Scientific review of corn oil, its beneficial and harmful properties
Corn oil is a refined processed product obtained from corn seeds. It is widely used in culinary business (for salad dressing, deep frying).
Although the product is saturated with some valuable nutrients, studies have found not only benefits, but also tangible harm from taking corn oil.
Content
Oil composition
Corn oil is 100% fat, contains no proteins and carbohydrates.
In 100 ml of oil contains 93.3 grams of fat and 87% of the recommended daily requirement of vitamin E. The energy value is about 814 calories per 100 grams.
Almost all other vitamins and minerals are lost during the production process.
One of the few advantages of corn oil is the high level of vitamin E. This substance exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, which means it is able to fight chronic inflammation and free radicals.
Research by Indian experts underline the effectiveness of vitamin E in the prevention of dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis and type II diabetes mellitus.
The oil is also saturated with polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3, omega-6, linoleic acid). Omega-3 fats are considered the most valuable. They, depressing chronic inflammation and improve the functioning of the nervous system .
Where is it used?
There are several varieties of corn oil:
- Unrefined;
- Refined but not deodorized;
- Deodorized and refined grades D and P.
The first 2 variants have been widely used in the automotive and lubricant industries, used for the preparation of cosmetics (soaps, shampoos).
D grade oil is used for the preparation of baby and diet food. The P brand is supplied to retail chains and pharmacies, catering establishments.
Installed that corn oil has a high combustion temperature (smoke formation) – about 232 degrees. gorenje Therefore, it can be used for frying, stewing and cooking any deep-fried foods.
It is also acceptable to season salads, marinades and other dishes with oil, add to the dough for baking bread and cakes.
How is it produced?
There are two ways to get corn oil:
- Pressing;
- Extraction from corn germs (germs account for 10% of the grain weight).
Corn germ is a by-product (undesirable) of the milling industry. The first stage of oil preparation is the separation of the embryos, which can be carried out in several ways: dry, wet and mixed. Then they are recycled.
The algorithm for processing embryos is as follows:
- Washing with hexane. The embryos are washed with a special chemical that causes the release of oil. However proven that hexane can have a negative effect on the health of the central nervous system. The "cold pressing" method is not used in the production of this product.
- Deodorization. Allows you to remove unpleasant odors and tastes.
- Removal of solid fats. It is necessary for the oil to remain liquid at all temperatures.
3 useful properties
Some studies demonstrate that corn oil may have medicinal properties in relation to the human body. Let's look at them in more detail.
1. It inhibits chronic inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a physiological but extremely dangerous process that increases the risk of developing any chronic diseases and even cancer.
Corn oil contains many phytosterols.
Research by scientists from Canada demonstrate the ability of this group of chemicals to suppress chronic inflammation and reduce the risk of developing pathologies such as type II diabetes mellitus, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and coronary heart disease.
2. Supposedly fighting cancer
Corn Oil surpasses
by the amount of phytosterol and beta-phytosterol other vegetable oils (
olive
,
rapeseed
, peanut butter).
Numerous studies have found that a high volume of phytosterols can significantly reduce the risk of developing malignant tumors in the human body.
For example, experts from Alagappa University (India) installed that the active ingredients of corn oil inhibit the division of any malignant cells. Chinese scientists point to the high effectiveness of the product in order to prevent and slow down the course of leukemia.
The oil can be used to prevent and slow down the development of malignant tumors (together with medications) in order to improve the prognosis.
3. Improves the health of the heart and blood vessels
Corn oil is a valuable source of vitamin E, phytosterols, and linoleic acid. All the described substances reduce the incidence of pathologies of the cardiovascular system.
Vitamin E prevents damage to the myocardium and vascular endothelium by free radicals (in the process of oxidative stress), which reduces the likelihood of dystrophic changes and the introduction of cholesterol crystals.
American specialists proved that the abundance of linoleic acid in the diet (5% of the daily calorie content) can significantly reduce the risk of myocardial infarction (by 9%) and death from any cardiovascular diseases in men and women.
Detected the positive effect of the product on the lipid profile indicators. The oil reduces total cholesterol level and its atherogenic fractions (LDL, VLDL). As a result, the risk of coronary heart disease, chronic cerebral ischemia, strokes and myocardial infarction is significantly reduced.
3 harmful properties
Corn oil has a number of disadvantages and can be harmful to health, which calls into question the expediency of its use. Let's take a closer look at its harmful properties.
1. Rich in omega-6 fatty acids
The product contains a large amount of omega-6 fatty acids and linoleic acids.
How underline Spanish scientists, omega-6 fats can cause harm in certain situations. Experts associate the high level of consumption of these substances with the development of obesity , Alzheimer's disease , atherosclerosis and type II diabetes mellitus.
A "healthy" ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 fats is at least 4:1 and can significantly reduce the risk of adverse effects. But corn oil has a fat ratio is 46:1.
2. It is a genetically modified product
According to the data
U.S. Department of Agriculture over 90% of grown corn is genetically modified.
Gene modification has made corn resistant to glyphosate, which is used to kill weeds. As a result, this compound accumulates in corn and can enter the human body.
The World Health Organization considers glyphosate as a potential carcinogen that can increase the risk of developing malignant tumors.
3. Undergoes significant processing
During the cooking process, the oil is repeatedly heated and oxidized, which leads to the accumulation of a number of toxic compounds, the most dangerous of which is acrylamide.
It can cause hormonal disorders, dysfunction of nerve fibers and muscle tissues.
According to according to recent studies, acrylamide is a carcinogen and can cause the development of malignant tumors.
Is it worth taking it?
Corn oil is rich in vitamin E and phytosterols, but it is a refined product and saturated with omega-6 fatty acids.
Scientists recommend abandon the use of the product and give preference to other, more biologically useful oils.
Italian experts suggest as an alternative olive oil , made by cold pressing, that is, not exposed to high temperatures and chemicals.
In addition, olive oil has been well studied, its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiproliferative and other properties have been discovered. It can be used for the prevention and treatment of cancer, diseases of the cardiovascular system, obesity and diabetes mellitus. We came to similar conclusions Spanish specialists.
Olive oil has similar applications – dressing salads, adding to dough and frying.
Conclusion
- Corn oil contains large amounts of omega-3 fats and vitamin E, phytosterols, which have a positive effect on health: they prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases, fight cancer and chronic inflammation.
- However, there are also a number of potentially dangerous carcinogenic substances in the composition that call into question the benefits.
- Scientists recommend to refrain from taking corn oil and opt for less technologically processed products. The ideal alternative is olive oil.
