Best health benefits of corn / Maize

Corns are quite common in our food chain. These grains are available in different varieties, tastes and have multiple utilizations. However, in every form or color, they are highly nutritious for the body and work as a good energy supplying food. Corn or maize is also used for making flour that can be consumed as chapattis or in other preparations, offering more variations in taste. Corn has a high nutritional value and they pack a good amount of vitamins and minerals along with other vital nutrients like carbohydrate, protein and good fats. This article will illustrate the best health benefits of corns in general,

Health benefits of corn

Corn can nourish the body

Health benefits of sweet corn

Corn is rich in calories and is consumed as a staple food in many parts of the world.  Per 100gm of corn can supply as much as 342 calories filling a good amount of the regular calorie quota of the body. So, for people undertaking heavy physical exercises or strain, corn can supply the required amount of calorie along with a bunch of other nutrients to ensure the best health.

Corn aids in digestion

Proper digestion of food is vital for smooth functioning of the body and corn being high in natural fiber content helps in the process of digestion.  The high amount of insoluble fiber present in corn helps in curing problems like constipation and can even be effective to reduce the chance of hemorrhoids. As corn helps in proper bowel formation and bowel movement, it also reduces the risk of colon cancer.

Corn promotes better heart health

The corn husk oil helps in lowering the LDL cholesterol present in the blood plasma by reducing its absorption by the body. The reduction of LDL cholesterol in the body reduces the risk of heart diseases. Corn contains phenolic phytochemicals which is effective to control the blood pressure and hence promoting an overall better cardiovascular health.

Corn is effective in controlling diabetes

Sweet corn benefits

Corn is suggested over rice or wheat for the patients suffering from diabetes particularly because of its ability to control the non-insulin dependent diabetes, diabetes mellitus. The phytochemicals present in corn can also control the release as well as the absorption of insulin in the body which can be very effective to ensure proper insulin level in blood of the sugar patients.

Corn for fighting cancer

Corn is a rich source of anti-oxidants and most astonishingly in corn varieties like sweet corn the amount of anti-oxidants is increased with cooking. The Ferulic acid present in corn is a well-known anti-carcinogenic agent and can be effective to fight breast cancer. Apart from Ferulic acid, corn also contains a bunch of antioxidants that offer protection from different types of cancer.

Corn – a rich source of B-vitamins

The type and amount of vitamins present in corn vary extensively depending on its type. The most common type of corns, sweet corn contains vitamins like Pantothenic acid, Niacin and Vitamin B6 which are vital for smooth functioning of the body. So, indulging in corn based food can give you a good dose of the required B-vitamins.

Corn is an ideal food for pregnancy

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Corn is a good source of Folate and it also offers iron, both of which are vital for a healthy pregnancy. Apart from that, corn also offers all the vital minerals like potassium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium and copper, which can ensure proper growth of the fetus as well as the best health of the mother.  As corn helps in reducing constipation by promoting normal bowel movement it makes a healthy choice for pregnant women.

Corn might offer protection from HIV

Corn has been found to contain a potential anti-HIV compound named GNAmaize which is a type of Lectin. These are a special type of proteins that can help in inhibiting the activity of the HIV virus. However, more research on it is needed to come up with a direct relationship between the two. It is generally believed that regular corn consumption in adequate quantity might reduce the risk of HIV infection.

Get extensive anti-oxidant benefits from corns

Different varieties of corns contain different types of anti-oxidants in different amounts. However, most commonly you can find phytonutrients like anthocyanins, caffeic acid, lutin, vanillic acid and zeaxanthin in more or less all the corn varieties. These anti-oxidants can reduce the rate of cell apoptosis in the body promoting youthfulness and energy.

Corn for better eye health

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The lutein and zeaxanthin present in corn can be very effective to prevent macular degeneration and formation of cataracts which are considered as the most common reason of blindness at the present times.  So, regular intake of corn in adequate amount can be highly helpful to promote better visual health and eyesight.

Corn for better skin and hairs

Corns contain a decent amount of Omega -3 and Omega -6 fatty acids both of which are highly effective to maintain the best skin and hair health.  Corns are also rich in a number of anti- oxidants that offergreat beauty benefits. Corn offers iron which can be helpful for better scalp health and quick hair growth.