A whole grain food, corn is high in fibre and low in fat and is a good source of several nutrients. This deserves a regular place on any healthy table. Corn not only provides the necessary calories for healthy, daily metabolism, but is also a rich source of vitamins A, B, E and many minerals. Eating corns has many disease-preventing properties. Read on to find out more about the surprising health benefits of corn:
- Calorie Rich: Corn is a rich source of calories. The calorific content of corn is 342 calories per 100 grams, which is considered to be the highest for cereals. If you are looking for quick weight gain, corn is a good option.
- Reduces risk of colorectal cancer and hemorrhoids: The fiber content of one cup of corn amounts to 18.4% of the daily recommended amount. This helps in preventing digestive problems like constipation and hemorrhoids. It also reduces the risk of colon cancer due to corn being a whole-grain.
- Vitamins: Corn is rich in vitamin B constituents, especially Thiamin and Niacin.
- Minerals: Corn contains abundant minerals which positively benefit the bodies in a number of ways.
- Antioxidant properties: Corn is a rich source of antioxidants which fight cancer-causing free radicals.
- Protecting Your Heart: According to researchers, corn oil has been shown to have an anti-atherogenic effect on cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of various cardiovascular diseases. Corn oil, particularly, is the best way to increase heart health. This allows omega-3 fatty acids to strip away the damaging “bad” cholesterol and replace them at the binding sites. This will reduce the chances of arteries becoming clogged, will reduce blood pressure, and decrease the change of heart attack and stroke.
- Prevents Anemia: The vitamin B12 and folic acid present in corn prevent anemia caused by a deficiency of these vitamins. Corn also has a significant level of iron, which is one of the essential minerals needed to form new red blood cells; a deficiency in iron is one of the main cause of anemia as well.
- Lowers LDL Cholesterol: Consumption of corn husk oil lowers plasma LDL cholesterol by reducing cholesterol absorption in the body. As mentioned earlier, this reduction of LDL cholesterol does not mean a reduction in HDL cholesterol, which is considered “good cholesterol” and can have a variety of beneficial effects on the body, including the reduction of heart disease, prevention of atherosclerosis, and a general scavenger of free radicals throughout the body.
- Alzheimer’s disease: The antioxidants present in corn also act as anti-carcinogenic agents and prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
- Vitamin-A: Yellow corn is a rich source of beta-carotene, which forms vitamin A in the body and is essential for the maintenance of good vision and skin. Vitamin-A will also boost the immune system.
- Diabetes and hypertension: Corn might help control diabetes, prevention of heart ailments, lowering hypertension and prevention of neural-tube defects at birth.
How to select and store Corn?
Its always 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 fresh corns within few days to ensure good taste. For storing fresh corns you may keep the husk and store in air tight containers in refrigerator.
Some Easy to Make Corn Recipes
- Steamed corn: Clean the fresh corns and cook them in a container filled with water. For additional flavour, add butter, lime, salt, black salt to the cooked corn for additional flavour.
- Soups and salads: Add cooked corn kernels to salads and soups for additional flavor.
