Corn oil has many potential benefits, including its ability to prevent oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, reduce “bad” cholesterol, protect skin, promote visual health and reduce allergic reactions. However, there are side effects that you need to consider, such as the cancer risk and potential toxicity of higher weight gain. Some of these side effects depend largely on the type of corn oil you use and the way you extract corn oil from corn itself.
Corn oil comes from the germ of maize plant, which is one of the most widely planted and dependent crops in the world. Because of this huge availability, it is the cheapest vegetable oil and therefore the most popular one. Corn oil can be obtained by advancing the extension process of pressing, refining and steam distillation. Although this produces oil with very high smoke points.
Compared with other vegetable oils, corn oil is mainly used as edible oil because of its semi-neutral flavor and cost. However, some people use organic corn oil in medicine or local applications, even as massage oil. The health benefits of this oil depend on the source and processing method of the oil.
Unrefined organic oils have some benefits, as described below.
Balance cholesterol levels. Both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are needed by the body because they help control inflammation and excess cholesterol. However, these fats are not balanced in most forms of corn oil, especially in refined varieties. Therefore, this oil can reduce blood pressure and balance the amount of cholesterol is very limited, so the use of cooking oil as little as possible.
Improve visual health. In addition to the fat in corn oil, there are other components, such as flavonoids and lutein, which can reduce the free radical activity in vivo. Specifically, lutein protects vision and prevents developing cataracts.
Prevention of chronic diseases. Mono-unsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, flavonoids and vitamin E all have antioxidant properties that can help reduce oxidative stress throughout the body. When used in moderation, the oil can help prevent chronic diseases, even reduce the incidence of certain cancers, and also help to make the skin look younger.
Reduce allergies. Some compounds in corn oil are known to reduce allergic reactions in the body and help prevent symptoms of asthma and rhinitis. [5] Although corn oil is seldom used as topical oil, it can help allergic skin when used directly.
There are also side effects of corn oil you don’t know about:
Corn oil, including its potential toxicity, increases the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, stomach irritation, and weight gain. Even when used in small quantities, people seeking healthy vegetable oils tend to stay away from corn oil. However, if you intend to use this oil, be sure to use organic and unrefined corn oil, which contains the highest levels of potentially beneficial compounds.
Toxicity
Because of the use of high levels of herbicides and pesticides in agricultural practices, as well as countries that can produce corn oil, this oil may be toxic. This may cause problems in your liver and kidneys.
Heart health
Although corn oil contains some monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, the balance between_-3 and_-6 is seriously deviated, and the fat content of this oil is still very high. A tablespoon contains more than 20% of the daily fat. For some people who overuse, especially those who are already dealing with cardiovascular problems, it can lead to cholesterol problems.
Obesity
Corn oil may have some health benefits, but it also has high energy levels (more than 120 tablespoons per tablespoon and 40 tablespoons per tablespoon of olive oil). Therefore, overuse of this oil can significantly increase your daily calorie intake, which you may not even be aware of, and can easily affect your weight loss goals.
