Corn fiber is one of the by-products or derivatives which is obtained from the process of corn starch production. Fiber is obtained from the outer hull of the corn crop and serves many uses and purposes. While it is true that very little percentage of fiber is obtained from the process but wide scale production can lead to bulk amounts. Soluble corn fiber or maize fiber has been available in the Indian and abroad markets since many years and is used in many beverages and foods. The following is some important information on soluble corn fiber
Properties of corn fiber / maize fiber:
- Corn fiber has low viscosity, and is water soluble.
- This product is highly stable to pH, heat and processing stresses.
- Maize fiber is a lower sugar and higher fiber ingredient.
Nutritive properties of corn fiber:
- Several human studies have shown that soluble maize fiber resists digestion in the small intestine. But it passes through the large intestine where it gets fermented.
- What happens is that the changes that take place in fecal short chain fatty acids tend to lower the gut pH but raise the breath hydrogen. This is what indicates that the maize fiber is fermented in the gut.
- It is a well-known fact that sudden changes in the amount of dietary fiber consumed may lead to mild gastrointestinal disturbances but over a period of time, these tend to improve.
Physical benefits of soluble corn fiber
- One of the main and most important benefits of soluble corn fiber is that it increases the overall absorption of calcium in the body and supports bone mineralization as well.
- Another advantage of maize fiber is that it promotes digestive health and it does so due to its effect on laxation.
- Corn fiber is also responsible for promoting the growth of the useful bacteria and limiting the growth of the harmful bacteria in the body.
- It also offers long-term weight management and it does so by replacing higher calorie ingredients. It may help to reduce the calorie intake as well.
- This fiber elicits the low glycemic response and supports a postprandial blood glucose as well as insulin lowering effect when it is put to use as an alternative to sugar.
Uses and applications
- Soluble corn fiber is widely used in the preparation of several types of foods, condiments, and beverages.
- Some of these foods etc include cereals, candy, baked goods, dairy products, soups, frozen foods, fruit drinks, meal replacement drinks, flavored water and carbonated beverages.
Bulk corn fiber is manufactured and sold by several companies in India and one of them is HL Agro. The company is known for its wide scale production of corn products and derivatives which are in turn used in several industries. Some of these derivatives include corn fiber, corn starch powder, corn gluten, corn germ and many others.
