What are the benefits of cornstarch power? And who should avoid consuming it?

Don't underestimate the cornstarch power; it has significant benefits in disease prevention. According to the latest research from the University of Cambridge in the UK, consuming starch-rich foods like bananas and cooked corn can reduce the risk of colon cancer. The study found that the consumption of starch in China is the highest in the world, more than twice that of the UK, while the incidence of colon cancer in China is half that of the UK.

How do starch-rich foods like cornstarch power help in preventing colon cancer? When starch enters the colon, the bacteria there break it down. During this breakdown process, the starch accelerates the expulsion of waste that might cause colon cancer from the digestive tract. Foods rich in starch are often also rich in potassium, which is crucial for maintaining the excitability of intestinal nerve muscles, facilitating bowel movements, and thus playing a role in the prevention and treatment of colon cancer. Furthermore, some starch-rich foods, after fermentation, like vinegar, fermented black beans, and yeast bread, increase in nutrients like B vitamins, which are beneficial for maintaining a balance of intestinal flora and eliminating carcinogens. In addition, cornstarch in the intestine, through the action of fermentation enzymes, produces a large amount of butyrate. Experiments have proven that butyrate is an effective inhibitor of cancer cell growth. It can directly inhibit the proliferation of colonic bacteria and prevent the potential carcinogenic cells in the colon.

Therefore, in our daily diet, people should pay attention to consuming more starch-rich foods. Each meal should ensure the inclusion of starchy foods. Generally, the total intake of starchy foods should account for 50%-60% of the total daily energy. In addition to our commonly consumed carbohydrate-rich staple foods like rice, corn, wheat, and tuberous foods like potatoes, yams, and sweet potatoes, people should also supplement with legumes and fruits rich in starch, such as bananas and dragon fruit.

Cornstarch is generally considered a safe food ingredient, suitable for most people. However, as a leading corn starch supplier, we have to mention that certain specific groups of people may need to limit or avoid cornstarch:

Diabetics: Cornstarch power is a high-sugar food that can quickly raise blood sugar levels. For diabetics, excessive consumption may lead to difficulty in controlling blood sugar.

Weight Loss or Low-Carb Diet Followers: Cornstarch is a high-calorie, high-carbohydrate food and may not be suitable for those who need to control calorie intake or follow a low-carbohydrate diet.

Corn Allergics: Although rare, some people may be allergic to corn or cornstarch. In such cases, consuming cornstarch can cause allergic reactions.

Digestive System Disease Sufferers: For those with certain digestive system diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, high-starch foods may worsen symptoms.

Those Needing to Avoid Specific Food Additives: While cornstarch itself is natural, in some processed foods, it is mixed with other additives that may not be suitable for people with specific health conditions.

Infants and Young Children: Especially in the early stages of introducing solid foods, over-reliance on cornstarch as a food ingredient may not be beneficial for balanced nutrition in infants and young children.

In general, for most people, moderate consumption of cornstarch power is safe. However, for the specific groups mentioned above, especially those with specific health issues or dietary restrictions, care should be taken or dietary adjustments should be made under the guidance of a doctor. In any case, a balanced diet and avoiding over-reliance on any single food or ingredient is always a wise choice.