Corn oil is an oil rich in omega 6 and omega 9, it is useful for regulating cholesterol levels in the blood and against constipation. Let's find out better.
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Corn oil characteristics
Corn oil is extracted from the sprouting part (called germ) of the seed caryopsis of the Zea mays plant , commonly called corn or maize . This plant is native to the Americas and is currently widespread throughout the world until it has become a common plant cultivated also in Italy.
The oil extraction yield is not very high, in fact it is only 15-20% on the whole part of the corn seed. This is a limit even if it is currently exceeded by the fact that maize seed is widely used to obtain the starch part (corn starch) for the preparation of packaged bakery products and other processed products, to have a large basin to draw on for extract the corn oil.
Corn oil has a dark, amber-red color and only after refining does it acquire a clear and clear appearance. The temperature threshold is 140 ° C and due to this characteristic it can be used occasionally for frying even if olive oil is still better; moreover, using raw oils as a condiment is always the most correct nutritional choice to maintain all the properties unaltered.
Properties and use of corn oil
Its composition is rich in polyunsaturated fats of the omega-6 family (30%) and omega-9 (55-60%). On the contrary it is devoid of omega-3 and this composition is to be kept in mind since it is recommended to take a correct ratio between omega 6 and 3 (4: 1 respectively). This parameter indicates to us that if we want to use corn oil in the diet we must integrate omega 3 with other foods such as linseed oil.
In corn oil there are no proteins and this allows it to be used for those who have problems with excess uric acid and high azotemia or even in cases of liver problems and poisoning.
The plant phytosterols have been found in its composition and this brings benefits from the point of view of the management of cholesterol levels in the blood and consequently lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. The chemical structure of plant phytosterols is similar to that of cholesterol, which triggers a competition that reduces cholesterol intestinal absorption. This property is called cholesterol-lowering and is due precisely to the presence of polysaturated acids.
It also contains a good dose of vitamin E useful for improving certain dermatoses and skin problems such as eczema and redness, even in children. Vitamin E is an excellent antioxidant to reduce and counteract the free radicals responsible among other things for cellular aging. In 10 g of oil, which corresponds to a kitchen spoon, we can have 30% of RDA (recommended daily dose) of vitamin E. The only warning to be sure of the presence of vitamin E is linked to the methods of transformation to obtain the 'oil: if it is raw we have many more principles and nutrients inside the oil, while if instead reticulation treatments are carried out then gradually substances are lost and first of all the precious vitamin E is dispersed.
Corn oil can also contain provitamin A if the extraction oil is raw and therefore can be considered a useful supplement always to strengthen and balance the skin and hair.
The composition of mineral salts sees the presence of iron and some other trace elements depending on the stage of transformation of the oil extraction process.
Corn oil has a good laxative action thanks to the fact that its absorption is lowered in the intestine, which leads to its elimination with the fecal mass which will be softer, favoring mechanical emptying and facilitating constipation.
Used in cosmetics as a base as a massage oil, for nourishing creams for sensitive and dry skin. It is also used as a base for after-sun lotions. Regarding the skin, the most appreciated property is to give elasticity to the skin and make it soft and moisturized.
With corn oil it is possible to prepare soap, in fact the saponifiable fraction is 2% and the oil contains sterols, phospholipids and gamma-tocopherol. It can be used for saponification with the creation of natural soaps also handmade by hand. The consistency of the soap obtained from only corn oil is softer than the common soap even if it carries with it the typical properties of this oil; it is also very stable. Corn oil soap gives the skin hydration, delicacy and has good emollient properties.
In the field of renewable energies, maize is used to produce bioethanol and biofuel depending on whether it is transformed or used directly as biomass.
You can learn more about the properties, use and benefits of corn
Curiosity
The Mais plant is one of the symbols of the Mayan people and as early as 3000 BC one of the basic foods of these indigenous peoples of the Amariche. In Europe it was imported after the discovery of Christopher Columbus and took some time to spread; its name GranTurco served to emphasize its exoticism, thus being recognized by Europeans as foreign food: strange Wheat of the Turks even though Turkey had nothing to do with the area of origin of this food.
Properties and benefits of corn flour
DIY soap recipe with corn oil
To prepare a cold homemade soap from corn oil is not so difficult if you follow the safety rules carefully, since the ingredients include caustic soda.
Ingredients: 1 kg of corn oil, 300 g of water, preferably distilled, 136 g of caustic soda. Optional 10-15 drops of essential oil of your choice, a tablespoon of flour to fix the essence and natural dye.
Warnings: caustic soda is quite dangerous so you need to wear glasses, mask, gloves and use plastic materials, glass or wood for each step (never metal). Always pour caustic soda into the water and never vice versa!
Procedure: Weigh the corn oil and prepare a saucepan to heat it up to 45 ° C on the stove. At the same time take a bucket-type container and pour the 300 grams of water, weigh the caustic soda carefully using a disposable plastic cup and then pour the soda into the water. At this moment we will have a reaction that will release heat up to 80 ° C.
We wait for the solution to drop to a temperature of 45 ° C and then add the caustic solution in the oil again at 45 ° C and whisk with the immersion blender. We will begin the saponification process, this is called the ribbon phase, which creates a consistency similar to cream and we can add the flour impregnated with essential oil and possibly a natural color (curcuma, saffron, cinnamon) chosen. We pour the mixture into molds like those made from silicone pastry or by recycling jars and containers of milk and plastic yogurt. We wrap in woolen blankets and leave for 2 or 3 days to rest in a dry and warm place.
Then we extract from the molds and eventually cut the formed soap into slices and leave it to mature for at least 2 months so that no traces of soda remain. The proof is ready by trying the soap and seeing that the skin remains soft: if it should pull after washing it will mean that the soap will have to season a few more weeks.
