Cornstarch is a thickening agent that is commonly found in sauces, gravies, soups, and desserts. It’s made with corn, which is a good source of vitamin B6. This vitamin aids in the metabolism of energy, protein synthesis, and nerve function. It may aid in the prevention of certain cancers, including breast cancer.
Cornstarch is frequently used as a thickener or stabilizer in foods. Cornstarch has been proven safe for use in food products. So why do people eat cornstarch? It could be the reason; let’s dive immediately!
Videos of people eating corn starch have gone viral in recent years, but the act has been going on for much longer. It may appear strange at first to see a person, often a woman, eating cornstarch straight from a box with a spoon. In this article, I will delve into why do people eat cornstarch.
Cornstarch is consumed to thicken food or as a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour. Pica causes people to eat plain cornstarch, which is why some people eat it right out of the box. Cornstarch is also rarely eaten as a snack, especially in rural areas.
Many companies use corn starch to thicken their products. It’s also found in some foods, such as soups and sauces. But have you ever considered why it is so popular? Below are a few reasons that might surprise you.
The development of the starch industry and starchy foods
Starch is one of the most commonly used ingredients in food today.
Its popularity has skyrocketed since the 1800s. Flour was difficult to produce and even more difficult to transport back then. As a result, starches became a viable alternative for thickening and stabilizing dough during transportation and storage.
After a few hundred years, there is an increase in the consumption of starchy foods. Today, cornstarch or another type of starch is used to thicken a large portion of processed foods sold in US grocery stores.
Thickeners improve the texture of food. Cornstarch is the thickener in this case. We use cornstarch instead of other types of thickeners because it is inexpensive, quick, and easy to incorporate into any type of cooking.
As a result, when cooked with meat or vegetables, the flavour is enhanced as the ingredients cook together.
Cornstarch serves another purpose, and people consume it raw or uncooked.
So why do people eat cornstarch perfectly: the right form?
People eat corn starch because they have an unusual craving for unusual foods or food combinations, and it satisfies their needs.
The term “PICA” is used to describe this situation.
Cornstarch, as you can see, is used in cooking, usually mixed with cold water to thicken soup, stew, or sauce. Furthermore, people with gluten intolerance use cornstarch as a wheat flour substitute, which we see daily in other areas and intolerances such as oat milk or lactose intolerance.
However, there is a more unusual way to consume cornstarch: open the box, get a spoon, and begin eating. This comes as a surprise to those who have never witnessed such behaviour before, but there is a perfectly logical explanation.
Pica is an eating disorder in which you crave things that aren’t food. The most common craving is for cornstarch, but there are others, such as dirt or even hair. People with severe pica consume nails and other metal items as well. This is unhealthy and may even be dangerous.
So, what exactly is Pica, and where does it come from? Pica is frequently seen in people who have anemia or a mineral deficiency, particularly iron and zinc deficiency. Pica causes people to crave cornstarch and other non-nutritional substances due to anemia or a mineral deficiency. Pregnant women are among the most common demographics for cornstarch carvings. There are additional reasons to crave cornstarch.
Related: Can you eat pasta that was left overnight?
Although it is uncommon, some people eat corn starch as a snack. Some people enjoy the crunchy texture, dryness, and squeaky sound. Eating cornstarch isn’t as popular today as it was in the 1960s or 1970s, but it still happens. Cornstarch snacking is frequently associated with culture, and this practice was and continues to be more prevalent in rural and urban areas.
We’ve all heard about the “cravings women have when pregnant, and many partners of pregnant women experience similar cravings for these unusual food types,” often at unusual times.
What Does Eating Cornstarch Do to Your Body?
Now that you know why do people eat cornstarch, especially women, it’s important to understand how it affects your body. Is cornstarch high in calories and low in nurturing nutrients? Does it have any benefits or should it be avoided?
According to Healthline, eating a lot of cornstarch can raise blood sugar levels, cause weight gain, and even hurt heart health. Cornstarch is unhealthy to eat alone because it is high in calories but low in important nutrients and vitamins.
What Does Cornstarch Taste Like?
I had never even tasted plain cornstarch before starting this article. However, I needed to know what it tasted like to provide an accurate description of what cornstarch tastes like.
