Consuming raw cornstarch can have some effects on the body, but is generally not recommended. Here are some quick answers about raw cornstarch consumption:
Is it safe to eat raw cornstarch?
No, raw cornstarch is not intended to be eaten. It is a refined starch powder that is meant to be cooked before consumption.
What are the health effects of consuming raw cornstarch?
Eating raw cornstarch may cause digestive issues like bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort. The body has a harder time breaking down the starch molecules in raw cornstarch.
Can you get sick from eating raw cornstarch?
While unlikely to cause serious illness in most people, raw cornstarch may trigger nausea or diarrhea in some cases. There is also a risk of inhaling and choking on the dry powder.
Why do some people eat raw cornstarch?
Some people, especially children, eat raw cornstarch because they enjoy the texture. Others believe it can absorb toxins or provide health benefits, but there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
Now let’s dive deeper into the effects and risks of consuming raw cornstarch.
Digestive Effects of Raw Cornstarch
One of the main issues with consuming raw cornstarch is that it is difficult for the body to digest properly. Cornstarch is made from corn kernels that are finely ground into a powder.
This starchy powder is almost pure starch, which is a type of carbohydrate. Starch molecules are made up of long chains of glucose molecules. The starch found in raw cornstarch has not been cooked or processed to rupture these chains.
When you eat raw cornstarch, the starch travels undigested through the stomach and into the small intestine. The enzymes we produce cannot easily break apart the starch chains in their raw form.
As the undigested starch moves through the digestive tract, it can cause adverse effects like:
- Gas and bloating
- Abdominal cramps or discomfort
- Diarrhea
These effects occur as gut bacteria start to ferment the starch once it reaches the large intestine. The bacteria produce gas as a byproduct, which can lead to bloating and loose stools.
So while a small amount of raw cornstarch is unlikely to cause long-term problems, the indigestible nature can definitely lead to uncomfortable digestive symptoms.
Risk of Choking or Inhaling
Another hazard is that raw cornstarch is very dry and powdery. If someone inhales while consuming raw cornstarch, it could enter the lungs.
This poses a choking risk and can also irritate the sensitive lung tissue. Parents should take care to prevent children from eating raw cornstarch directly out of the box to reduce this risk of inhalation.
Toxicity Concerns
Some people worry whether raw cornstarch contains toxins or contaminants that could lead to more serious illness. This is very unlikely in food-grade cornstarch.
Cornstarch is made from the inner germ and endosperm of corn kernels. The outer hull and any impurities are removed. It undergoes washing, filtering, and drying processes to remove potential contaminants.
As long as you consume a food-grade product, cornstarch is not likely to contain anything toxic. There are trace vitamins and minerals, but not in significant amounts. Roughly 89% of cornstarch is starch, while 10% is water and less than 1% is protein and fat.
There are no toxins present unless the product has been somehow adulterated or contaminated. Reputable manufacturers follow food safety regulations.
Popularity Among Children
Many parents report that their kids seem to enjoy snacking on raw cornstarch right out of the box. There are a few reasons why this odd habit may occur:
- It has a soft, powdery texture that is pleasing.
- The bland taste is inoffensive.
- Some kids like to crunch on the granules.
- It seems like a “safe” or innocent substance.
However, as discussed earlier, parents should still discourage this practice. Make sure kids know that cornstarch needs to be cooked and explain it can cause an upset stomach.
Supervise young children so they do not sneak cornstarch out of the pantry. Also keep it stored safely since the fine powder could be an inhalation risk for babies.
Claims of Health Benefits
You may come across claims that consuming raw cornstarch offers health benefits. Some of these alleged benefits include:
- Absorbing toxins
- Alleviating acid reflux
- Healing the gut lining
- Improving digestion
- Relieving constipation
However, there is no clinical research available to substantiate these claims. Raw cornstarch has no proven detoxifying or healing properties. And since it is hard to digest, it is unlikely to provide constipation relief or aid digestion.
While cooked cornstarch does have some uses in conventional medicine, raw cornstarch seems to offer no well-documented benefits. It should not be viewed as a health food or supplement.
Safe Uses of Cornstarch
Although raw consumption is not recommended, cornstarch does have many safe and effective uses, such as:
Cooking Thickener
One of the most common uses is cooking. Cornstarch excellently thickens sauces, gravies, puddings, soups, stews, and other foods when dissolved in water and then heated. It provides a smooth, glossy texture.
Baking Ingredient
Cornstarch is commonly used for baking to help provide structure and lift in cookies, cakes, breads, and pastries. It lightens the texture without compromising taste.
Frying Batter
Adding cornstarch to frying batters helps create a crispy coating on fried foods. It increases crunchiness and also absorbs excess oil.
Gluten-Free Substitute
As a gluten-free ingredient, cornstarch is extremely useful for gluten-free cooking and baking. It can often mimic some of the properties of wheat flour.
Marinades and Sauces
Cornstarch stabilizes marinades and gives sauces a glossy finish. It helps them nicely coat and cling to foods.
Skin Care
Some cosmetic products contain cornstarch to absorb excess oil on the skin and soothe rashes. It is also used as a dry shampoo.
The key is that cornstarch needs to be cooked to unlock its benefits and prevent digestive problems. Consuming it raw does not provide benefits.
Risks of Excessive Consumption
While occasional raw cornstarch will likely just cause some stomach upset, excessive consumption could potentially trigger more adverse health effects. Some potential risks include:
Nutritional Deficiencies
Since raw cornstarch is very low in nutrients, getting a significant amount of calories from it could displace more nutrient-dense foods from the diet. This could lead to deficiencies over time.
