healthier than artificial sweeteners, but you should still eat them in moderation. This is because you should consume a particular recommended amount of sugar daily, whether obtained through liquid glucose or natural sweeteners. You should stay below this limit regardless of the natural sweetener you use. As a result, natural sweeteners are not better regarding the amount of sugar you can consume.
In conclusion
Eating sugar is practically unavoidable because it is used in many recipes and manufacturing processes. People also tend to have sugar cravings that they tend to indulge in. This results in high sugar consumption, which is unsuitable for your health.
Many people claim that natural sweeteners are better, but as seen in this article, these claims are not always correct. Just as calories in moderation are not bad for you, natural and artificial sweeteners in moderation are also not bad for you. Therefore, you should consume sugar in moderation regardless of the sweetener you use. We have seen how liquid glucose is a much more budget-friendly and ideal product for manufacturing candy and baked goods.
6 Amazing Corn Facts You Didn’t Knew Before
Corn is considered to be one of the major staple diets and important crops world over. This golden crop is known to be high in sucrose, but it consists of various other nutrients that can’t be overlooked. Believed to have first cultivated in Mexico and Central America 10,000 years ago, corn is rich in complex carbohydrates. Technically corn is a cereal grain, though it is commonly assumed to be a vegetable. It is used to make various cooking oils, flour, popcorn, bread, cornmeal, chips, snacks etc.
Corn is rich in antioxidants, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Apart from the popular yellow variety, many types of this golden grain come in red, purple, white, as well as black. If you enjoy having these delicious golden kernels, then following are some amazing uses and benefits of corn you probably didn’t know before.
Difference between Cornmeal, Cornstarch, Corn flour and Masa flour
Cornmeal is prepared by powdering the whole corn. The coarsest grits are usually made into corn corn starch vs corn flourflakes. The finer flour is sent to stores for making bread and batter. More refined ground corn is known as corn cones, which is used in baking. The finest ground corn is called corn flour, which is used in pancakes, baby food, and donuts.
Another variety of corn flour, the masa flour, is prepared by treating corn with lime to release all of the corn’s natural niacin. Masa flour is used in tortillas or tamales.
Benefits of Corn steep liquor (CSL)
Corn steep liquor (CSL) is a raw liquid which contains nitrogen, natural acids, and yeast. It was considered as a waste till the 1940s when researchers started using it to grow penicillin in large quantities.
Several Other Uses of Corn Starch
Corn Starch is derived from the endosperm of the corn. After removing the husk and germ, the remaining endosperm is grounded up, and the gluten is removed from the starch. Corn starch is commonly used to thicken curries and sauces. It is also combined with sugar for making confectioners’ sugar. It is a key ingredient of biodegradable plastic.
Uses of Corn Syrup
Corn syrup is also prepared from corn starch. Starch contains natural sugars. Different Enzymes are mixed into the cornstarch and is further processed to convert the natural glucose into corn syrup. Corn syrup is mostly used in soft drinks as it is less expensive than natural cane sugar.
Benefits of Corn for Powering Vehicles
In the US, ethanol biofuel is produced by distilling corn. Gasoline-powered vehicles can run on ethanol-blended gas.
Advantages of Corn to Treat Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
Herbal tea made from corn silk is commonly used to treat urinary tract infections, as it has diuretic properties. The tea is also believed to cure various diseases, including diabetes and cancer. However, much research is still needed to back such claims.
Different Usages of Corn Oil
Corn Oil is manufactured by extracting the germ of the corn. It is mostly used for deep frying. Margarine can also be made from corn oil. It is also added in soaps, beauty products, and medicines.
Industrial Benefits of Corn Cobs
Corn cobs are usually considered the useless part of corn. However, it has many different uses. Ground cobs are commonly used in livestock feed. It is also used as animal bedding, an alternative for toilet paper, landfill, and fuel. More advanced industrial products that are made from cobs include insecticides, fertilizer, ethanol, etc. Corn germ is used to increase the strength of industrial glue. This helps to reduce the quantity of resin in the glue and brings down the manufacturing costs.