Cornstarch has a taste that is bland and neutral. Cornstarch has a very crunchy texture that sticks to your lips, mouth, and tongue. When cornstarch is mixed with saliva, it quickly dissolves and becomes less sticky.
When I tried it with a spoon, I didn’t like how plain it tasted. The flavour was, well, non-existent because it was so bland. The texture was interesting, crunchy, and sticky. I’m sure there are specific recipes or ways to eat it to make it more enjoyable.
I can also understand why some people have cornstarch cravings because the texture is unusual, and there are stranger cravings in the world. Just keep in mind that you shouldn’t eat too much cornstarch as it is!
Is Cornstarch Powder Harmful to Female Hygiene
Did you know that women use cornstarch as a feminine hygiene product? Yes, cornstarch is similar to talcum powder in that it is primarily used to keep babies’ bottoms dry and odour-free. Adults, however, use it as well. That being said, is cornstarch suitable for use as a hygiene product?
To be used as a hygiene product, cornstarch is a safer alternative to talcum powder. Cornstarch is a 100% natural product with highly absorbent properties that is made from corn kernels. Talcum powder, which is similar to cornstarch, keeps skin cool, dry, and odourless.
That being said, if you’re out of talcum powder but have cornstarch on hand, feel free to use it for the same effect!
However, I would strongly advise purchasing a new product rather than an alternative. I recommend Maja Perfumed Talcum Powder because it is inexpensive and aromatic, providing a cooling, dry, and odour-free effect at a low cost.
Can You Eat Raw Cornstarch?
No, you cannot consume raw cornstarch in significant quantities.
Cornstarch contains no nutrients. Its sole function is to improve the flavours of other products.
What Are the Dangers of Consuming Cornstarch?
There are no nutritional benefits to eating cornstarch.
It contains a lot of calories and a lot of carbohydrates, which affects blood sugar levels.
Is It Harmful to Consume Cornstarch?
Cornstarch is not harmful if consumed in small amounts or used in cooking.
So while small amounts of cornstarch are safe to consume, eating large amounts of uncooked cornflour makes no sense. Do not do it and seek professional assistance. I would not recommend eating cornstarch on its own for an extended period.
What Effect Does Cornstarch Have on Hair?
If you’ve made it this far, you’ve discovered that cornstarch has a wide range of applications, from thickening food to snacking on it to using it as a hygiene product. You may have heard that cornstarch is used as a hair product, but why?
When cornstarch is applied to hair, it adds volume and thickness without adding weight to the stands. Another advantage is that it absorbs moisture, grease, and odour from your scalp, leaving it with a clean feel, look, and smell.
Those are some great advantages, but one question remains unanswered: how do you use cornstarch in your hair? Here’s how it’s done:
Step 1: Determine whether your scalp and hair are greasy or if they require more volume. If so, remove 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
Step 2: Apply cornstarch evenly to your hair and scalp. Begin with a small amount, and if necessary, increase it in step 3.
Step 3: Apply the cornstarch to your scalp and hair with your palm and fingers. Don’t use too much so that the white colour doesn’t wash out of your hair.
Step 4: Examine the results and add more to the areas that require it.
Does eating cornstarch make you fat?
When I was looking for information on the internet, I came across some comments that asked if eating cornstarch made you fat. Thickness refers to a woman’s nice full tights, round hips, attractive behind, but slim waist and upper body.
Consuming cornstarch will not make you fat. Cornstarch is high in calories but low in minerals and nutrients, resulting in unhealthy weight gain.
Weight gain occurs when you consume more calories than you burn, and doing so with cornstarch is an unhealthy method.
Eating empty calories with no beneficial nutrients will not benefit you because that is not what our bodies are designed for. To gain muscle mass, you should follow a well-balanced nutritional diet and engage in regular exercise, preferably strength training. If you do things this way and eat more than you burn, you will healthily gain weight.
Conclusion
Cornstarch is commonly used as a thickener in soups, sauces, gravies, and other dishes. It is also useful as a food additive for thickening liquids such as gravy. Cornstarch’s main ingredient is starch, which is derived from corn. Cornstarch is a white powder with a sweet flavour. It is frequently used as a flour substitute in baked goods.
Some people believe that eating cornstarch can cause constipation, which is something no one wants.
