7 Benefits of Corn Silk and How to Use It

The thread growing from fresh corn on the cob is often discarded and never thought of again. But that thread, known as corn silk, can be of use. Research has shown that corn silk has many nutrients and other health benefits. The silk is edible, with simple nutrients, and can provide a bountiful amount of vitamins c, k, potassium, and more. 

Corn silk is wispy and gold, and most people usually just toss the tiny, delicate strands. But, they can be brewed into corn silk tea. It is believed that the Aztecs and Mayans originally used this tea. For over 6000 years, evidence shows this tea being used for medicinal purposes. 

In Asia, corn silk has traditionally been used as an herb. Native Americans used it for disease treatments. In modern times, you can find it used in traditional medicine in areas of the US, France, and Turkey. It can potentially provide major antioxidant benefits and function as a diuretic. Some claim it helps with energy, and some claim antidepressant properties. It can be taken as edible supplements or steeped as tea. But ultimately it is used for its antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, and antioxidant effects.

1. High blood pressure treatment: The properties of corn silk may make it a good treatment for high blood pressure. It helps flush excess fluids from the body, and it acts as a diuretic. A diuretic is a supplement or medicine that helps to rid the body of water and salt/sodium. Sodium helps to get water out of the body and decreases fluid in the arteries and veins, thus reducing blood pressure. Prescription diuretics treat high blood pressure and other heart conditions. Studies show corn silk extract contains chemicals that hamper the work of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which is known to increase blood pressure. People who were given corn silk supplementation ultimately had decreases in blood pressure, depending on the corn silk concentration.

2. Diabetes treatment: Elevation of insulin levels in diabetics has been shown to be a property of corn silk tea. The infused tea may help to keep blood sugars level in people with diabetes. It prevents major fluctuations in blood sugar readings throughout the day. Blood sugar levels should stay in the target range to help eliminate the risk of long-term health problems like vision loss, heart disease, or kidney disease. Level insulin and blood sugar levels also help to improve your mood and your energy. Blood sugar readings should be about 80 to 130 mg/dL before eating. Two hours after, it should be less than 180mg/dL. Depending on any other health issues, age, gender, or various other factors, your blood sugar target range may vary.  

3. Lower cholesterol levels: Though more studies are needed, some studies have shown corn silk extract reduced levels of total cholesterol and bad cholesterol called LDL. It also increases good cholesterol, or HDL. Two different types of lipoproteins carry cholesterol in between the cells. One is low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and one is high-density lipoprotein {HDL). LDL is called bad cholesterol because it adds to the fatty build-up in the arteries that narrows the center and increases heart attack and stroke risk. HDL is good cholesterol because higher levels indicate protection against heart disease and stroke. Diets rich in fat increase levels of cholesterol in the body. Corn silk taken afterward still produced lower levels of total cholesterol. 

4. Help with inflammation: Corn silk tea's properties may help with inflammation in the arms, legs, and joints of the body. Traditionally, corn silk tea has been used as a treatment for arthritis and gout. Arthritis is inflammation of the joints, and gout is a type of arthritis additionally burdened by heat, swelling, and crystalline deposits in the joint. 

5. Antioxidant benefits: Oxidative stress is a major aggressor in a number of medical ailments of the body. Antioxidants protect the body against oxidative stress and free radical damage. corn silk is a rich source of the plant compound known as the antioxidant flavonoid. These flavonoids are the source of many of the benefits of corn silk. They attack the stress and radical damages that can lead to conditions of inflammation, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.  

6. Eye pressure relief: In a study, intraocular pressure was reduced in hypertensive patients when given levels of corn silk extract. This was caused by the diuretic properties of elevated potassium levels in corn silk supplementation in high doses. 

7. Urinary system benefits: corn silk has shown promising benefits as a diuretic, uricosuric, and antilithiatic. In a study, the water extracted from corn silk showed antioxidant properties that can be used to treat swelling and gout, kidney stones, cystitis, prostatitis, and nephritis.

Since herbal supplements are not regulated in the US, your use of corn silk products should be approached with caution. You should not use corn silk supplementation if you are allergic to corn or corn products. No major reported side effects have been reported, but if you are allergic to corn silk, you could experience typical allergic reactions like itchiness or rashes. If you are taking prescription diuretics, it can increase the effects. As with any supplementation, please check with your doctor when beginning any new medical treatments.