Corn Silk: A Boon To Health

By Manpreet Kaur, Sonika Sharma and Kiran Grover]

Department of Food and Nutrition

Maize is the third most common crop in India after wheat and rice. Approximately 47 percent of the total production is used as poultry feed in India. The remaining produce is used for livestock feed and food purposes (13% each), 14 per cent in the starch industry, 7 per cent as processed food and 6 per cent for export and other purposes. In Punjab total production of maize is 410.5 thousand tons in the year 2019-2020. Population of Punjab is very much fond of maize (corn); thus, it is omnipresent in agricultural fields and in the Punjabi diet. The processing of maize results in a tremendous amount of cornsilk (byproduct) which is highly ignored as agricultural waste. Residue of crops discarded as agro-waste usually carries healthful ingredients. Conversion of agro-waste into value-added products has got potential for agro-waste management as well as enhancing agricultural income.

Corn silk is made from stigmas which are soft, fine and yellowish thread like strands present on the apex of corn fruit. A typical corn silk is 10-20 cm in length. It is viewed as a waste product from corn cultivation and available in loads. 

Health benefits of corn silk

During human metabolism, harmful compounds such as reactive oxygen species and free radicals with significant oxidizing capabilities are formed. If these compounds are not removed from the body in time, they will damage the biological membranes and cell functioning, resulting in ageing, cardiovascular disease, cancer etc. Antioxidants may be able to scavenge free radicals, lessening their harmful effects on the human body. However, because of the potential safety hazards associated with synthetic antioxidants, the low-toxic, safe and effective natural antioxidants have been a research priority. Corn silk is one of the agro-waste that contains natural antioxidants.

Corn silk is a potential source of functional compounds such as flavonoids, sterols, alkaloids, polysaccharides, organic acids, volatile oils, trace elements, and multivitamins. Compounds identified in corn silk that have antioxidant characteristics and possible health benefits have received a lot of attention, corn silk has been reported to contain nutrients that are indispensable for human fitness like carbohydrates, protein, lipids, flavonoids, vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, calcium and potassium. As the corn silk is rich in protein, fiber, calcium, potassium, magnesium and antioxidants, it could be potentially used to resolve the nutritional deficiencies and many health problems in a target region.  Corn silk is utilized as a diuretic agent to relieve the passage of stones from urinary bladder and kidney. Corn silk's diuretic action is due to the huge concentration of potassium. Corn silk extract contains a high amount of maysin, a type of flavonoid specifically found in corn. Maysin has anti-obesity and anti-oxidant effects. Corn silk has various medicinal properties which help in treating several health problems like chronic kidney disease, urinary tract infection, anxiety and inflammation. Beta-sitosterol is also present in corn silk, which is useful for reducing blood cholesterol levels. Corn silk extract has anticancer efficacy. Consumption of corn silk has no adverse effects and safer for humans.  

Utilization of corn silk

Corn silk is now becoming a well-known functional food. Processed dried corn silk powder has been successfully incorporated into food products. Corn silk tea is also one of the easiest as well as best ways to consume it for maximum health benefits. Corn silk tea can be prepared from fresh as well as dried corn silk. Corn silk tea helps in lowering the high blood glucose levels. Making corn silk tea may be accomplished in a variety of ways. Corn silk tea consumption on a daily basis aids in managing diabetes.

Preparation of corn silk powder

1. Fresh corn silk
2. Cleaning of corn silk by washing to remove dust/unwanted material
3. Drying of corn silk (Shade drying/sun drying/tray drying/microwave drying)
4. Grinding
5. Corn silk powder

Storage of corn silk

Fresh corn silk is highly perishable as it contains high moisture content. Therefore, it is suggested to store corn silk in the form of powder. Corn silk powder can be stored in air-tight glass container upto one year.

Nutritional composition of corn silk powder per 100 g

Preparation of corn silk tea

 Ingredients

• Corn silk powder - 2 g
• Lemon grass/green cardamom/cinnamon - as per flavor preference

Method

• Mix corn silk powder and preferred flavouring ingredient together and put in an empty tea bag. 

• Place the tea bag in the cup.
• Pour 150 ml boiling water in the cup containing tea bag.
• After 5 minutes, remove the tea bag from the cup. 
• Tea is ready to drink or serve.

Note: Honey of sugar can be added as per individual preferences. 

                                                                                                                         Corn SIlk Tea
Mineral and antioxidant content of corn silk tea per cup (150ml)

Consumption of corn silk as corn silk tea is the best suitable way. However, it can be incorporated in the powder form in various food products like pasta, expanded snacks, cookies etc. Incorporation of corn silk powder in food increases the nutrient as well as antioxidant content of food which helps in enhancing nutritional and overall health status of people.

*Authors are from Department of Food and Nutrition