Should You Eat Corn Silk? 4 Health Benefits

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These silky strands can reduce cholesterol and inflammation, and more

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corn husk silk

If you’re like most people, you toss corn silk straight into the compost bin or trash. These silky threads that cover ears of corn can be a nuisance to remove — from the cob, your hands and your teeth.

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But Native Americans and people in China, Turkey and other countries think differently about corn silk. For centuries, they’ve been using corn silk as an herbal remedy for medicinal purposes. Today, corn silk — and products like corn silk tea and supplements — are growing in popularity. Registered dietitian Susan Campbell, RD, LD, explains why you might want to keep (and not trash) corn silk the next time you’re husking corn.

Corn silk (Stigma maydis) is the layer of glossy, thread-like strands found between the corn husk and ear. An ear of corn may have 300 to 600 corn silks. They’re a key part of the vegetable’s reproductive system and essential to crop pollination. The fibers trap the pollen that fertilizes the cob and helps kernels grow. Along with the husk, corn silk also protects kernels, helping the ear of corn retain its moisture and sweetness.

Studies show that corn silk contains:

• Carbohydrates.
• Fiber.
• Minerals like calcium, iron, sodium, potassium, zinc and chloride.
• Protein.

Despite centuries of herbal remedy use, there are limited studies on the health benefits of corn silk. Much of the existing research took place on animals and not humans. Still, certain studies suggest that consuming corn silk and related products may be good for your health.

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Four benefits of corn silk for your health include:

Corn silk extract can act as a powerful diuretic, making you pee more. “Increased urine flow can prevent the buildup of bacteria that leads to urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bladder infections,” says Campbell. And if you do get a UTI or bladder infection, corn silk extract soothes inflammation to ease pain.

Increased urination can also help strengthen your bladder. Healthcare providers sometimes recommend corn silk extract or teas for children experiencing bedwetting and adults with urinary incontinence. Corn silk may also prevent kidney stones and protect against kidney damage caused by certain medications or cancer treatments.

The diuretic properties of corn silk may also lower blood pressure. But Campbell cautions that people who already take diuretics or blood pressure medicine may be at risk for losing too much potassium. This could lead to low blood potassium levels or hypokalemia. “Low potassium is concerning because it can affect the way your heart beats,” says Campbell. “It’s always important to check with your healthcare provider before taking a supplement.”

The plant pigment or flavonoid that gives corn silks their light green, yellow, brown or red colors is also an antioxidant. In fact, corn silk has as much antioxidant value as vitamin C. “Antioxidants protect against inflammation and the effects of aging, as well as diseases like cancer and diabetes,” notes Campbell.

Corn silk extracts are part of Native American and traditional Chinese medicine for diabetes management. The extract may lower blood sugar levels and help prevent complications like diabetes-related neuropathy (nerve damage), according to one study. Other studies indicate that corn silk extracts may slow your body’s absorption of starchy foods, preventing spikes in blood sugar.

But if you’re already taking medications to lower your blood sugar, Campbell advises checking with your provider before beginning to take a supplement. “Blood sugar that is too low can be dangerous, too.”

The flavonoids in corn silk may improve your cholesterol numbers by lowering triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). “These unhealthy forms of cholesterol cause plaque deposits to form inside your arteries, increasing your risk of heart attacks and strokes,” Campbell explains.

Yes! Corn silk has a mild taste and a sweetness you would expect from corn. You can save the silks after husking and use them fresh as a topping on salads, potatoes, soups, tacos and more. You can also dry and store corn silk for up to one year.

To dry corn silk:

• Separate the silk strands as much as possible.
• Place the strands on a cooling rack out of direct sunlight until the water evaporates and the strands feel slightly crispy. (This drying step may take a few days or a week.)
• Place the strands into a closed jar or paper bag and store in a cool, dry place.
• You can grind the dried strands in a blender to make corn silk powder and sprinkle it onto eggs, salads, casseroles and smoothies.

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To make corn silk tea:

• Fill a pan with 2 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of fresh or dried corn silk.
• Cover the pan and cook over medium heat until boiling.
• Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and let the tea simmer (still covered) for 30 minutes.
• Use a strainer to filter out the strands.
• Enjoy your tea hot or cold.

Healthcare providers don’t know much yet about the risks of consuming corn silk or products like teas and supplements. Check with your healthcare provider before taking a corn silk supplement, as there currently isn’t a recommended dosage. Dosage amounts typically vary depending on a person’s sex, age, weight, medications and health issues.

For now, Campbell advises against adding corn silk to your diet if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medications such as:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Blood pressure medications.
• Blood thinners.
• Diuretics.
• Insulin or diabetes medications.

But for many people, corn silk can add a healthy, fresh twist to your favorite dishes. So, don’t throw away those corn silks. Save them for your next tea, salad or smoothie!

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