So, while cornflour or cornstarch can thicken nice food recipes, it is not food on its own.
FAQs
Why do some people eat cornstarch? ›
Pica (pie-kuh) is an eating disorder defined by the subject's craving and ingestion of non-food items, such as dirt, hair, talcum powder, or paint chips. And, you guessed it, cornstarch! Those with pica may have an iron deficiency or some other nutritional imbalance that is leading to those cravings.
Do people really eat cornstarch? ›Yes, it is safe to eat cornstarch in small amounts. Cornstarch should never be consumed raw, though. Most recipes that use cornstarch call for 1 to 2 tablespoons that are heated either on the stovetop or in the oven. To thicken a sauce, soup or stew, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry.
What does eating cornstarch taste like? ›Although cornstarch is made from corn, it doesn't have much of a taste. Cornstarch tastes more like flour or other neutral starches. When the kernel is removed during processing, a lot of the flavor is removed. Cornstarch isn't sweet or bitter, it's pretty neutral.
What happens when u eat cornstarch? ›What happens if you eat cornstarch? Cornstarch is a highly processed food with minimal nutritional value as it lacks fibre, minerals and vitamins. As it's hard food to digest, consuming large quantities could result in an upset stomach and bloating. It can also lead to a spike in blood glucose levels.
Why do I crave cornstarch while pregnant? ›Other women crave non-food items, such as clay and cornstarch. The craving and eating of non-food items is known as pica. Consuming things that aren't food can be dangerous to both you and your baby. If you have urges to eat non-food items, notify your doctor.
Does eating cornstarch make you thick? ›No, it does not, if you follow a balanced and well-diversified diet. There is no one ingredient or nutrient that is the single cause of unhealthy weight gain. Current scientific evidence says that it is taking in more calories than you burn that leads to overweight.
Why do I love cornstarch? ›Raw Cornstarch and Pica
If you habitually crave eating cornstarch, talk to your doctor as this is a symptom of a disorder called pica. Pica is a craving for substances not defined as food such as dirt, chalk, paper, charcoal or raw starches, per the Cleveland Clinic.
One tablespoon of potato or rice flour is equal to a tablespoon of corn starch. Quick-cooking tapioca is available at most grocers. Four teaspoons of quick-cooking tapioca should be used to substitute for one tablespoon of corn starch. Identify any risk factors you may have for pica.
Does eating cornstarch make you lose weight? ›Corn Starch and Weight Loss
Willett recommends avoiding foods like corn starch entirely whether or not you're on a diet. While this might be an overreaction, the nutrition data definitely point to corn starch as a food to be avoided for best weight-loss results.
3. Whipping Thoroughly For Better Taste. Like all other kinds of starches and flours, you need to whip your cornstarch carefully in water when adding the mixture to your sauces, soups, and any other kind of liquid-based dishes calling for cornstarch as a thickening agent.
Why does the cornstarch taste weird? ›
Cornstarch doesn't have a taste on its own because it's ordinary flour made of carbohydrates. As a result, it's typically bland. However, even when added to a dish, it doesn't suppress the flavor of other ingredients making many chefs and cookery book authors confused to find out the taste.
What does cornstarch feel like? ›Cornstarch does not feel like any other powder. It has a texture that can be compared to that of whipped cream. The grains of cornstarch are so small that they will fill into grooves of your fingerprints and make the prints stand out. After you've taken-in the feel of the powder, it is time to add water.
Is cornstarch good for your skin? ›Cornstarch Powder for Skincare
It is known to improve the skin's absorption abilities and is often used to dry out breakouts without causing dryness or irritation on the skin.
Dr. Deas became ''everybody's doctor'' after his seven-year campaign against Argo starch -- the only company to make laundry starch in an edible form. Eating the starch was a substitute for eating clay, which for generations was considered a delicacy among blacks and some whites in the South.
What are the causes of pica? ›- Cultural or learned behaviors. ...
- Stress or anxiety. ...
- Negative conditions during childhood. ...
- Nutritional deficiencies. ...
- Mental health conditions. ...
- Medical conditions. ...
- Certain medications increase the risk of someone developing pica or similar behaviors.
Corn starch baby powder is harmless. Talcum powder can be harmful if inhaled, but it is harmless if eaten.
