Advice on the selection and use of corn oil, taking into account its beneficial properties and contraindications
Corn oil, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which have been well studied, has been used in cooking and folk medicine for over 100 years. Like most other vegetable oils, it has a high smoke point (about 160 °), which justifies its use for frying. Recently, natural oils from corn kernels began to be sold even in pharmacies. But still, ordinary housewives have many questions about whether there are benefits and harms from corn oil, how to take various types of this product.
Composition and types of corn oil
If you study the range of offered corn oils, then conditional subtypes can be distinguished:
- Refined deodorized and non-deodorized.
- Unrefined (first spin).
Refined with the letter D marking is used for the preparation of dietary and children's food, and with the P marking is used for the preparation of food on an industrial scale.
For everyday cooking, refined deodorized corn oil is suitable. And for the manufacture of home cosmetics and use for the purpose of recovery, it is necessary to purchase unrefined oil of the first extraction. Also, be sure to pay attention to the fact that the bottle is marked "GMO-free".
Difference between the two main types of oil
Studying the beneficial properties and contraindications of corn oil, you need to remember that almost all folk recipes are based on an unrefined product. Proceeding from this, the housewives decide "not to save" and use rather expensive crude oil for frying. This is highly discouraged. The fact is that when heated, the crude oil begins to release dangerous carcinogens. But refined oil marked "D" is completely cleaned of unnecessary impurities and is ready for aggressive thermal effects.
We can say that the benefits and harms of unrefined corn oil completely depend on how it is used. If you do not experiment and do not try to take the product in large quantities, then positive changes in health and appearance can be noticed within a month.
We must not forget about contraindications in the form of individual tolerance and possible allergic reactions.
Why is cold-pressed corn oil beneficial?
The aromatic product not only improves the taste of food, but also helps to promote health. The large amount of omega-6 fatty acids in the composition is responsible for strengthening the immune system and preparing the body to fight against seasonal viruses. One tablespoon of oil a day will relieve constipation, improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.Such a natural remedy is shown for those who suffer from pressure drops.
In terms of official research, scientists have shown that cold-pressed corn oil can be used to increase the level of "good" cholesterol. And the phytosterols in the oil (campesterol, beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol) are responsible for lowering the "bad" cholesterol. We must not forget that such positive effects are inherent only in the first pressing oil.
Eating large amounts of edible oil can have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system.
The use of unrefined corn oil in home cosmetology
Due to the presence of linoleic acid in the composition, corn oil is excellent for skin care. Rubbing in an oily suspension activates the intracellular regeneration mechanism, which leads to the renewal of the upper layer of the skin. Also, cosmetologists recommend using oil to remove makeup from the skin, because it does not block pores. As a result of such simple care, the skin becomes smooth and soft. Those who use such a product on an ongoing basis note that the skin begins to "glow" from the inside.
It is recommended to use corn oil for scalp, hair and eyebrow care.
Rubbing warm (not hot!) Oil into the roots will help strengthen hair and restore its natural shine. To save time making multi-component home masks, you can add a few drops to any commercially available conditioner for dry hair.
Some professional cosmetic brands (for example, Israel's Christina) offer to purchase ready-made cosmetics, the main ingredient of which is specially prepared corn oil.
Where, besides cooking, can you use refined corn oil?
The beneficial properties and contraindications of the unrefined product lead to the mistaken idea that refined oil can only be used in cooking. In fact, the refined oil of such a vibrant plant benefits people on an industrial scale.
Oil is used:
- in soap making (including for the preparation of home cosmetics that require heat treatment);
- as the main component of various insecticides;
- for the manufacture of medicines for heart disease (including the well-known nitroglycerin);
- as the basis for biofuels that do not cause any harm to the environment;
- to protect some metals from corrosion.
Taking into account all of the above facts, you can get a pretty clear idea of the advantages and disadvantages of corn oil. Only the use of the right type of product in reasonable amounts can bring tangible health benefits. If the daily use of oil did not provoke the appearance of individual side effects, then you can try to abandon other (cheaper and more common) types of vegetable fats.