Can eating too much cornflour damage your health? Surprisingly, yes

Cornflour might elevate the taste of that bland bowl of soup, but the myriad health hazards it causes are eye-opening!
cornflour
Too much cornflour in your food is a recipe for disaster. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Nikita Bhardwaj Updated: 18 Nov 2021, 12:06 pm IST
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If soup is your health tonic, you must be aware that it can’t taste yum or have the perfect consistency, if you don’t add cornflour to it. Yes, it’s essential to uplift the taste of soups and several other foods.  But health wizards are of the opinion that this so-called tastemaker can do more bad than good, if not consumed in the right quantity.

This above disclaimer is basically for all those who nosh on diet food, especially, made at restaurants. Well, that’s because all of them have cornflour in it. And those of you who consider it to be healthy, let us tell you that a cup of cornflour or cornstarch contains almost 500 calories.

So, let’s list all the damage that can be caused,  if you thrive on cornflour-rich food.

cornflour
Corn is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, but only when taken in moderation. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
4 shocking things eating too much cornflour can do to you

1. Too much cornflour in your food can increase blood sugar levels

According to Nafisa Habib, Senior Dietitian, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai, cornflour is poisonous for those who have type 2 diabetes.

Here’s what she tells HealthShots, “Yes, you heard it right! Cornflour can spike your blood sugar levels. It is packed with carbohydrates, and has a high glycemic index (GI). Plus, it contains less fibre, and tends to delay the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream. Hence, it is a good idea to avoid cornflour.”

2. Consuming cornstarch daily can lead to weight gain

Want to get rid of the excess fat? Then, you MUST read this. If you are someone who is looking for healthier ways to battle the bulge, avoid adding cornflour in your soups or other food items. It is loaded with carbohydrates and calories, and leads to weight gain.

cornflour
Keep your weight in check. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

3. Too much cornflour in your food can lead to heart problems

If you are someone who includes excess cornflour in their diet, STOP doing that right away. Did you know? Going overboard on cornflour can take a toll on your heart. As mentioned earlier, cornflour does not contain fibre and that’s a matter of concern.

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“Cornflour lacks essential nutrients, and can impact one’s overall well-being. It is a no-brainer that fibre helps in lowering cholesterol levels in the body. Thus, having cornflour more than the recommended quantity can raise a person’s bad cholesterol, also known as LDL. Later, one will be at a higher risk of suffering from atherosclerosis. High cornflour consumption can increase inflammation in the body, causing heart issues. It is always better to consult an expert before including cornflour to your diet,” says Habib.

4. High blood pressure is another problem caused by cornflour

Cornflour can add taste to your food, but too much of it is bad for you. It can lead to high blood pressure, if used in large quantities. So, be cautious!

cornflour
If blood pressure is a concern then distance yourself from cornflour. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
The bottom line

You could go for alternatives like wheat flour, potato starch, and tapioca. Also, when you are using cornflour, don’t go beyond 1- 2 tablespoons. And lastly, always opt for gluten-free cornstarch.

So ladies, remember that cornflour is nothing but a high-carb condiment, that’s messing with your fitness plans.

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About the Author

Six-pack abs are all that Nikita needs, along with her daily dose of green tea. At Health Shots, she produces videos, podcasts, stories, and other kick-ass content. ...Read More

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