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| - Last Updated on September 30, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that drinking corn hair/silk water can help cure kidney issues. We fact checked and found the claim to be mostly false.
The Claim
A thread video from @pankajkalandiofficial features an old man discussing how kidney problems are a leading cause of death for many people. He claims that consuming corn silk water cures and treats all kidney problems.
Fact Check
What is corn hair?
Corn silk, or corn hair, consists of the long, thread-like strands that grow from the ears of corn. These strands are important for pollination, as each one connects to a potential corn kernel. Pollen travels down the silk to fertilise the kernels, allowing them to develop.
Are there any benefits of corn hair ?
Yes. Corn silk, the thread-like strands from corn ears, offers several health benefits according to a recent 2023 research done in Vapi, Gujarat:
- Blood Sugar Regulation: Corn silk may help manage diabetes by improving insulin secretion and glucose metabolism, which can lower high blood sugar levels.
- Diuretic Properties: It promotes urine production, helping flush out toxins and reduce kidney stone formation. Increased urine flow can also help reduce water retention.
- Blood Pressure Control: As a natural diuretic, corn silk aids in lowering blood pressure by promoting the excretion of excess salt and water, reducing overall blood volume.
- Cholesterol Management: Corn silk may help reduce levels of harmful lipids in the blood, potentially lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Antioxidant Activity: Rich in antioxidants, corn silk helps combat oxidative stress, protecting cells from damage and promoting overall health.
- Anti-Cancer Potential: Certain compounds in corn silk have demonstrated anti-cancer properties, potentially inhibiting tumor growth.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: It may reduce inflammation, providing relief from conditions related to inflammation in the body.
- Neuroprotective Effects: Corn silk has shown potential in protecting nerve cells, which could be beneficial in neurodegenerative conditions.
- Cosmetic Uses: It can lighten skin pigmentation and soften skin, making it useful in skincare.
- Hair Growth Support: Compounds in corn silk may inhibit hair loss by blocking the hormone linked to hair thinning, potentially promoting hair growth.
Overall, corn silk is a versatile natural remedy with a range of health benefits.
Can drinking corn silk tea help cure various kidney issues?
Not really. Drinking corn silk tea may offer supportive benefits for kidney health, particularly for conditions like diabetic nephropathy. Corn silk contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the kidneys. These properties may aid in protecting kidney cells from damage caused by high blood sugar levels and other metabolic issues.
In 2009 researchers suggested that corn silk can improve blood sugar control, which is crucial for preventing further kidney damage in diabetic patients. Additionally, corn silk may positively influence gut microbiota, potentially reducing harmful metabolites that contribute to kidney issues.
In a 2022 study involving models of kidney failure, corn silk extracts have demonstrated the ability to enhance kidney function by facilitating the removal of toxins like urea, potassium, and creatinine, thereby promoting overall kidney health.
In a study done in Egypt, the study showed that corn silk significantly reduced serum glucose levels, improved liver enzyme profiles, and enhanced kidney function. Specifically, higher concentrations of corn silk (like 15%) led to decreases in serum uric acid, urea, and creatinine, indicating better kidney health. Histopathological examinations also revealed a reduction in oxalate crystal deposits in the renal tubules and less interstitial damage, suggesting a protective effect on kidney tissues.
While corn silk tea can be a helpful treatment in managing kidney health, it’s important to note that it is not a cure. Kidney problems often require comprehensive diet, treatment and management strategies. Always consult a healthcare professional before using corn silk or any herbal remedy as a primary treatment.
Expert views
We asked Dr Ubaid ur Rahman, General Physician, Holy Mission Clinic, New Delhi about the claim he said, “While corn silk has been traditionally used in some cultures to promote kidney health, scientific evidence suggests it can only help with certain kidney issues rather than provide a complete cure. Kidney problems can vary from infections to chronic conditions like kidney failure, which need proper medical diagnosis and treatment. Corn silk may have mild diuretic effects, but it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice.”
Dr Mohit Sandhu, B.A.M.S.|C.A.D.|C.A.C.|PGDAKS| Gurgaon said, “As a practitioner, I recommend my patients include corn silk water in their diet alongside their ongoing medications. Ayurveda can serve as a primary treatment depending on the severity of the condition. It can also be used as a complementary therapy. There is scientific evidence supporting corn silk’s effectiveness for certain kidney issues, but it may not address all kidney problems. Whether it can help a specific kidney disease depends on the individual and the severity of the condition.”
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