Insoluble fibers and potassium in corn flour help with digestion. However, phytic acid in corn flour prevents nutrient absorption. Soaking and sprouting grains is one way to separate the phytic acid from the grains. This will help the body maximize the nutrients that corn flour can offer.
Insoluble Fibers Corn Flour
Insoluble fibers are substances that help the body digest foods and are beneficial for the digestive system. They are made up of long chains of glucose, similar to starch, and linked together by hydrogen bonds. They are not digested in the digestive tract, and instead pass through it to the large intestine and colon. This is good news for people who suffer from irregular stools or constipation.
Soluble Corn Fiber
Soluble corn fiber is low in sugar and calories, and it is an excellent source of prebiotics, which feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut. Studies have shown that eating 21 grams of soluble corn fiber per day can increase the levels of healthy gut bacteria. These bacteria are associated with improved digestion and immune function. Soluble fiber is also low in glycemic index, meaning it doesn’t spike blood sugar levels as high-sugar foods do.
Dietary Supplement
Insoluble corn fiber is derived from partially hydrolyzed corn starch and is commonly used in food as a food additive. It can also be taken as a dietary supplement. However, there are several important things to know about soluble corn fiber before using it as a food additive.
Advantages of Soluble Fiber
Soluble fiber helps reduce cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar levels. It also helps prevent gastrointestinal blockages. It also feeds healthy gut bacteria, which linked to a host of benefits including a reduced risk of diabetes and obesity. Insoluble fibers found in the intestine and help in the movement of waste.
Phytic Acid in Corn Flour Inhibits Nutrient Absorption
Many grains and legumes contain phytic acid, an ingredient that can inhibit mineral absorption. It can be particularly problematic during periods of malnutrition, especially in developing countries. Phytic acid reduces the absorption of important nutrients, like zinc and iron, in the body, which can result in mineral deficiencies over time. Nevertheless, there is no reason to avoid all grains and legumes altogether, as there are many that are both healthy and low in phytic acid.
Found in Plant-Based Foods
Phytic acid is found in plant-based foods, such as wheat and corn. Phytic acid inhibits the enzymes needed to break down protein, making it difficult for the body to absorb essential nutrients from these foods. It affects the bioavailability of nutrients, especially for infants, pregnant women, and lactating women.
Raboy Corn
Raboy corn lines contain 95 percent less phytic acid than conventional corn. Agricultural researchers at UC Davis and ARS campuses in California and Central America teamed up to conduct the experiment. They recruited 14 healthy men between the ages of 19 and 35. The researchers also found that the low-phytic corn flour improved iron absorption compared to conventional corn flour.
Test yhe role of Phytic Acid
Although the study did not directly test the role of phytic acid on magnesium absorption, it was shown that dietary phytic acid reduced the absorption of magnesium in a test meal with an aqueous solution of 0.75 mmol of the substance. The reduction in magnesium absorption was a significant result in all three studies, indicating that dietary phytic acid can inhibit the absorption of magnesium in the body.
Potassium in Corn Flour Regulates Circulatory System
Corn flour contains a good amount of potassium, a mineral that is essential for the proper functioning of the circulatory system. This mineral is also found in other foods, including bread, cereals, and vegetables. It helps control blood pressure, regulates circulatory system, and helps the body get rid of toxins. Corn flour also contains a lot of antioxidants, which make it useful for maintaining the immune system.
Phenolic Acids found in Corn
The phenolic acids found in corn are benzoic acid and cinnamic acid derivatives. The source for this information is Liu, 2007. The nutrient profiles of corn listed on a wet basis. The acronyms DAE or RAE stand for dietary folate equivalent and IU, for international units.
Large amount of Phytochemicals
A study found that corn flour contains a large amount of phytochemicals. These phytochemicals are found in the endosperm and bran of the corn kernel. One study, conducted by Adom and Liu, found that the germ and bran of corn contain 87% of the total phenolic content in corn. Research has shown that regular corn consumption is associated with a lower risk of chronic disease. Corn also has a high amylose content, which aids digestion.
Variety of Health Benefits
Flavonoids are another group of phenolic compounds found in corn. These compounds have a variety of health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Flavonoids are classified by their structural C-rings into flavonols, flavanones, and anthocyanins. Yellow corn contains a total flavonoid content of 1.68 mmol catechin equiv/g.
