Corn, which is also known as maize sometimes is a large grain like plant which had originated in Mexico and Central America. They are viewed as food grains and often as vegetables. They have leafy stalks which are usually removed before they can be put to use. Corn does come in two different sizes, one is the small corn and the other one is the big corn. They are available generally throughout summer and there are several ways in which they can be cooked. Sweet corn can be stir fried or simply boiled and eaten with some butter or other dressings. Sometimes they have been cooked along with fresh rice in order to make a pulao. The best part about corn is that they are not only delicious but have several benefits to important.
Uses And Benefits Of Corn:
Want to know best health benefits of corn? Just read the detailed article given above to increase your knowledge about best health benefits of corn. Let’s learn about the top ten benefits of corn.
Health Benefits Of Corn:
1. Digestion:
People who have often complained about their digestive system often suffer with constipation, stomach infection and vomiting. These common problems make your body weak and cause enough discomfort. It also keeps you miles away from living a life that is fit and healthy. Even if we take homeopathic or allopathic help, it is important for us to realize that this will only take care of the problem for a short period of time. For a strong and clean digestive system, you need to have corn. Yes, you heard right. These veggies can fight all bacteria and germs in your digestive tract and cleanse your system completely. It will improve your colon and your digestive process.
2. Increases Energy:
Corn is a starchy vegetable that contains a high amount of carbohydrates which can provide you with a lot of energy within very little time. They contain 29 grams of carbs which is enough to keep you going throughout the day. It will optimize your performance at your work place and even while you are exercising. In this way, you will be able to lose more weight and burn more calories. It is always advisable to have corn a few hours before working out. You will feel a blasting energy from within.
3. Facilitates Weight Gain:
Corn is also enough to facilitate weight gain. If you are underweight and are looking forward for something that will help you put on those pounds, make sure you have some corn. One cup contains about 130 calories. This is enough to make you put on weight within a couple of months. Just have it as an easy snack.
4. Gives You A Healthy Heart:
One of the major benefits one shall derive from corn is improving their cardiovascular system. They are low in fat and oil compared to other nuts which makes it super healthy for the heart. You will also never find oleic acid in this which has been found in considerable amounts in other nuts. They are cholesterol free and have antioxidants that keep you away from several kinds of heart diseases. You will be able to live a life that is free, active and healthy with the help of corn. So next time you are at the market, don’t hesitate to buy some.
See More: Epsom Salt Uses
5. Best For Pregnant Women:
Pregnancy is a very important part of every woman’s life. Not just her, but every single member of her family looks forward to the birth of the new member. Women do almost everything during this special time in order to stay healthy and shapely. From exercising to eating healthy, there is not even one thing that they would miss out on. Another vital thing that every pregnant woman keeps in mind is that she needs to add some corn to her diet. This veggie helps in the development of the spinal cord and brain of the baby and makes your delivery a healthy one.
6. Healthier Vision:
Most people have complained about their vision. So many people have started to wear specs since they were very young. This is definitely not a sign of a healthy lifestyle. Doctors have often said that those who don’t eat right often end up being the ones with poor vision. After several researches and surveys, finally we have come up with certain fruits and vegetables that one should eat in order to improve their health and vision. And one of them is corn. They contain healthy and natural properties that will boost your eye health and make sure your vision considerably improves from before.
7. Source Of Protein:
Corn is a decent source of low quality protein. Different types of corn contain varying range protein content, which is about 10-15%. Corn is rich in proteins called zeins. However this type of protein lacks in quality as they are deprived of certain amino acids. these proteins may not be as nutritional as necessary, but they are unique in quality as they are used in producing inks, adhesives and coatings on candy, pills and nuts.
8. Anti-Oxidant Properties:
Corn is generally known as a staple food rich in carbohydrates. It is also termed as a great snack in summertime parties. But very few are aware of the unique poly nutrients present in corn. This nutrients are very effective anti-oxidants. The anti-oxidant poly nutrients present in corn are anthocyanins, beta-carotene, coumaric acid, ferulic acid, caffeine acid, lutein, syringic acid, vanillic acid, zeaxanthin and protocatechuic acid. Various studies of disease that are curable by anti-oxidants intake through food have considered corn as highly effective and impressive combination of poly nutrients.
9. Prevents Anemia:
The people suffering from anemia are deficient in vitamin B 12 and folic acid. Corn is rich in these and also contains high levels of iron which is a necessary for formation of new red blood cells. Deficiency of iron also causes anemia. 100 gms of Corn contains about 6% of daily iron requirement.
10. Helpful In Diabetes And Hypertension:
Corn is termed as an organic food which is effective in reducing diabetes. A regular intake of corn kernels helps in managing NIDDM (non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Whole corn is also rich in phenolic photo chemicals which provide a protection against hypertension. This photochemical is responsible for regulation of insulin absorption and release. It enables a reduction in chances of spikes and drops in diabetic patients thus helping them to lead a normal life. Corn also contains a vitamin B called pantothenic acid which regulates the metabolism of carbohydrate, protein and lipids. This promotes proper functioning of adrenal glands, thus preventing stress and hypertension.
11. Helpful In Alzheimer’s And Cancer:
Corn is also a rich store house of thymine. It is an important ingredient in enzymatic reactions which are necessary to produce energy. They also help in production of healthy brain cells and its cognitive functioning. It helps in the synthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter necessary for memory. Its deficiency causes age related mental impairment and dis-functoning, also known as Alzheimer’s.
Various research and studies have proved that the anti-oxidants found in corn can fight and kill free radicals responsible for cancer. This grain is a potent source of phenolic compounds and ferulic acid which is quite effective preventive and curing source of breast and liver tumors. The anti-oxidants present in corn are known as effective nutrients in inducing Programmed Cell Death (PCDs) and leaves the healthy cells intact.
12. Prevents Diverticular Disease:
People having pouches in the walls of the colon are diagnosed with this disease. They suffer with cramps, bloating and flatulence. In severe cases bleeding and infection is also found. A study, which followed about 47000 men for 18 years, suggests that consumption of popcorn can help with this disease. It alleviates the symptoms. It is best known preventive measure for the disease.
See More: Health Benefits Of Onions
Corn Benefits Of Hair:
13. Provides Moisturization To Your Dry Hair:
If you have dry and dull hair, you need to moisturize it daily in order to keep it hydrated, shiny and beautiful. A great way to do this is by adding sweet corn. This will help you in maintaining healthy hair and give you a shiny, bouncy and radiant look. They prevent the scalp from becoming dry and flaky and this is really what you need for your hair on a daily basis.
14. Dry And Itchy Scalp:
People who suffer with dry and itchy scalp or poor quality hair should definitely add some corn to their diet. To combat any kind of itchiness, you can also use a corn pack. You will need to make a paste of banana and smashed sweet corn and apply all over the scalp. This should be done once a week at least.
15. Hydrates Your Skin:
As women, we are always worried about their skin. We keep looking for homemade recipes, products and cosmetics in order to keep their skin hydrated, fresh and beautiful all throughout the year. However, in this long search to find beauty, we sometimes forget to use the natural elements. And by that, I mean fruits and vegetables. In order to get yourself good skin, we would suggest you to use some sweet corn. They have Vitamin C which protects the skin from rashes, blemishes and other kinds of problems.
Above discussion of benefits of corn will remove any misconception in our minds that corn is just a staple food. It is a source of rich minerals and nutrients which not only keeps us healthy, but also helps us fight multiple life threatening diseases.