Scientists have found that eating the annoying strings at the top of maize cobs improves kidney health, offering hope to four million Kenyans suffering from kidney disease.
A study published in the International Journal of Pharmacology backed up millennia of traditional medicine that used maize strings as a natural defense for kidneys from damage by improving kidney function through increasing urine flow from the body and reducing the development of new stones.
According to the Kenya Renal Association, four million Kenyans suffer from kidney disease. This number is expected to rise by 20 per cent to 4.8 million by 2030. Less than 50 per cent of kidney patients that need kidney replacement therapies actually receive them because their access is limited.
Maize silk can be eaten by simply leaving it on the cob when cooking.
It also gives food a light maize flavor once it is washed and added to soups or salads
Some research has also shown that maize silk potentially helps reduce chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer by releasing antioxidants that detoxify the body.
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Maize hairs are also anti-inflammatory, which can control diseases such as arthritis and some diseases of the heart.
As far back as 6,000 years ago, the Mayans used maize silk to make a medicinal tea. Maize silk tea is a common traditional Chinese medicine even today, used to treat urinary tract infections and bladder-related issues.
This is because the maize fibre calms infections of the urinary lining because it causes the kidneys to produce urine.
It is made by adding a tablespoon of fresh/ dried maize silk into a sufuria of water and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer under low heat for about 10 minutes. Let the mixture remain covered for an extra half an hour. Take out the maize silks and drink the tea when still hot, or wait for it to cool down.
Other studies point to maize silk being used to control diabetes by managing blood sugar levels. This is because eating the long hairs increases insulin production and improves glucose tolerance.
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