Corn oil: use, benefit and harm

A healthy diet is a question that has recently become quite acute for both residents of megalopolises and for people living outside the city. That is why only healthy foods should prevail in the diet, including butter used for cooking. Among the range of vegetable oils proposed today it is necessary to highlight corn, whose benefits to the body are indisputable.

Cultivation of corn by humans for later use in food has more than one hundred years. The plant is grown for use as an independent product. In addition, based on it, a unique, and therefore valuable in its chemical composition, oil is prepared, which has a beautiful golden color and high organoleptic properties. In appearance, the product sold on the shelves of stores, has a certain similarity to the usual for all sunflower oil.

For the first time, oil was obtained in America (at the end of the 19th century), after which the product was actively consumed, assessing its balanced composition. Obtaining oil occurred by soaking the culture grains in water, after which the mass was treated with sulfur dioxide.

Today, products are manufactured using two basic technologies: the use of a press and an extraction method. Only grains are used as raw materials in production - the product is not made from corn germs, since the latter react and oxidize under the action of oxygen, which negatively affects the quality of the finished composition. The properties of the product, such as color, smell and taste, are directly dependent on the selected technology for the treatment of grain culture.

Today, manufacturers offer some types of corn oil.

• Product marked "P". This oil undergoes a process of refining and deodorization, therefore it is a popular raw material used for cooking and food products, which are sold in cooking departments in large supermarkets.
• Oil which according to the established classification has marking "D". It is a refined and deodorized product that acts as a component of baby food, as well as most dietary foods.
• Refined oilwhich does not undergo the deodorization process, so that the composition is able to preserve its original smell. As a rule, this oil is sold with a light, golden color. Its main purpose in cooking is frying products. The production technology of the refined product implies the complete destruction of the foreign inclusions and pesticides in the raw materials, which could be used to process the crop during its growth.
• Unrefined products. This oil can be distinguished from other types of dark color and specific aroma. It is this product in its composition that retains the maximum amount of vitamins and beneficial micro and macronutrients. But at the same time, the composition can also preserve the harmful components used during the cultivation of the plant.

As for the difference between corn oil and sunflower oil, it is worth noting that the latter contains more polyunsaturated acids under the condition of cold pressing. In addition, it is noted less saturated fatty acids, but in many respects this figure differs depending on the production of the product. Among the differences, it is also possible to distinguish some difference in taste, but this is, for the most part, a matter of habit.

In order to have the most complete picture of the value of corn oil, its composition should be considered in detail. It is established that the product is rich in fatty acids. These substances are vital for the normal functioning of the human body. The most valuable are the following acids:

• oleic;
• linoleic;
• arachidonic;
• palmitic and other acids.

The product is saturated with magnesium, copper and phosphorus. The oil also contains nicotinic acid, potassium, iron, magnesium, thiamine and retinol. Nutritionists include oil in the list of dietary products, since the micro and macronutrients present in the composition are perfectly absorbed by the body in full, without lingering in the form of fat deposits. Acids are involved in metabolism, adjusting the work of the digestive organs and controlling cholesterol levels, contribute to its removal, thereby preventing the formation of plaques, which has a positive effect on the circulatory system.

As for the caloric content of plant products, it can be noted that in 100 g of oil there is not more than 900 kcal. By energy composition, the product has the following indicators:

• fats - 99.9 g;
• water - 0.1 g;
• proteins and carbohydrates are absent in oil.

Eating a product is beneficial due to the content of vitamin E and its derivatives. In addition to tocopherol, the vitamin complex of corn oil includes vitamin A, vitamins of group B, C, K, PP. In addition, the chemical composition of the oil has a unique combination of lipids and mineral salts. The product is rich in antioxidants and selenium.

Considering the composition of corn oil, it is also necessary to dwell on the positive features for human health. First of all, it is worth noting that corn oil is equally useful for all family members without exception. Of the positive qualities worth highlighting some points.

• Oil has a slight diuretic effect.
• Regular use of the product has a beneficial effect on the immune system, increasing the body's resistance to various infections.
• Oil helps to normalize the functioning of the nervous system. Also positive properties relate to the work of the brain.
• The introduction of the product in the diet reduces the risk of developing oncology.
• Thanks to the product, you can lead to normal metabolism, which is important when dealing with extra pounds.
• The oil has a general strengthening effect on the body, so they are replaced with the usual sunflower in the menu of athletes who are exposed to serious physical exertion.
• The herbal product strengthens the heart muscle and blood vessels, which makes it possible to reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

With regard to the effect on the female body, it is also necessary to note some positive properties.

• Thanks to vitamin E, the product is able to normalize reproductive function and restore hormones.
• Fatty acids heal and strengthen nails and hair. In addition, the oil is part of many tools for rejuvenating the skin of the face, since the active ingredients can slow down the natural aging process of the dermis.
• Due to the presence in the composition of the oil choline can reduce the presence of fat deposits in the liver.
• For pregnant women, the oil is introduced into the diet to prevent the risk of miscarriage and eliminate abnormalities in the development of the baby.
• Herbal composition improves mood, helps to overcome chronic fatigue due to polyunsaturated fatty acids that the human body is not able to produce on their own.
• For nursing mothers, the product is particularly useful in light of its rich chemical composition. In addition, the oil contributes to a more rapid recovery of the mother's body after childbirth, improves the composition of breast milk.

