Cornsilk are the silky looking fibers that grow between the corncob and its husk. These are technically the stamen of the corn plant. Cornsilk has several applications and uses in modern medicine. Its active compounds are allantoin, sterols, saponina, hordenine, plant acids as well as Vitamins C and K (potassium).
American Indians have used the entire corn plant for centuries for medicinal purposes. Native Americans used it to treat urinary disorders. Cornsilk has a high concentration of Vitamin K, or potassium, and therefore it is useful in treating urinary infections and ailments.
Cornsilk is often used as a diuretic, which is a drug that increases the rate of urination and will therefore help clear out the urinary tract . This means it is commonly used to treat kidney stones, cystitis and issues with urine flow. It cannot only prevent urinary tract issues, but it can treat the symptoms of someone who already has kidney stones. It does this by soothing the walls of the urinary tract that will relieve pressure on the stone. Because it does not treat the problem it should be used as a supplementary method.
Cornsilk is also used to treat fluid retention and jaundice. Cornsilk also increases the production of bile that improves live function. Other benefits of cornsilk include its ability to lower blood pressure and improve blood-clotting capabilities.
One year ago few people outside of Brazil knew anything about the acai berry and today is it present in every mixed drink, candy and ice cream. The berry is also common in diet remedies. So, what is the big deal? Can acai berries really stand up to all of the hype?
The acai berry is the fruit of the acai palm, which is common in Brazil and Peru. The berry accounts for 42 percent of the diet of the traditional Cabocio, a population indigenous to the Brazilian Amazon. This diet can support life because the berry is rich in protein.
Marketers who use the berry in diet supplements claim that its properties can help individuals increase their energy, enhance their sexual performance, improve heart health and clear their skin. Marketers claim this because of the acai’s antioxidants. However, a serving of acai contains less antioxidants than blueberries or concord grapes.
According to research centers, the acai berry also does not have any properties that would directly contribute to weight loss. It is probable that most acai supplements claiming the above mentioned benefits are actually internet. Even Oprah hired researchers to investigate claims that she endorsed the acai berry as a weight loss technique.
So, perhaps when deciding which acai product to buy you should stay away from the acai supplements in favor of the delicious acai flavored ice cream bars.
