Corn, the only vegetable good enough to be growing in its own silk.
Corn is also known as maize and is a widely used grain plant. Most of the nutrients of corn come from the seeds or the kernels. These kernels range in color from white to bright yellow and orange, depending on which part of the world they are grown in. One of the most used variants of corn is sweet corn. This grain is used in multiple cuisines and can be cooked in many different ways. They are packed with nutrients that benefit your body.
Corn not only provides the necessary calories for healthy, daily metabolism but is also a rich source of vitamin E, B, A and many minerals. Its high dietary fiber content ensures that it plays a significant role in the prevention of digestive ailments like constipation. The antioxidants present in it also act as anti-carcinogenic agents and prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Botanical Name: Zea mays
Corn, also known as maize or mielie/mealie, is one of the most outstanding cereal grasses of all time.
Corn is a grain plant that originated in southern Mexico. The kernels or seeds of corn hold the majority of its nutrients and are the greater commonly consumed parts. They come in multiple colors, depending on where it is grown and what species or variety they happen to be. Another genetic variant, called sweetcorn, has less starch and more sugar in the nutritive material.
There are different varieties of corn like Dent corn, Flint corn, Sweet corn, Waxy corn, Amylomaize, Pod corn and Striped maize.
Nutritional Profile
![Corn Nutritional Facts and Health Benefits - Drlogy](https://drlogy.com/assets/uploads/img/admin/food_editor_img/5f140b9d101e677aef5b373074e77933.jpeg)
Health Benefits
Maintain heart health
Corn oil has been shown to have an anti-atherogenic effect on cholesterol levels, so it can reduce the risk of various cardiovascular diseases.
Corn oil, is the best way to improve heart health and this is derived from the fact that corn is close to an optimal fatty acid combination. This allows omega-3 fatty acids to strip away the damaging LDL or bad cholesterol and replace them at the binding sites. This will reduce the chances of arteries becoming clogged, lower blood pressure and minimize the risk of heart attack and stroke.
The consumption of corn oil, lower the risk of heart diseases, prevention of atherosclerosis and generally decrease of free radicals throughout the body.
MAIN THING: Regular use of Corn oil may helps to reduce risk of heart diseases.
Prevents hemorrhoids
This aids in alleviating digestive problems such as constipation and hemorrhoids, as well as lowering the risk of colon cancer due to corn being a whole-grain.The fiber content in corn is very high.
MAIN THING: Corn rich in Fibers helps to prevent digestive problems including hemorrhoids.
Promotes growth of brain
Corn is rich in vitamin B constituents, specifically thiamin and niacin. Thiamin is essential for maintaining nerve health and cognitive function. Niacin deficiency leads to pellagra(a combination of diarrhea, dementia, and dermatitis) that is commonly observed in malnourished individuals.
It is also a good source of pantothenic acid, which is an essential vitamin for carbohydrates, protein and lipid metabolism in the body.
MAIN THING: Corn is good source of Thiamin, Niacin and Pantothenic acid which improves brain functionality.
Keep away from anemia
Anemia caused by a deficiency of vitamins and minerals. It also contains iron, which is one of the essential minerals needed to form new red blood cells; a deficiency of iron is one of the main causes of anemia as well. Vitamin A and beta carotene with increased absorption of iron.
MAIN THING: Corn contain Vitamin A and beta carotene with increased absorption of iron which helps to prevent anemia.
Eye protection and skin care
Yellow corn is a rich source of beta-carotene, which forms vitamin A in the body and is essential for the maintenance of great vision and skin. beta-carotene is a great source of vitamin A because it is converted into the body according to the amount required.
The amount of beta-carotene in the body that is not converted into vitamin A acts as a very strong antioxidant, like all carotenoids, and can combat diseases like cancer and heart disease.
MAIN THING: Eating yellow corn can provide beta-carotene, which is produces vitamin A in the body. This is extremely good for eyesight and skin in general.
Strengthens your bones
Magnesium is one of the best minerals that are present in corn that can benefit bone health. The magnesium in sweet corn contributes to increased bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis in women after menopause.
Potassium in sweet corn is also relevant for increasing bone mineral density. Being deficient in potassium can decrease the calcium in bones.
Phosphorus in sweet corn is another factor essential for bone growth. phosphorus found in bones in the form of calcium phosphate.
MAIN THING: Magnesium, Potassium, Phosphorus and other nutrients in corns are copper, iron and zinc which responsible for bone health.
Safety Profiles
Allergies: Anaphylaxis is the severest symptoms of corn allergy. The symptoms of Anaphylaxis include:Sudden drop in blood pressure, Difficulty in breathing, Tightness in chest, Dizziness and Unconsciousness.
Bloating & Flatulence: Corn contains a high percentage of starch. When you eat sweet corn, it mishap in the large intestine & produces a lot of gas. So if someone eats corn in large quantities, then it can cause bloating & flatulence.
Selection and Storage
Selection
The two types of corn include sweet corn and field corn. Sweet corn is more commonly consumed and field corn is usually grounded and recycled in the production of flour.
It is easily available across markets all over the world. It’s regularly good to consume fresh corn; however, frozen corn can also be used. While buying fresh corn make sure the husks are not dried out. Also, consume raw corn within a few days to ensure good taste. For storing them, you may keep the husk and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.