Can babies eat cornstarch? ›In order to keep their children healthy, parents should avoid introducing cornstarch into their children as it can irritate their noses. A baby's lungs may be damaged when he or she inhales cornstarch powder.
What happens if you eat cornstarch everyday? ›Each serving is high in carbs and calories but low in important nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein. Consuming high amounts regularly may increase your blood sugar levels and be associated with adverse effects on heart health.
What makes you gain weight fast? ›Eat five to six smaller meals during the day rather than two or three large meals. Choose nutrient-rich foods. As part of an overall healthy diet, choose whole-grain breads, pastas and cereals; fruits and vegetables; dairy products; lean protein sources; and nuts and seeds. Try smoothies and shakes.
Can eating starch help gain weight? ›Not only do potatoes and other starches add carbs and calories to help you gain weight — they also increase your muscle glycogen stores.
What is cornstarch made of? ›
Cornstarch is a fine, white powder processed from the endosperm of corn. The endosperm is the nutrient-rich tissue inside the grain. Corn is a gluten-free grain, and no other ingredients are typically required to make cornstarch.
Why do people eat? ›1.1 What are the reasons for eating? Food provides the energy that our bodies need to keep going. Without food, a person would typically survive for a few weeks. Without water, they could only live for a few days.
Does cornstarch expire? ›Similar to another product derived from corn that is corn syrup, cornstarch has an indefinite shelf life. Unless bugs or moisture gets inside the container, the powder won't go bad.
What do people with pica eat? ›- dirt.
- clay.
- rocks.
- paper.
- ice.
- crayons.
- hair.
- paint chips.
The brain and body both prefer carbohydrates for fuel. So if you're craving carbs, it's likely that your body needs carbs for energy,” explains registered dietitian and nutritionist Kaleigh McMordie. “Eating too little, especially too few carbs, sends the body into 'starvation mode.
Can cornstarch be addictive? ›Can you help me with this addiction, for lack of a better word? A: Cravings for plain cornstarch or other “non-nutritive substances” such as uncooked rice or clay are termed “pica.” This often is a consequence of iron deficiency (Expert Review of Hematology, November 2016).
How can I lose my belly fat? ›- Try curbing carbs instead of fats. ...
- Think eating plan, not diet. ...
- Keep moving. ...
- Lift weights. ...
- Become a label reader. ...
- Move away from processed foods. ...
- Focus on the way your clothes fit more than reading a scale. ...
- Hang out with health-focused friends.
A. Cornstarch does not give a lot of fat. However, it can be a sole source of calories and refined carbs. But cornstarch alone is not a contributor to belly fat.
What happens if you add too much cornstarch? ›In cold liquids, uncooked starch sinks towards the bottom. So pour your mix into a container (preferably something rather narrow or conical), and wait an hour or so. The thinner your mix, the faster the starch will settle. Then pour off the liquid, leaving the concentrated starch in the container.
Does cornstarch change the taste? ›Cornstarch will not affect the taste of any recipe like some other substitutes might do. You'll get the same consistency with fewer calories or carbs depending on what dish it's being used in.
Does cornstarch taste like clay? ›
No, it doesn't. As mentioned, cornstarch is flavorless so it won't affect the flavor of your dish. Since it's a thickening agent, it can only affect your dishes by changing their consistency.
How do you make homemade cornstarch? ›How to Make Cornstarch at Home - YouTube
Does flour and cornstarch taste the same? ›Corn flour has an earthy, sweet taste similar to corn while other hand cornstarch is flavorless, it adds texture rather than taste to the dishes.
Is cornstarch better than flour? ›Tip. Cornstarch and flour are both high-carbohydrate foods that are interchangeable in some recipes, but flour contains some nutrients that are not present in cornstarch.
What happens if you mix water and cornstarch? ›Cornstarch and water mixed acts both like a solid and a liquid. Cornstarch and water is a suspension mixture with a solid dispersed into a liquid. When you press the mixture quickly, the starch molecules close together. This causes the water to get trapped between the starch chains and create a semi-rigid structure.
Is cornstarch and water edible? ›Luckily, the gooey substance is not toxic, but it probably won't taste good since it's just cornstarch and water. As one individual pointed out on Yahoo Answers, while eating oobleck may not be poisonous, it could potentially give someone pains in their stomach if large quantities are ingested.
