Corn silk, also known as the husk or enveloping bracts, is the silky material that covers the surface of the corn cob. Though it may seem unremarkable, it contains rich nutritional components and Health benefits. In recent years, corn silk Tea has gradually entered people's awareness and become a favored health drink.
Nutritional Components of Corn Silk Tea
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, etc.
- Minerals: Potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, etc.
- Amino Acids: 17 types of amino acids, including 8 essential amino acids for the human body
- Flavonoids: Isoquercitrin, apigenin, ferulic acid, etc.
- Poly saccharides: β-glucan, arabic gum, etc.
Benefits and Effects of Corn Silk Tea
- Diuretic and Edema Relief: Corn silk has diuretic properties that can help eliminate excess water from the body, alleviating symptoms of edema.
- Blood Pressure Reduction: The potassium ions in corn silk can help dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
- Lipid Level Reduction: The β-glucan in corn silk can help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “bad cholesterol,” in the blood.
- Blood Sugar Reduction: The polysaccharides in corn silk can help delay Glucose absorption and lower blood sugar levels.
- Anti-inflammatory: The flavonoids in corn silk have anti-inflammatory effects that can help alleviate inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and gout.
- Kidney Protection: Corn silk can help protect the kidneys and prevent kidney diseases.
- Skin Beautification and Anti-Aging: The Vitamin C and Vitamin E in corn silk have antioxidant properties that can help improve skin appearance and slow down the aging process.
How to Prepare Corn Silk Tea
- Take 10-15 grams of corn silk, wash it, and let it dry or dry it thoroughly.
- Place the corn silk in a pot, add an appropriate amount of boiling water, and steep for 10-15 minutes before drinking.
- It can also be brewed together with other teas or Herbs.
Precautions for Drinking Corn Silk Tea
- Corn silk tea is cooling in nature; those with cold spleen and stomach should avoid drinking it.
- Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and infants should use it with caution.
- Those taking blood pressure-lowering or blood sugar-lowering medications should drink corn silk tea under the guidance of a doctor.
Corn silk tea is a natural health drink with a variety of benefits. In daily life, we can consume corn silk tea as a health drink to help maintain good health.