Best Benefits and Uses Of Corn

Best Benefits And Uses Of Corn

Digestive Benefits
Corn is a good source of fiber, both soluble and insoluble and has well-documented digestive benefits. Corn consumption can help alleviate common digestive ailments like constipation and hemorrhoids.

Lowers the Risk of Cancer
Corn contains phytonutrients in the form of bound phenolics that are associated with a reduced risk of colon and other digestive cancers. Also the resistant starch found in corn promotes butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid found in the colon that may help fight colon cancer. Beta-cryptoxanthin, an orange-red carotenoid has antioxidant properties that are linked to significantly lowering the risk of lung cancer. Also ferulic acid, a phenolic compound found in corn is effective against liver and breast tumors.

Heart Health
Corn grain is high in folate, a type of B-vitamin that is known to reduce homocysteine, an inflammatory marker attributed to heart diseases. A diet high in folate may significantly reduce the risk of developing heart and other cardiovascular related diseases

Prevents Anemia
Anemia is caused due to the deficiency of vitamin B12 and folic acid. Corn contains a significant amount of these as well as iron which is one of the essential minerals required to form new red blood cells. Deficiency of iron can also cause anemia.

Increased Energy
Corn is considered as a starchy vegetable as it contains a high amount of carbohydrates which provide you with short term and long term energy. They also ensure proper functioning of brain and nervous system. One cup of corn provides around 29 grams of carbs. This is particularly beneficial for athletes as they require more carbs to optimize exercise performance. Moreover, corn is a complex carb so it gets digested at a slow pace, thus providing you with balanced energy levels that are free of peaks and valleys. It is advisable to eat corn a couple of hours before exercising for lasting energy.

Lowers LDL Cholesterol
Cholesterol is produced by the liver and there are generally two types of cholesterol, HDL or good cholesterol and LDL or bad cholesterol. Bad cholesterol increases due to the intake of fatty food, thus weakening your heart and causing cardiovascular diseases. Sweet corn is rich in vitamin C, carotenoids and bioflavonoid that keep your heart healthy by controlling cholesterol levels and increasing the flow of blood. Corn oil has anti-atherogenic effect on the cholesterol levels as it lowers cholesterol levels by reducing cholesterol absorption by the body, thus preventing atherosclerosis and scavenging free radicals throughout the body.

Essential during pregnancy
If you are pregnant and love to eat corn, it is great for you. Corn contains Folic acid which is very essential for the mother and baby during pregnancy. Its deficiency affects the spine and weight of the baby, and leads to other health defects.

Good for eyes
Including corns to your daily diet is wonderful for your eyes. Corn is known to contain such carotenoids which reduce the risk of macular degeneration. The carotenoids Lutein and zeaxanthin present in corn also reduces the development of cataract among the elderly.

Rich in calories and vitamin
It is a vital source of energy and provides 342 calories per 100 grams. It contains Vitamin B, especially Niacin and Thiamin, which is very essential for our body and mind. Niacin deficiency can lead to dementia, dermatitis, and Thiamin is essential to maintain nerve health

Folic Acid
The folic acid in corn has been found to prevent neural-tube birth defects. In addition, it can also help to prevent heart disease. Studies have shown that folic acid can prevent a buildup of amino acid homocysteine in the body. Long-term elevation of homocysteine has been linked to higher rates of heart disease; folic acid helps break it down.