Providing Premium Corn and Corn Products
HL Agro is one of the most reliable and leading names in the food industry providing its consumers premium quality corn and corn-based products all the way from India. Known to be one of the most renowned and acclaimed suppliers of corn, corn gluten and corn starch powder along with several other seeds and grains, HL Agro believes in catering to the needs of its global consumers and providing corn of the finest quality. Our industrial plants strictly follow quality assurance procedures and maintain high level hygiene standards. Also, at HL Agro, no harmful and harsh chemicals are used to treat the corn grains at any stage.
How Sesame Seeds Affect Cholesterol?
Sesame seeds may be tiny, but they are bursting with goodness that can work wonders for your heart health. These little powerhouses have been used for centuries in different cultures for their remarkable health benefits. In this article, we’ll explore how sesame seeds can be your secret weapon for improving heart health & cholesterol levels.
Sesame Seeds Overview:
Sesame seeds, derived from the sesame plant, are small, flat, oval-shaped seeds with a distinctive nutty flavor. They have been valued for centuries for their culinary significance as well as their health benefits and medicinal properties.
These versatile seeds are cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with major production in countries like India, China, and Ethiopia.
Keep in mind, there are multiple different kinds of sesame seeds, read our in-depth article here that details the different varieties of sesame seeds.
Nutritionally, sesame seeds are powerhouses packed with essential nutrients, including protein, healthy fats (including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids), dietary fiber, and a range of vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc.
These nutrients contribute to overall well-being and offer numerous health benefits, including heart health. In fact, some researchers believe sesame seeds to be one of the best herbs for lowering cholesterol.
1. May Lower LDL Cholesterol
Sesame seeds have been studied for their potential to lower LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels, commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol. The healthy fats present in sesame seeds, such as polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, have been shown to have a beneficial effect on cholesterol management.
These fats help to increase HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol, which aids in removing LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream and reducing its buildup in the arteries.
Moreover, sesame seeds contain plant sterols and stanols, which are structurally similar to cholesterol. These compounds compete with cholesterol for absorption in the gut, effectively reducing the amount of cholesterol that gets into the bloodstream. By incorporating sesame seeds into the diet, individuals may experience a modest but meaningful reduction in LDL cholesterol levels, contributing to better heart health.
2. May Improve HDL Cholesterol Levels
Beyond its impact on LDL cholesterol, sesame seeds may also play a role in raising HDL cholesterol levels.
HDL cholesterol is known to have protective effects against heart disease as it helps transport excess cholesterol from the arteries back to the liver for excretion.
Studies have suggested that sesame seeds’ healthy fats, along with other bioactive compounds, may support the elevation of HDL cholesterol levels, providing further cardiovascular protection.
3. Fiber’s Impact on Cholesterol Management
Dietary fiber, found abundantly in sesame seeds, is known for its cholesterol-lowering effects.
Soluble fiber, in particular, forms a gel-like substance in the gut, which binds to cholesterol and bile acids, preventing their reabsorption. As a result, the liver must use more cholesterol to produce new bile acids, leading to a decrease in overall cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.
The fiber content in sesame seeds makes them an excellent addition to a cholesterol-friendly diet. Incorporating these tiny seeds into meals and snacks can contribute to improved cholesterol management and a healthier heart.
4. Rich in Antioxidants
Oxidized cholesterol, which is cholesterol that has undergone chemical changes due to oxidative stress, is considered more harmful to the arteries and may promote atherosclerosis (the buildup of plaque in the arteries). Sesame seeds contain powerful antioxidants, such as sesamin and sesamol, which help combat oxidative stress in the body.
By neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative damage, these antioxidants may protect cholesterol particles from oxidation. This, in turn, can help maintain the integrity of LDL cholesterol, preventing it from becoming more harmful and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Numerous scientific studies have explored the antioxidative properties of sesame seeds and their potential benefits for cardiovascular health, further supporting their positive impact on cholesterol management.
How to Add Sesame Seeds to Your Diet:
By incorporating sesame seeds into your daily diet, you can harness their cholesterol-lowering effects and support your heart health naturally.
From sprinkling sesame seeds on salads and yogurt to using sesame seed oil in cooking, these little wonders can be easily integrated into a heart-healthy lifestyle.
