The threads that grow on corn are known as corn silk. People have used corn silk as a cure for many diseases and we can call it Chinese Traditional Medicine. Corn silk has numerous health benefits and can be used to control high blood pressure and cholesterol issues. Using corn silk for diabetes is something that researchers have shown to be beneficial.
Every adult in the world is at risk of getting mild diabetes if he does not control his sugar intake. Then why shouldn’t we take natural supplements like cornsilk that keep the blood sugar under control? Studies conducted from 2015 to 2017 showed that corn threads have anti-diabetic properties. They reduce the starch and sugar intake from foods in the intestine. This helps to keep the blood glucose level under control.
How does corn silk help with diabetes?
Corn silk increases insulin levels in the blood and controls hyperglycemia. The pancreas is the main gland where insulin is produced. If the B cells of the pancreas are damaged, corn silk also helps in healing. It in turn stimulates insulin production and regulates blood glucose levels.
Obesity and diabetes
Diabetes and obesity have a direct connection. The reason for obesity is eating a diet that is high in carbs. So you can replace it with fiber which corn silk has. A diet that is low in carbs is effective for treating obesity which in turn control diabetes.
Research has shown that people who are obese are at a high risk of getting type-2 Diabetes. People who have a high intake of sucrose and fructose and eat carbs-based diet increase their chances of getting diabetes.
How can you use corn silk for diabetes?
Corn silk tea is the most common method of using corn silk for diabetes. You can put some corn fibers in the boiling water for 10-15 minutes and then drink tea. You can also dry this corn silk, make a fine powder and use it as a tea mixture. The safe amount of using corn silk is about 5 grams per 10 kg body weight.
Other health benefits of cornsilk
- Corn silk also has some other health benefits apart from being anti-diabetic.
- It has anti-toxic and anti-inflammatory effects which makes it suitable for conditions like skin infections and damage.
- It can be helpful against high blood pressure and cardiovascular disorders.
- It also aids in removing kidney stones. If you use corn silk, it stimulates uric acid excretion.
- Having a proportion of corn silk in your diet can protect your kidneys from the side effects of medicines.
Risk factors of using cornsilk
If you are taking additional supplements then corn silk can cause reactions. You need to be very careful about the dosage of herbal medicines. Remember that overuse of everything is harmful even if it is something healthy. Herbal medicines are not suitable for everyone, so you must ask your doctor before using them.
If you have high blood pressure, or you take medicines for heart disease, inflammation, or blood clotting, then using cornsilk for diabetes might not be right for you.
What should you do?
In addition to using corn silk for diabetes, you should also take proper care of your health if you are diabetic. Firstly, make and maintain a proper diet plan including all the necessary nutrients that you require. Secondly, take some exercise and keep your body weight under control. Thirdly, test your blood sugar level regularly.