What is cornstarch mixed with water called? ›Oobleck is actually a pretty simple mixture of cornstarch and water. Its common name (which I later learned is not what all kids call it) comes from a Dr. Seuss story, Bartholomew and the Oobleck, where a young boy's wish for something other than rain or snow to fall from the sky is granted.
Can you eat straight cornstarch? ›But the truth is, cornstarch lacks nutrition and eating it raw may cause unpleasant digestive side effects. Raw cornstarch may also harbor harmful bacteria, so you should cook it to ensure it's safe to eat.
Why do people eat Argo starch? ›Dr. Deas became ''everybody's doctor'' after his seven-year campaign against Argo starch -- the only company to make laundry starch in an edible form. Eating the starch was a substitute for eating clay, which for generations was considered a delicacy among blacks and some whites in the South.
How do I stop eating cornstarch? ›One tablespoon of potato or rice flour is equal to a tablespoon of corn starch. Quick-cooking tapioca is available at most grocers. Four teaspoons of quick-cooking tapioca should be used to substitute for one tablespoon of corn starch. Identify any risk factors you may have for pica.
Can you eat too much cornstarch? ›
Consuming an excessive amount of these products leads to a myriad of health problems including obesity, high blood pressure and cancer. In addition, the consumption of large quantities of raw cornstarch by pregnant women is a compulsive disorder that can cause pregnancy and delivery complications.
Can eating cornstarch make you lose weight? ›Willett recommends avoiding foods like corn starch entirely whether or not you're on a diet. While this might be an overreaction, the nutrition data definitely point to corn starch as a food to be avoided for best weight-loss results.
Is cornstarch good for your skin? ›Cornstarch Powder for Skincare
It is known to improve the skin's absorption abilities and is often used to dry out breakouts without causing dryness or irritation on the skin.
Is Cornstarch Safe For Baby – Yes, Cornstarch (maize starch or maize) is a safe organic substance extracted from corn. It can naturally treat various skin conditions in infants such as baby diaper rash, eczema, and cradle cap.
Why do people eat baby powder? ›He says that pica is sometimes caused by a nutritional deficiency, such as iron or calcium, but sometimes, pica can happen in adults who just crave certain textures. Though Lee has no recollection of craving baby powder before her 30s, an aunt told that she had showed signs of craving it as early as infancy.
What is the starch that people eat? ›Cornstarch is used as a thickener in many foods such as soups, sauces, gravies, and other dishes. It can also be used as a food additive to thicken liquids like gravy. The main ingredient in cornstarch is starch which is made from corn.
Why do people eat chalk? ›Eating chalk is a symptom of an eating disorder called pica. Pica is associated with pregnancy and nutritional deficiencies, as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder. Speak to your doctor if you're concerned that you or a loved one have developed a habit of eating chalk.
What do people with pica eat? ›- dirt.
- clay.
- rocks.
- paper.
- ice.
- crayons.
- hair.
- paint chips.
The brain and body both prefer carbohydrates for fuel. So if you're craving carbs, it's likely that your body needs carbs for energy,” explains registered dietitian and nutritionist Kaleigh McMordie. “Eating too little, especially too few carbs, sends the body into 'starvation mode.
Why is my body craving starch? ›This is because eating carbs causes our body to produce insulin. Increased levels of insulin signal to our bodies to accumulate fat and burn carbs. Insulin also causes energy to be stored in fat cells, which means other cells are neglected; they become starved, which is what makes the eater crave more carbs.
Is cornstarch good for constipation? ›
The Benefits of eating cornstarch
Cornstarch can also be used as a natural laxative and has been shown to provide relief from constipation. Additionally, cornstarch can help soothe an upset stomach and helps to absorb excess water in the digestive tract.
3. Whipping Thoroughly For Better Taste. Like all other kinds of starches and flours, you need to whip your cornstarch carefully in water when adding the mixture to your sauces, soups, and any other kind of liquid-based dishes calling for cornstarch as a thickening agent.
What is cornstarch made of? ›Cornstarch is a fine, white powder processed from the endosperm of corn. The endosperm is the nutrient-rich tissue inside the grain. Corn is a gluten-free grain, and no other ingredients are typically required to make cornstarch.