As always, it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity, and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized cholesterol management advice.
Conclusion:
Don’t underestimate the power of these tiny sesame seeds! Their nutrient-rich composition may be able to do wonders for naturally managing cholesterol levels.
So, the next time you’re looking for a natural way to support heart health, consider adding sesame seeds to your daily routine. With regular use, you’ll be amazed how this natural herb supports your heart health.
How to Start a Starch Processing Business in 2023?
Successful businesses must assess what people need, and what they want, and then supply them with those goods or services. The best businesses, especially during periods of inflation or recession, focus on needs.
Sometimes people know their needs and wants. For example, a TV falls into the want category for most. However, food is something all people need.
Corn starch is an essential food that people need, even though they may not realize it. After all, not many people sit around talking about corn starch. Corn starch is a white, tasteless, and odorless powder extracted from the white endosperm found in the center of a corn kernel. It’s a key ingredient in most of the packaged food available to people today. It also works as a thickening ingredient in sauces and soups. Corn starch is also a key ingredient for sweeteners and in bakery goods.
Corn starch is nutritious because it has a high percentage of easily digested carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Corn starch is also gluten-free, a market that is excellent for savvy business professionals. The global gluten-free food market is projected to grow from $5.72 billion in 2021 to $9.99 billion in 2028.
Most people are used to seeing corn starch in their pantries, but it serves as a key ingredient in a variety of other household and industrial goods. For example, corn starch is used to produce green cleaning products. Corn starch is also used to manufacture textiles, pharmaceuticals and papers.
Because corn starch is a human need, starting a corn starch processing business is an excellent idea. Owners of corn starch processing businesses can feel good about themselves at the end of the day. Corn starch keeps people healthy and satiated. It helps people live in cleaner homes, and produces medicines that help people feel better. New innovations in corn starch production and food processing have made it more enviornmentally-friendly. And according to a recent report, there are high-profit margins for businesses related to corn starch manufacturing and processing. The global corn starch market size was valued at $15.73 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach $29.39 billion by the end of 2026.
So here, we’re going to advise you on how to start a corn starch processing business in 2023.
1. Determine your target audience.
Corn starch is used for many purposes. Narrow down the audience you want to target. It’s hard to think of an industry that doesn’t use corn starch in some way. It’s used in fields related to food, adhesives, paper products, pill production, and textile manufacturing. It even helps supply glucose for people.
2. Research the competition.
Learn about other corn starch processors near you. Examine their goods, business models, and market shares. Check Google News to see what people have written about these companies, and follow their social media accounts.
3. Educate yourself daily.
Set up a Google News Alert for “corn starch manufacturing” and “corn starch food processing.” Start each day with your coffee, and perhaps a baked good made with corn starch, to check your email and read all about new innovations, market outlooks and more. For example, a recent article found through Google News is titled, “Scientists unveil new method that extracts antioxidant nutrients from corn processing waste.”
The article explains that of the more than 120 million metric tonnes of corn starch produced each year, nearly 15 percent is discarded or fed to chickens and other animals. Swedish researchers have consequently successfully claimed to have developed a method to generate nutritional value from what they describe as “a huge side stream.”
4. Find your supply chain source.
HL Agro is a company that provides excellent corn starch. Their products include a variety of grades of maize starch, which cater to industries ranging from food, textile, paper, pharmaceuticals to adhesives. Their products originate in India. Reach out to ask them about what it costs to purchase corn starch from them.
5. Make sure you know what food processing equipment you’ll need to buy.
Corn starch must be cleaned, milled and packaged. One company, Quantum, sells a variety of high-quality manufacturing equipment needed for the production of pizza, prepared meals, bakery goods and more. Their equipment is used by companies from Green Bay, Wisconsin to Korea. Reach out to them for quotes and check out the customer reviews on their website.
6. Make a business plan.
With the financial quotes from the two steps above, develop a business plan that includes an operations plan (the equipment, staff, and production needs for your company). Be sure to include financial projections, i.e. the costs, sales, and earnings of your company for the next three to five years. You can pay corn starch production experts to help you produce a report for around $2400. But if you want to truly understand the numbers yourself, you should use the free templates offered by the Small Business Administration.
