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Sometimes people think that corn syrup and corn oil are the same or at least interchangeable. We’ll compare corn syrup vs corn oil to get to know their differences. Both are made from corn but can we interchange them?
Corn syrup
Corn syrup is glucose-based liquid made from corn starch. They receive 33.3 pounds of corn syrup from a bushel of corn. According to Wikipedia the syrup is used in commercial food preparation to:
- Add volume
- Soften texture
- Improve flavor
- Avoid sugar crystallization
- Retain moisture
- Keep freshness
Corn syrup is also called fructose syrup as in the United States all fructose syrup is made from corn starch. There is a variety of corn syrup: high fructose corn syrup. Some glucose is turned into fructose in it. As a result it is sweeter and used as a sweetener.
Corn oil
Corn oil is fat extracted from corn kernels. It is used mainly for cooking and for pan lubricating as any cooking oil.
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Nutritional profile of corn syrup vs corn oil
Corn syrup and corn oil are completely different products. Corn oil contains fat, it has no carbohydrates and no proteins. It is a source of polyunsaturated (55%) and monounsaturated (28%) fatty acids according to Wikipedia. Unsaturated fats are considered heart-healthy as they prevent the rise in cholesterol level, help lessen high blood pressure and decrease the risk of coronary disease. Polyunsaturated fats are essential for our body. It means that we cannot produce them and receive only from our nutrition. Corn oil is high in calories. It contains 119 calories in 1 tablespoon and it should be consumed in moderation. The oil has saturated fats (13%) but their quantity is less than butter or lard contain. Corn oil has vitamin E, an antioxidant, vital for our cells protection from harmful exposure from outside. Vitamin k is also found in corn oil.
Corn syrup contains sodium and carbohydrates (glucose). It is free from fat and proteins. According to nutritiondata one tablespoon of corn syrup delivers 5% of the necessary daily intake of carbohydrates. The amount of calories in one tablespoon is 57 kcal, far less than corn oil has. Moreover, the syrup is a source of calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorous. It also has choline.
IMPORTANT! Is Corn Oil Healthy?
Substitutes
As we see corn syrup and corn oil are not interchangeable. They add each other as their properties and their uses are different. Nevertheless, you may find substitutes for corn oil or corn syrup if necessary.
Other plant oils can be used instead of corn oil. If you replace corn oil for salad dressings pay attention to olive oil as one of the healthiest alternatives. If you need the oil for frying and baking take canola oil or simple vegetable oil. Corn syrup and especially high-fructose corn syrup should be eaten in moderation as any food product. Good alternatives to corn syrup are maple syrup or agave nectar. Honey is often used instead of corn syrup. They are natural sweeteners and less processed.
