Cornstarch has seen a surge in popularity recently because of its wide range of applications. From a key ingredient in DIY slime to an eco-friendly material in compostable plates, cornstarch is celebrated for its versatility.
In cooking, cornstarch is well-known as an effective thickening agent for sauces and desserts. However, you might be surprised to learn that some individuals are consuming cornstarch on its own. Is this a new food trend driven by social media, or is there a scientifically-backed reason for eating cornstarch?
This article explores the potential benefits and risks of eating cornstarch to help you understand if it could have a place in your diet.
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Alt text: A dietitian is smiling and providing nutritional advice to a smiling patient, highlighting the role of professionals in dietary recommendations.
Potential Benefits of Consuming Cornstarch
While cornstarch shouldn’t be considered a primary source of essential nutrients, it can offer specific benefits, particularly for individuals with certain health conditions like diabetes.
According to a review by Verywell Health, cornstarch is essentially a powdered corn product that is primarily composed of carbohydrates. For people needing to elevate their blood sugar levels over a sustained period, consuming a small, medically-advised amount of cornstarch can be beneficial under professional guidance.
Verywell Health notes that cornstarch consumption might be helpful for individuals diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, glycogen storage disease, and other conditions that require maintaining stable blood sugar levels with a food source that has a low glycemic index. Cornstarch provides a slow release of glucose into the bloodstream, which can prevent rapid spikes and drops in blood sugar.
Additionally, Livestrong reports in a medically reviewed article that cornstarch could assist in hunger management. This application, however, is only recommended when deemed medically necessary by a healthcare provider. For general hunger management, there are many healthy and balanced approaches, such as exploring zero-waste snack ideas and nutritious recipes for kids.
For those with dietary restrictions, Healthline points out that cornstarch is naturally gluten-free. This makes it a suitable option for individuals with Celiac Disease. However, it is crucial to check product labels to ensure it was processed in a facility that prevents cross-contamination. As Christina Heiser mentions in Celiac Self-Care, numerous gluten-free flours and mixes are readily available for those needing guaranteed gluten-free products.
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Alt text: Cornstarch is presented in a wooden bowl and spoon, alongside a bowl of corn kernels, visually connecting the processed powder back to its natural corn origin.
Potential Risks of Daily Cornstarch Consumption
Daily consumption of cornstarch is generally not recommended unless specifically advised and monitored by a medical professional.
Being high in carbohydrates, cornstarch requires careful monitoring, especially for individuals with diabetes. Irresponsible intake can negatively impact blood sugar levels, potentially leading to dangerous fluctuations.
Livestrong further explains that excessive consumption of raw cornstarch may cause unpleasant side effects such as gas and bloating. Furthermore, raw cornstarch might harbor bacteria that are typically eliminated during cooking. It is also important to consider that a persistent craving for and consumption of large quantities of raw cornstarch can be a sign of pica, an eating disorder characterized by craving non-food substances.
If you suspect that you or someone you know is experiencing a compulsion to eat large amounts of non-nutritive substances like cornstarch, it is crucial to seek medical advice. A healthcare professional can properly diagnose any underlying issues and recommend appropriate guidance and treatment.