7. Register as an official business.
With the help of a lawyer and accountant, choose the best legal structure for your firm, such as a corporation, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or sole proprietorship.
8. Reach out to potential investors.
You can get financing from your own savings, banks, government-backed loans, investors or through crowdsourcing. But don’t jump to this step too fast. They’ll want to be sure you know your numbers before they give you a dime.
9. Start processing corn starch.
With money in hand, you can rent a place to process corn starch (the United States is home to a high number of corn starch processing facilities), train staff, buy equipment, implement quality control and start selling.
Be sure to check out the cornstarch resourced from India that’s offered by HL Agro and the equipment offered which is used by a variety of businesses to produce foods and goods that include cornstarch.
How Sesame Seeds helps in lowering your Cholesterol
Sesame seeds may be tiny, but they are bursting with goodness that can work wonders for your heart health. These little powerhouses have been used for centuries in different cultures for their remarkable health benefits. In this article, we’ll explore how sesame seeds can be your secret weapon for improving heart health & cholesterol levels.
Sesame Seeds Overview:
Sesame seeds, derived from the sesame plant, are small, flat, oval-shaped seeds with a distinctive nutty flavor. They have been valued for centuries for their culinary significance as well as their health benefits and medicinal properties.
These versatile seeds are cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with major production in countries like India, China, and Ethiopia.
Keep in mind, there are multiple different kinds of sesame seeds, read our in-depth article here that details the different varieties of sesame seeds.
Nutritionally, sesame seeds are powerhouses packed with essential nutrients, including protein, healthy fats (including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids), dietary fiber, and a range of vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc.
These nutrients contribute to overall well-being and offer numerous health benefits, including heart health. In fact, some researchers believe sesame seeds to be one of the best herbs for lowering cholesterol.
1. May Lower LDL Cholesterol
Sesame seeds have been studied for their potential to lower LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels, commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol. The healthy fats present in sesame seeds, such as polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, have been shown to have a beneficial effect on cholesterol management.
These fats help to increase HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol, which aids in removing LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream and reducing its buildup in the arteries.
Moreover, sesame seeds contain plant sterols and stanols, which are structurally similar to cholesterol. These compounds compete with cholesterol for absorption in the gut, effectively reducing the amount of cholesterol that gets into the bloodstream. By incorporating sesame seeds into the diet, individuals may experience a modest but meaningful reduction in LDL cholesterol levels, contributing to better heart health.
2. May Improve HDL Cholesterol Levels
Beyond its impact on LDL cholesterol, sesame seeds may also play a role in raising HDL cholesterol levels.
HDL cholesterol is known to have protective effects against heart disease as it helps transport excess cholesterol from the arteries back to the liver for excretion.
Studies have suggested that sesame seeds’ healthy fats, along with other bioactive compounds, may support the elevation of HDL cholesterol levels, providing further cardiovascular protection.
3. Fiber’s Impact on Cholesterol Management
Dietary fiber, found abundantly in sesame seeds, is known for its cholesterol-lowering effects.
Soluble fiber, in particular, forms a gel-like substance in the gut, which binds to cholesterol and bile acids, preventing their reabsorption. As a result, the liver must use more cholesterol to produce new bile acids, leading to a decrease in overall cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.
The fiber content in sesame seeds makes them an excellent addition to a cholesterol-friendly diet. Incorporating these tiny seeds into meals and snacks can contribute to improved cholesterol management and a healthier heart.
4. Rich in Antioxidants
Oxidized cholesterol, which is cholesterol that has undergone chemical changes due to oxidative stress, is considered more harmful to the arteries and may promote atherosclerosis (the buildup of plaque in the arteries). Sesame seeds contain powerful antioxidants, such as sesamin and sesamol, which help combat oxidative stress in the body.
By neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative damage, these antioxidants may protect cholesterol particles from oxidation. This, in turn, can help maintain the integrity of LDL cholesterol, preventing it from becoming more harmful and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Numerous scientific studies have explored the antioxidative properties of sesame seeds and their potential benefits for cardiovascular health, further supporting their positive impact on cholesterol management.
