Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 21, 2025

High-throughput, Microscale Protocol for the Analysis of Processing Parameters and Nutritional Qualities in Maize Zea mays L.
Published on: June 16, 2018
Physical and chemical kernel traits affect starch digestibility and glycemic index of cooked maize flours
Nancy N Caballero-Rothar1, Lucas Borrás1, José A Gerde1
1IICAR - CONICET, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Campo Experimental Villarino S/N, S2125ZAA Zavalla, Prov. de Santa Fe, Argentina.
Abstract:
Maize starch is an important carbohydrate source in human diet, and its digestion contributes to the postprandial blood glucose level. This article describes in vitro starch digestibility and its relation to endosperm hardness and composition in cooked maize flours. Starch digestion and estimated glycemic index (GI) were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in hard endosperm genotypes (65.1 and 77.3, respectively) than in soft ones (70.7 and 80.7, respectively), and they were negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with specific zein concentrations (total zeins, Z1, Z2, and C1, E, and F zeins). Cooking with sodium sulfite significantly (p < 0.001) increased starch hydrolysis in all genotypes (∼13%), evidencing the impact of disulfide bonds on this attribute. Explored amylose:starch ratios did not impact starch digestibility. Regardless of hardness, fine grinding significantly (p < 0.001) increased total starch digestibility in >30%. Our results focus on specific kernel physicochemical traits for developing maize food products with lower starch digestibility and GI.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Introduction to Carbohydrates
Carbohydrate Digestion
Carbohydrate Absorption
After being swallowed, the partially digested carbohydrates mix with gastric secretions in the stomach. However, the acidic environment...
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...
Chemistry of Carbohydrates
Factors Affecting Workability

