Corn oil seems to have positive effects on health. This oil contains compounds such as phytosterols, vitamin E and linoleic acid that can improve heart health. Are you familiar with how to use corn oil? Do you know the benefits and side effects of this oil? In this article from the section Nutrition Dr. Salam, we will examine the side effects and benefits of corn oil.
Benefits of Corn Oil
Corn oil is rich in phytosterols
This oil is rich in phytosterols, which are plant compounds with a structure similar to cholesterol found in animals. Phytosterols are potentially anti-inflammatory, and a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can increase the risk of certain diseases, such as heart disease. Type 2 diabetes And reduce some cancers. Corn oil contains more phytosterols than other edible oils such as peanut oil, olive oil and canola oil, especially beta-sitosterol phytosterols. Laboratory studies have shown that beta-sitosterol may have antitumor properties. In one study, researchers found that the oil significantly slowed the growth of lung cancer cells while having no effect on healthy lung cells.
Phytosterols also help your body absorb cholesterol. Therefore, they may help lower high cholesterol levels, which is a risk factor for heart disease.
Consumption of corn oil can improve heart health
Because corn oil contains compounds that improve heart health such as Vitamin E, Linoleic acid and phytosterols, can reduce the risk of heart disease. Vitamin E One Antioxidants It is strong, so a diet rich in these nutrients may prevent oxidative damage to the heart and blood vessels caused by excess free radicals.
Some studies also show that this oil helps lower cholesterol, especially “bad” cholesterol, and this is most likely due to its phytosterol content. A four-week study of 25 adults found that people who consumed four tablespoons of the oil daily had lower “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides than other people.
Harms of corn oil
Corn oil has significant harms that may outweigh its health benefits.
Corn oil contains high amounts of omega-6 fats
Corn oil is rich in linoleic acid. Some studies have shown that omega-6 fats are associated with improved health. However, consuming too much omega-6 fats can be harmful. An imbalance between omega-6 and omega-3 intake can lead to conditions such as obesity, brain dysfunction, depression and heart disease. Proper balance of these fats is very important, because omega-6 fats lead to prostate inflammation, especially when omega-3 fats, which have anti-inflammatory properties, are not consumed enough. Limiting the consumption of this oil and other foods that contain omega-6 fats, while increasing the consumption of omega-3 rich foods including fatty fish, will reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
Prepared from genetically modified corn
Most corn oils are made using genetically modified corn. Most of these corns have been modified to resist insects and some weeds such as glyphosate. Many people are concerned about the effects of glyphosate entering their bodies through the consumption of food. Some people also believe that glyphosate in the diet may help to increase food allergies and infertility rapidly. If you are worried about glyphosate-modified foods and want to avoid them, eat foods that are organic.
High refining corn oil
Corn oil is a highly refined product and an extensive process has been used to extract oil and nutrients from corn. This process causes this oil to be more oxidized. This means that at a molecular level, electrons are reduced to an unstable compound. High levels of oxidized compounds in your body can increase the risk of certain diseases. In fact, the beta-sitosterol in this oil is oxidized due to high heat, such as high-temperature frying. However, the antioxidant vitamin E helps reduce this process.
Hot corn oil also produces antifungal acrylamide, a highly reactive compound that has been linked to problems such as neurological, hormonal and muscle function problems. Acrylamide is classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