How to Add Sesame Seeds to Your Diet:
By incorporating sesame seeds into your daily diet, you can harness their cholesterol-lowering effects and support your heart health naturally.
From sprinkling sesame seeds on salads and yogurt to using sesame seed oil in cooking, these little wonders can be easily integrated into a heart-healthy lifestyle.
As always, it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity, and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized cholesterol management advice.
Conclusion:
Don’t underestimate the power of these tiny sesame seeds! Their nutrient-rich composition may be able to do wonders for naturally managing cholesterol levels.
So, the next time you’re looking for a natural way to support heart health, consider adding sesame seeds to your daily routine. With regular use, you’ll be amazed how this natural herb supports your heart health.
Is Corn Starch bad for your Health?
Cornstarch is a popular ingredient used to thicken soups, stews, sauces, and desserts.
It can also be used in a variety of other recipes and help hold together fruit-based pie fillings, soften certain baked goods, and add a crisp coating to veggies, meats, and crusts.
However, despite the versatility of this common kitchen staple, many people wonder whether it’s good for you. Let's look at the nutrition facts and health effects of cornstarch to determine whether you should include it in your diet.
Nutrients
Cornstarch is high in calories and carbs, but it lacks important nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
One cup (128 grams) of cornstarch contains the following nutrients:
Calories: 488
Protein: 0.5 grams
Carbs: 117 grams
Fiber: 1 gram
Copper: 7% of the Daily Value (DV)
Selenium: 7% of the DV
Iron: 3% of the DV
Manganese: 3% of the DV
Keep in mind that amount is much greater than what most people consume in a single serving. For example, if you’re using cornstarch to thicken soups and sauces, you may only use 1–2 tablespoons (8–16 grams) of cornstarch at a time, which is unlikely to contribute any significant nutrients to your diet apart from calories and carbohydrates.
Downsides
Cornstarch may be associated with several negative side effects.
- May increase blood sugar levels
Cornstarch is rich in carbs and has a high glycemic index, which is a measure of how much a specific food affects your blood sugar levels. It’s also low in fiber, an important nutrient that slows the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream.
For this reason, cornstarch is digested very quickly in your body, which may lead to spikes in your blood sugar levels. Therefore, cornstarch may not be a great addition to your diet if you have type 2 diabetes or are hoping to better manage your blood sugar levels.
- May harm heart health
Cornstarch is considered a refined carb, meaning that it has undergone extensive processing and been stripped of its nutrients. Studies show that regularly consuming foods rich in refined carbs, such as cornstarch, may negatively affect heart health.
According to one analysis, diets rich in refined carbs and foods with a high glycemic index may be linked to a greater risk of coronary heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
- Lacks essential nutrients
Apart from calories and carbs, cornstarch brings little to the table in terms of nutrition. Although large amounts of it provide small amounts of micronutrients like copper and selenium, most people only use 1–2 tablespoons (8–16 grams) at a time.
Therefore, it’s important to pair cornstarch with a variety of other nutrient-dense foods as part of a balanced diet to ensure that you’re meeting your nutritional needs.
Recommendations
Although cornstarch may be associated with several downsides, it can be enjoyed in small amounts as part of a healthy, well-rounded diet. If you have diabetes or are following a low carb diet, you may want to consider moderating your intake of cornstarch.
Ideally, stick to 1–2 tablespoons (8–16 grams) at a time and consider swapping in some other cornstarch substitutes, such as arrowroot, wheat flour, potato starch, and tapioca, whenever possible. Additionally, while pure cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, be sure to select certified gluten-free varieties to avoid cross-contamination if you have celiac disease or a sensitivity to gluten.
The Bottom Line
Cornstarch is a thickening agent often used to improve the texture of soups, sauces, marinades, and desserts. Each serving is high in carbs and calories but low in important nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein.
Consuming high amounts regularly may increase your blood sugar levels and be associated with adverse effects on heart health.
However, it can fit into a healthy, well-rounded diet if used in moderation and enjoyed alongside a variety of other nutrient-dense foods.
