15 - Corn Kernel Oil and Corn Fiber Oil

Abstract

This chapter discusses the two lesser-known types of corn oil that have received much attention in recent years, corn kernel oil and corn fiber oil. The sequential extraction process was developed for the production of corn kernel oil and it involves the flaking of corn before ethanol extraction. The grinding (milling) of corn fiber is recommended for the production of corn fiber oil to a particle size of 1 micron (20 mesh) or smaller before beginning hexane extraction to achieve optimal oil yields. Both corn kernel oil and corn fiber oil contain unique health-promoting components that are lacking in commercial corn oil, which is obtained by extracting corn germ. Corn kernel oil contains very high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin; a regular consumption of it may prevent the onset of age-related macular degeneration. Corn fiber oil contains the highest levels of phytosterols of any known natural oil or extract and a regular consumption of it may reduce the levels of serum LDL- and total cholesterol.