Corn beard is often discarded when selling young corn. Many people only take the corn kernels and throw away the husk and beard at the market. But do you know that the corn beard is actually a medicinal herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine? You can actually bring them home and simmer them at the bottom of the pot while cooking corn, which not only enhances the flavor of the corn but also provides a healthy drink.
Drinking corn beard tea has some surprising benefits:
Improves cardiovascular health
The corn beard contains flavonoids that help reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, and total cholesterol. Reducing cholesterol is one of the ways to prevent atherosclerosis.
Aids in diabetes control
Corn beard tea has the benefit of improving blood sugar levels. Another study published in the journal Nutrition and Metabolism in 2009 showed that corn beard tea supports insulin production in the human body, which can help with high blood sugar levels.
Prevents constipation
People who frequently experience constipation can benefit from corn beard. This is because corn beard promotes bowel movements, prevents dry stool, and helps relieve constipation. Corn beard tea also reduces the absorption of fat in the intestines, which supports weight loss. For those who want to lose weight and have constipation, corn beard tea is a good choice.
Anti-aging properties
Although corn beard is often discarded, it contains many vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B1, B2, B6, vitamin K, vitamin C, and natural bioactive substances. Therefore, drinking corn beard tea can detoxify the body and help reduce aging, making your skin more beautiful.
Anti-inflammatory effects
Inflammation is one of the immune responses in the body, leading to diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and infections. Studies have found that corn beard extract containing magnesium can regulate the body’s inflammatory response, enhance immunity, and reduce inflammation. When the body reduces inflammation, the risk of diseases decreases.
Cooling and detoxifying the body
Corn beard tea is a refreshing drink with cooling and detoxifying effects on the liver. Therefore, drinking corn beard tea is considered as a health-supporting elixir, helping to detoxify the body during the summer.
Supports kidney stone prevention
Corn beard helps to detoxify and excrete toxins more effectively, thus supporting the elimination of kidney stones. Corn beard promotes good excretion, reducing the buildup of deposits in the body and reducing the risk of kidney stone formation. Corn beard is a natural diuretic drink trusted by many people. Corn beard helps excrete excess water and waste from the body, thereby reducing complications related to water retention. According to several studies, drinking corn beard tea daily can prevent the risk of diseases such as congestive heart failure or chronic kidney disease.
How to properly use corn beard?
Corn beard should not be combined with other medications as they may affect the medications.
Corn beard should not be used in combination with other diuretics as it may cause excessive diuresis and electrolyte imbalance.
Avoid drinking excessive corn beard tea in the evening as it may cause more frequent urination and affect sleep.
Do not substitute corn beard tea for drinking water (especially for children) as it may cause more frequent urination and lead to dehydration. Dehydration can cause fatigue and impaired concentration.
Women in the menstrual cycle should limit the use of corn beard tea as it may worsen menstrual pain.