Constipation
Some people report constipation after overdoing it on raw cornstarch. Too much undigested starch absorbing water in the intestines can lead to hard, dry stools.
Bowel Obstruction
In rare cases, excessive raw cornstarch consumption may clog parts of the digestive tract and contribute to a bowel obstruction. This blocks the normal movement of contents through the intestines.
Dental Damage
The dry, gritty texture could also potentially damage dental work like braces or dentures with chronic consumption. It may also increase the risk of cavities.
To avoid adverse effects, it is best to limit raw cornstarch intake and stick to only modest amounts if you do choose to eat it raw occasionally.
Populations at Risk
While raw cornstarch is not recommended for anyone, some groups may face higher risks from consumption. These populations should take extra care to avoid raw cornstarch:
- Infants and toddlers: choking/inhalation risk plus developing digestive systems
- Elderly: increased chance of constipation and indigestion
- Those with bowel conditions: raw starch may exacerbate symptoms
- People with diabetes: unpredictable blood sugar effects
- Those taking certain medications: poor absorption or diarrhea risk
- Anyone with dental work: potential damage from gritty texture
Children often seem fascinated by dry cornstarch, but parents should keep it out of reach. The very young, elderly, and those with medical conditions should be especially cautious.
How Much Raw Cornstarch is Too Much?
There are no official guidelines for how much raw cornstarch is safe to consume. Cornstarch is not intended to be eaten in its raw form in any amount.
Most recommendations suggest limiting raw cornstarch to:
- No more than 1-2 teaspoons at a time
- No more than 1-2 tablespoons per day
Consuming more than this can increase the risk of side effects and provide excessive calories without nutrition. People who compulsively crave or overeat cornstarch may need professional help.
Unless a doctor prescribes it for a very specific purpose, raw cornstarch should be treated as an occasional indulgence rather than a routine part of the diet.
Signs You’ve Had Too Much Raw Cornstarch
Watch for these symptoms that can indicate you’ve overdone it with raw cornstarch consumption:
- Bloating or abdominal pain
- Excessive gas or flatulence
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Dehydration
- Headaches
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Nausea
If you experience these effects, discontinue use and speak to your doctor if symptoms are severe. Stick to small amounts of raw cornstarch at a time, if you choose to eat it.
Should You See a Doctor?
In most cases, consuming modest amounts of raw cornstarch will just cause some digestive discomfort that resolves on its own. You typically do not need to seek medical treatment.
However, you should see a doctor if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing after inhalation
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea
- Significant abdominal pain or cramping
- Bloating or swelling
- Constipation longer than 3 days
- Weakness or dizziness
- Blood in stool
These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition requiring medical treatment. Raw cornstarch will pass through your system eventually, but it’s best to consult a doctor if you have ongoing digestion issues or other concerning symptoms after consuming it.
How Long Does Raw Cornstarch Take to Digest?
It’s hard to predict exactly how long raw cornstarch takes to fully digest since it is not intended for consumption in its raw form. Factors like how much you ate and individual digestive health also play a role.
On average, digestion of raw cornstarch takes:
- 2-3 days: Most raw cornstarch will pass through the small intestine within about 48 hours. But the undigested starch may take over 3 days to fully clear the colon as intestinal bacteria continue breaking it down.
Raw cornstarch digestion takes much longer than cooked cornstarch, which becomes bioavailable in the small intestine within an hour. The raw form has to travel all the way through until the bacteria in the large intestine ferment it.
This is why raw cornstarch can lead to intestinal issues like gas, bloating, and constipation that may persist for a few days after consumption as it makes its way through the gut.
Tips for Consuming Raw Cornstarch Safely
Again, the risks outweigh any benefits of eating raw cornstarch. But if you choose to try it, here are some tips for safer consumption and reducing side effects:
- Drink plenty of fluids: This helps move the starch through the digestive tract and prevents dehydration from water absorption.
- Consume only with solid foods: The mechanical digestion helps break down the starch particles.
- Chew thoroughly before swallowing: This reduces the risk of choking and prepares the starch for digestion.
- Avoid excessive amounts: Stick to 1-2 teaspoons max at one time and 1-2 tablespoons daily max.
- Stop if you experience any negative symptoms: Don’t ignore warning signs of digestive issues.
Being mindful of serving size, chewing properly, and staying hydrated can help minimize adverse effects if you choose to try raw cornstarch.
Cooking Cornstarch Properly
To unlock the benefits of cornstarch and avoid the issues with raw consumption, it’s important to cook cornstarch dishes properly. Here are some tips:
- Combine cornstarch with cool or room temperature liquid before cooking.
- Cook mixture until it boils and thickens to activate the starch.
- Keep stirring while cooking to prevent clumping and scorching.
- Add cheeses, citrus, fats, or other dairy after cooking as the heat can curdle them.
- Refrigerate unused portions for up to 4 days and reheat gently before consuming again.
With the right technique, cooked cornstarch provides thickening power, structure, and a silky texture without the drawbacks of raw consumption.
Bottom Line
Raw cornstarch is not intended for consumption. While a small amount is unlikely to cause major illness in most people, it can commonly lead to unpleasant digestive symptoms. Raw cornstarch provides no nutritional benefits and has some inherent risks.
Cooked properly, cornstarch can thicken sauces, aid baking, fry foods, and replace gluten. But children and adults should avoid excessive consumption of raw cornstarch straight out of the package. Be mindful of portion sizes and potential side effects.
If you experience severe or persistent digestive issues after eating raw cornstarch, consult a doctor to rule out complications. Overall, it’s best to enjoy cornstarch cooked into recipes rather than consuming it raw.