Why Am I Craving Cornstarch? Top 3 Reasons

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Why Am I Craving Cornstarch

Do you ever crave cornstarch?

It’s a pretty strange craving, but there are actually a few good reasons why you might be experiencing it.

In this blog post, we will discuss the top reasons why people crave cornstarch and what to do about it.

If you are struggling with this craving, don’t worry – we have you covered!

1 – Pica Eating Disorder

There is an eating disorder called Pica which causes people to crave and eat non-food items.

These non-food items can include anything from eating ice chips and dirt to cornstarch.

While technically cornstarch is a food item, cornstarch is mostly added to meals not eaten plain. 

When eating plain cornstarch this situation is close enough to count as a non-food item.

If you have pica, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible.

Left untreated, pica can lead to serious health complications.

If you think you might have pica, the best thing to do is talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.

They will be able to provide you with the resources and support you need to recover from this disorder.

A word about iron deficiency anemia (IDA)

Iron Deficiency Anemia is an autoimmune condition characterized by low iron levels.

The most likely cause of pica is IDA.

This is because people with IDA often crave non-food items that contain iron, such as cornstarch.

2 – Pregnancy

pregnant woman

Pregnancy is a common reason why people crave cornstarch.

During pregnancy, your body goes through a lot of changes.

Your hormones are all over the place and your body is working hard to support a growing baby.

It’s not surprising that you might have some strange cravings during this time!

If you are pregnant and craving cornstarch, there is no need to worry.

Eating a small amount of cornstarch is perfectly safe for you and your baby.

In fact, it can even help to ease nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

If you are concerned about your cravings, talk to your doctor or midwife.

They will be able to offer advice and support.

3 – Cornstarch is a great thickener for sauces, soups, and gravies

Another reason why you might be craving cornstarch is because it is a great thickener for sauces, soups, and gravies.

If you are looking for a way to thicken up your favorite recipes, cornstarch is a great option.

It is also relatively inexpensive and easy to find in most grocery stores.

Admittedly, this reason is a bit of a stretch. We recognize this! However, we’re just trying to cover all our bases here.

Most likely if you are craving raw cornstarch it’s something to do with Pica or Pregnancy.

But nonetheless, if you find yourself wanting to add a little extra thickness to your next meal, try using cornstarch!

What is Cornstarch?

Cornstarch is a fine, powdery starch that is made from corn.

It is commonly used as a thickener for sauces, soups, and gravies.

Cornstarch is also sometimes used to coat food before frying.

This helps to create a crisp, golden-brown coating.

Health Benefits of Raw Cornstarch

While cornstarch does have some health benefits, it is important to remember that it is not a complete source of nutrition.

The USDA says that consuming cornstarch in its unenriched version is not good for your health because it lacks fiber, protein, and nutrients.

It is also important to note that cornstarch can be high in calories.

If you are watching your weight, you might want to limit your intake of foods made with cornstarch.

Despite this, there are some benefits to eating raw cornstarch.

For instance, it has no cholesterol or fat. It is also gluten-free and offers calorie-efficient energy.

Cornstarch is also a good source of iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.

If you are looking for a healthy way to thicken up your soups and sauces, raw cornstarch might be a good option for you.

How to Satisfy Your Cornstarch Cravings

If you find yourself craving cornstarch, there are a few things you can do to satisfy your cravings.

One option is to make a cornstarch pudding.

This pudding is made with milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cornstarch.

It is thick, creamy, and delicious!

If you are looking for something a little healthier, you could try adding cornstarch to smoothies or yogurt.

You could also use it to make a healthy thickener for soups and sauces.

Whatever you do, make sure you are not eating too much cornstarch.

While it is safe to eat in moderation, consuming large amounts of cornstarch can lead to health problems.

How bad is corn starch for you?

Cornstarch is a type of carbohydrate that is derived from corn. It is commonly used as a thickening agent in sauces, soups, and gravies.

While it does have some health benefits, the USDA says that consuming cornstarch in its unenriched version is not good for your health because it lacks fiber, protein, and nutrients.

Additionally, cornstarch can be high in calories. If you are watching your weight or have diabetes, you should limit your intake of foods made with cornstarch. However, if you find yourself craving cornstarch, there are a few things you can do to satisfy your cravings without overdoing it.

How to Use Cornstarch

If you want to use cornstarch as a thickener, the best way to do it is to make a slurry.

To make a slurry, mix equal parts cornstarch and water in a small bowl or cup.

Stir the mixture until the cornstarch has dissolved completely.

Then, add the cornstarch slurry to your recipe and stir until it has thickened.

Cornstarch has twice the thickening power of flour, so you only need to use half as much.

When using cornstarch as a thickener, you have the option of cooking it or using it raw.

Cooking the cornstarch will make your dish smoother, while using it raw will give your dish a more translucent appearance.

If you are looking for a healthy way to thicken up your soups and sauces, raw cornstarch might be a good option for you.

What does it mean when you crave starch?

Do you ever find yourself craving starch? It turns out that there’s a reason for this – and it has to do with our biology.

Pica and pregnancy are common causes!

However, wanting to thicken soups is another common cause too.

What are your thoughts on cornstarch? Do you have any tips on how to use it? Let us know in the comments below!

Now that you know why you crave cornstarch and how to satisfy your cravings, what are your thoughts on this popular ingredient?

Now food cravings are not unusual, even odd ones like cornstarch. For more info read our post about food craving meanings.

About the Author

Jared Levenson is a former binge eating wrestler turned Zen Buddhist Monk, Internal Family Systems counselor and nutrition wellness coach. He's helped hundreds of people through universal meal principles and internal family systems to make peace with food, stop binge eating, and find true health and wholeness.

@jared_levenson

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