Health Series #21. Corn Silk (Tea)

It is natural to become physically weaker as one ages. However, it is possible to stay younger and healthier than your physical age by what you eat at your table every day. More and more medical research and studies have shown the medicinal properties and benefits of herbs and healthy diet.

As of this new year of 2024, let us stay healthy by looking into a variety of herbs one by one, their nutrition facts, and healthy diet so that we are able to lead a life with more confidence and constantly get ourselves back on track with aplomb even if we happen to deviate from the optimal state of health.

 

#21.  CORN SILK

In Asian countries, corn silk has traditionally been used as an important medicine. Native Americans were also making the best use of the long shiny fibers at the top of an ordinary ear of corn as treatments for diseases. It can potentially provide major antioxidant benefits and function as a 1. diu_____. Some claim it helps with energy, and some claim2. ______-depressant properties. The most popular way of enjoying corn silk is steeping it as tea. But ultimately it is used for its antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, and antioxidant effects.

 

What are the health benefits of corn silk?

The properties of corn silk may make it a good treatment for high 1.___________  ___________. It helps flush excess fluids from the body, and it acts as a 2. diu___________ that is a supplement or medicine that helps to rid the body of water and salt/sodium. 3. So___________ helps to get water out of the body and decreases fluid in the arteries and veins, thus reducing 4. ____________  _______________.

 

Elevation of 5. _______________ levels in diabetics has been shown to be a property of corn silk tea. The infused tea may help to keep blood sugars level in people with diabetes. It prevents major fluctuations in blood sugar readings throughout the day. Blood sugar levels should stay in the target range to help eliminate the risk of long-term health problems like 6. ______ loss, heart disease, or 7. k____________ disease. Level insulin and blood sugar levels also help to improve your mood and your energy.

Some studies have shown corn silk extract reduced levels of bad cholesterol called 8. __________. It also increases good cholesterol, or 9. _________. Two different types of lipoproteins carry cholesterol in between the cells.

 

Corn silk tea's properties may help with inflammation in the arms, legs, and joints of the body. Traditionally, corn silk tea has been used as a treatment for 10. arth______________ (i.e., the inflammation of joints) and 11.______ut (i.e., a type of arthritis additionally burdened by heat, swelling, and crystalline deposits in the joint).

 

In a study, 12. Intra-_____________ pressure (i.e., IOP, meaning eye pressure) was reduced in hypertensive patients when given levels of corn silk extract. This was caused by the diuretic properties of elevated potassium levels in corn silk supplementation in high doses.

 

In case you feel some irritation or a slight burning sensation while making number one, you take a urine test to see if it is UTI. It is a common condition that you experience when 13. bac___________ invade and grow in the urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, and most UTIs affect the bladder or urethra. In a study, the water extracted from corn silk showed antioxidant properties that can be used to treat swelling and gout, 14. ___________ stones, cystitis, prostatitis, and nephritis.

 

Answer Keys

    1.  diuretic

    2.  anti-depressant

    3.  blood pressure

    4.  diuretic

    5.  insulin 

    6.  vision

    7. kidney

    8. LDL

    9.  HDL    

    10.  Arthritis

    11.  Gout

    12.   Intraocular

    13.   Bacteria

    14.    Kidney

 

*source from medicinenet.com

 

Acrostic poem using CORN SILK by Jean J. Lee

Connoisseurs of herbal teas

Obliged to be sipping a cup of stigma maydis

Rainmakers in the ancient native Americans

Nascent state of medicinal use

Saintly hues and aroma seem so healing

Idyllic painting on the wall shows

Lighthearted farmers enjoying this aromatic tea

Kempt fields full of new crops of corns

 

 

 

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