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What is starch
It is a white powder that gives off a crunch when rubbed. It swells in hot water, forming a colloidal paste. In nature, it is the most abundant polysaccharide and a reserve substance for photosynthesis. It is the main component:
- rice – 80%;
- corn and wheat – 70%;
- potatoes – 20%.
This substance is extracted from the fruits of plants that synthesize this type of polysaccharides in chloroplasts. The most popular types of raw materials for its production are potato tubers and corn kernels.
Cornstarch is extracted from the secondary endosperm, the shells that surround the corn kernels. It was originally used in laundries to starch laundry. It is used not only in everyday life, but also in cooking, using it as a thickener.
It does not contain nutrients, but it is also caloric. 100 g of product:
- kcal – 381;
- potassium – 3 mg;
- sodium – 9 mg;
- carbohydrates – 91 g;
- protein – 0,3 g;
- fat – 0,1 g;
- phosphorus – 8 mg;
- calcium – 2 mg;
- iron – 0,5 mg;
- magnesium – 3 mg.
What is the difference between corn starch and potato
There are practically no differences, but they have a slightly different structure and branching of the starch chain. The only difference is in the speed and conditions of swelling.
The difference can be seen in the example of jelly. In fact, jelly is a paste. For a delicate, transparent texture, potato is suitable. For thick jelly, use corn jelly.
Application of corn starch
This substance consists of polymer chains that undergo hydrolysis under the influence of enzymes or when heated. Dissolving, it swells and forms a sticky mass.
Thickener alternative to flour
With its help sauces, gravy, yoghurts, filling for pies and desserts are thickened. Its advantage is the lack of taste, transparency, stronger thickener properties than flour. At the same time, half the amount of starch is required to achieve the same consistency of the dish.
Moisture absorber
This substance absorbs moisture. By adding it to dry foods, you can save them from churning into lumps, damping. It will make these products water-repellent.
Due to this property, it is included in the composition of the tonal base, lipstick, bronzer (for a matte texture). It removes the oily sheen of the skin, excess moisture with increased perspiration.
Relieves irritation
This product is often used as an alternative to powder. It relieves irritation, helps dry inflamed skin. It is used for sunburns, skin infections to relieve itching and burning.
Burned skin will be softened by a mask of starch (3 tablespoons) diluted in cold water to a thick paste. Wash off after the product is dry.
Also, 100 g of starch powder can be added to the bath. The duration of the procedure is 20 minutes.
Antifungal agent
Onychomycosis and other fungal lesions often develop against the background of increased sweating and the constant stay of the limbs or skin areas in a wet state. The warm and humid environment is ideal for dermatophytes. Not only feet, but also shoes can be processed with cornstarch. It will absorb moisture, leaving your skin dry.
If the fungus is already affected by the nails or skin, you can treat the infected surface with a mixture of starch (1 tablespoon) and 2 drops of tea tree oil. Bring to a pasty state with water.
Stain remover
It removes greasy food stains, oil and even blood stains from textiles.
Apply the paste from the product combined with water to the stain, rub in, leave for half an hour, then rinse the cloth. The paste can remove dirt in the seams of ceramic tiles, clean cutlery, kitchen utensils.
Treatment for oily hair
It is included in dry shampoo. It absorbs excess sebum produced by the glands. Combine starch (2 tablespoons), lavender (2 drops) and mint (1 drop) oil. Rub the mixture into the roots of the hair, comb through with a comb.
Starch face mask
Mask recipe with lifting effect: mix 30 gr. starch and 30 ml. kefir. Apply the mask to your face. After 30 min. rinse with water. The result will be a pleasant surprise!
Cornstarch: Cooking Uses
The product is used in the preparation of soups, sauces, mayonnaise, gravy, custard, batter, puddings. It is stored in an airtight container in a cool and dry place.
To avoid lumps, before adding to the hot liquid, dilute with water at room temperature. When there are no eggs: combine starch (1 tablespoon) and warm water (3 tablespoons).
Cookies “Snowball”
- flour – 300 g;
- corn starch, white sugar – half a cup each;
- butter – 120 g;
- vanilla sugar (sachet) or extract (1 tsp);
- powdered sugar – 100 g;
- a pinch of salt.
1. Combine dry ingredients. Add vanillin to the butter whipped with sugar.
2. Mix everything, knead the dough. Send it to the refrigerator for half an hour.
3. Form into balls with a diameter of 2,5 cm. Put on a sheet covered with parchment, lightly press down with your fingers. The distance between the cookies should be at least 3 cm. Bake at 175C for 15 minutes. After cooling the finished cookies for 5 minutes, sprinkle with powder.
Chocolate pudding
- corn starch, sugar, cocoa – 50 g each;
- dark chocolate – 120 g;
- 350 ml. milk;
- vanilla extract – 1 tsp;
- Nutella paste – 150 g;
- funduk – half a glass;
- a little salt.
1. Mix starch, sugar, cocoa, salt. Introduce milk in a thin stream, stirring constantly. Up to 10 min. heat until the mass thickens. Remove from heat.
2. Little by little add the grated chocolate to the hot mass. Mix. Then add vanilla. Refrigerate.
3. Add the warm mass in small portions to the Nutella paste (put in a separate container). Stir until smooth.
Serve immediately or chilled. Garnish with chopped hazelnuts before serving.
Starch: benefits and harms to the body
Useful Properties
- slowly absorbed, gives a long-lasting feeling of satiety;
- energy source;
- carries out detoxification.
With shortage
- immunity decreases;
- depression;
- weakness and fatigue.
With excess
- constipation;
- headache;
- weight gain;
- irritability.
Daily allowance: 300-400 grams.
Safety measures
It’s no secret that corn is often genetically modified. When choosing a product, please note that the label bears the mark “Non-GMO”. If you are allergic to corn, starch also causes irritation of the skin, mucous membranes, coughing and watery eyes.
Consumption in large quantities on a systematic basis contributes to weight gain. Moreover, due to the build-up of visceral fat, which is dangerous to health. Abuse of this product is associated with increased blood glucose and blood pressure. It is not recommended to include it in the daily menu.
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