Derived from corn, starch is a type of flour widely used to thicken broths, sauces and creams. Although it comes from a very nutritious grain, it does not have many vitamins and minerals in its composition. In addition, it is a processed and industrialized food and, therefore, loses points in the nutritional table. On the other hand, it can work as a substitute in recipes forBut, after all, is corn starch bad for you or is it possible to eat it without worries?

A 100g serving of the food is composed of 86.3g of carbohydrates, 0.64g of protein, 0.3g of fat, 0.74g of fiber, and other components such as calcium, iron, sodium, and magnesium - in small quantities.

The portion of carbohydrates present in corn starch is quite large compared to other nutrients. Precisely because it is considered a refined carbohydrate, it lacks several vitamins and minerals. Such conditions contribute to an increase in the glycemic index, a factor directly related to weight gain.

However, when used in small amounts, corn starch does no harm. Because it is a cheap, accessible and gluten-free food, it is an interesting option to make recipes with a creamier consistency. On the other hand, it is not a good substitute for wheat flour, used in larger quantities in recipes for breads, cakes, pies, etc. That is, consume withmoderation, and when using it, try to add other, more nutritious ingredients.

How to replace

If you are looking for a substitute that will cause the same effects in recipes, but is healthier, there are some alternatives:

• Oat flour (widely used to make porridge, it has a thickening power similar to cornstarch);
• Chia e flaxseed ;
• Coconut flour (gluten-free, high in fiber, and free of "bad" cholesterol);
• Rice Flour .

Benefits of Corn Starch

Cornstarch is widely used for purposes other than food. Fans of homemade beauty recipes often use the ingredient as an ally. According to Patrícia Mafra dermatologist and member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD), the corn starch works as a great enhancer of the effects of the moisturizing mask on the hair .

Although it cannot penetrate the strands when used alone, it intensifies the positive effects of the products already applied to the locks. As for the frequency, the specialist explains: "if the hair is very dry or damaged, you can do it once a week. If this is not the case, you can do it every 15 days to maintain the health of the strands".

However, just like in food, corn starch should be used with moderation in hair: "The excessive use of corn starch can generate residue accumulation and worsen dandruff conditions (seborrheic dermatitis)," she points out.

In addition, the ingredient also helps to remove stains from clothes. Tomato sauce, for example, can be removed by applying one tablespoon of starch mixed with three tablespoons of warm water.

Because it absorbs a lot of moisture, starch can also be used to deodorize shoes and prevent foot infections (such as athlete's foot, caused by excess moisture, which facilitates the proliferation of fungus).

Read also: Passion fruit Flour: What it is good for, benefits and how to consume