Since the product is less likely to cause allergic reactions in children, it is best to use corn oil in the diet of kids, which is absorbed by almost 100%, saturating the growing body with useful and necessary substances.

As the research and experience of the use and application of corn oil showed, the product does not cause a pronounced harm to humans, but this largely depends on the methods and doses in which the composition is used. Among the contraindications to the use of oil should be allocated an individual allergic reaction to the components of the product, gallstone disease, as well as diseases related to an increased level of blood clotting.

Under the ban is also the use and use of the product expired.

Along with the benefits of using oil for cooking and its usefulness for the body, it is worth noting that herbal products have found their application in medicine and cosmetology due to the unique and balanced chemical composition.

As for cooking, the oil has become an excellent alternative to the sunflower variety, especially as it is frying. Corn product can be used not only for cooking in a pan or wok, but also as a base for deep-frying. But it should be borne in mind that fried foods are not useful, so their presence in the diet should be minimal.

Regarding the menu of pregnant women, the rate of consumption of corn oil should not exceed two tablespoons. During the period of breastfeeding, the amount of product should remain at the same level. In addition, the oil should be used during cooking for the baby with the introduction of the first feeding. However, you should closely monitor the reaction of the body of the baby to the introduced product. The optimal time for a child to become familiar with corn oil is the age of 8-9 months.

The benefit and popularity of refined products in cooking is somewhat higher, since the processed product does not taste bitter, has a pleasant aroma and does not contain components harmful to the body. It is actively used for frying, baking and cooking various sauces and dressings. Oil is a part of many diets, where they stew stewed or boiled dishes.

As for the complex treatment of certain diseases, then oil contributes to rapid recovery from a number of ailments.

• Diabetes. Since the product can perfectly replace animal fats, it is recommended for patients with diabetes mellitus to fill the body with missing substances. In this case, doctors advise to use as an additive in food from two to three tablespoons of oil per day. At the same time, fatty meat, fat and butter should be discarded.
• When dealing with obesity. In this matter, an integrated approach is important, therefore it is worth replacing animal fats with a plant composition, using oil as a dressing for fresh vegetable dishes. It is necessary to use oil only fresh and in the prescribed dosage.
• Diseases of the gallbladder. To get rid of stagnant bile in the body, oil is advised to drink a teaspoon twice a day before meals for two weeks.
• In the treatment of headaches. If painkillers do not relieve pain syndrome, then as a folk remedy against the ailment, it is recommended to take one tablespoon of oil three times a day before eating. The duration of treatment is 2-3 days.

• Healing of wounds after thermal burn. For external use, the oil must be heated to room temperature and applied to the affected areas of the skin, then covered with a cloth and left for an hour. Usually the results are noticeable after 3-4 days.
• Sleep disturbance. To normalize sleep, corn oil is advised to rub into the back of the head and into the main joints on the body.
• Pruritus, eczema and psoriasis. To remove the unpleasant reaction, the product is mixed with dill seed oil in a ratio of 30: 1 and the necessary areas of skin are treated. For the treatment of more serious skin diseases, the treatment complex consists in taking the patient daily for a tablespoon of oil twice a day, washing it down with warm water with apple cider vinegar and honey.
• Hemorrhoid treatment. Cocoa butter, mineral oils and corn oil are used as ingredients for making candles, which can eliminate itching, heal microcracks and remove the inflammatory process.
• Mouthwash. In some Eastern health practices, rinsing the mouth cavity with various vegetable oils is practiced to remove toxins and other harmful substances from the body, since it is believed that the focus of all microbes is in the mouth. In some cases, such methods are practiced for whitening tooth enamel.

Oil has found its use as a component for the preservation of beauty and health.

• Mask for weak and damaged hair. The tool is prepared according to the following recipe: three drops of Bay essential oil are mixed with a third cup of refined corn oil. The composition must be heated in a water bath and rubbed into the hair roots. The product is left on the head for several hours, after which it is washed off with the help of a conventional hair washer. For complete restoration of curls and hair follicles, it is necessary to do about 10 procedures. The mask is applied to the hair once a week.
• Means for the normalization of the skin, prone to rash and acne. To improve the condition of the skin, a mask is recommended based on one spoon of oil, a spoon of white clay and one egg white. All components must be thoroughly mixed and applied to the face, avoiding sensitive areas. After complete solidification, the composition can be washed off and moisturized with a nourishing cream or tonic. For a good result, the procedure should be repeated once every seven days.

• Toning mask. To refresh the complexion, especially it is important for skin that is subject to age-related changes, the product is prepared on the basis of the product in the following way: it is necessary to mix a teaspoon of oil, cornmeal in the amount of one tablespoon, and a spoonful of honey. The mask is applied to the skin and aged for 20 minutes twice a week - this will allow you to replenish the missing supply of nutrients in the cells of the dermis.
• A means to care for the skin of hands and nails. To tidy up the hands and strengthen the nails, a bath is very effective; it contains 3-4 drops of iodine and corn oil. It is necessary to keep fingers in such a composition for 10-15 minutes, and to secure the result, before going to sleep, oil is rubbed into the skin of the hands and cotton gloves are worn.

In most cases, feedback on the use of corn oil is positive - in particular, it concerns the strengthening of the body. With regard to the use of the product for weight loss, there is a positive result in the complex struggle with excess centimeters, where the oil can be used for external use as a wrap and for introduction into the diet.

On the use, benefits and harm of corn oil, see the following video.