Corn flour is the ingredient responsible for thickening sauces and soups. It is also used to make corn syrup, which is used by most bakers and confectioners. But it may be doing a lot of damage to your body that you are probably unaware of. Corn starch is processed, refined food and it is not very nutritious as it does not contain vitamins, minerals and fibre. "Corn starch is generally considered safe for most people when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. However, corn starch is processed, refined food and it is not very nutritious as it does not contain vitamins, minerals and fibre," said Ms Manjula Sridhar, Nutritionist at Apollo Spectra Hospitals. Further, it has a very high glycaemic index, which is not recommended for diabetic individuals. It can also harm heart health, cause metabolic problems and possibly increase blood sugar levels if not consumed in moderation. Is there a safe consumption limit for corn starch? "A typical serving size of corn starch used in recipes is around 1-2 tablespoons. Consuming this amount occasionally as part of a balanced diet is usually safe for most people." said Sridhar. Consuming larger amounts of corn starch can lead to health problems like digestive discomfort, weight gain, or imbalanced blood sugar levels due to its high carbohydrate content. Are there any other healthy alternatives to corn starch? Reshma Nakte, a clinical nutritionist and dietitian based in Mumbai, recommends the following alternatives for different uses: -As a thickener: Tapioca starch, potato starch, and rice flour are amazing food thickeners that can easily improve the texture and consistency of any dish. -As a binding agent: Eggs, chia seeds, and flax seeds are excellent binding agents which can be used for baking to hold together the ingredients of your dish. -As a stabiliser: Gelatin, agar-agar, and pectin can be used to ensure that food remains stable and appealing throughout its shelf life.
