15 Things You Need To Know About Corn

Corn is one such healthy food that is loaded with nutrients. It is high in fiber and has low-fat carbs that are essential for keeping you healthy. The corn kernels come in different colors depending on the region where they are grown and the species they belong to. Another variety, sweet corn has less starch and high sugar. Also, corn is one of the staple foods in several parts of the world including African countries and the U.S. They even have a wide range of health benefits starting from preventing birth defects to controlling diabetes.

Here Is The List Of The Top 15 Things You Need To Know About Corn:

Acts As A Digestive Aid:

Corn is high in dietary fiber that helps improve the health of your digestive tract and helps relieve constipation, hemorrhoids, and colon cancer. Corn contains both soluble and insoluble fiber that helps in treating intestinal problems. Corn can help reduce the risks of IBS and diarrhea as well.

Reduces LDL Cholesterol:

The increase in the levels of cholesterols can lead to heart disorders. Being an excellent source of vitamin C and bioflavonoids, sweet corn helps in reducing the LDL or bad cholesterol levels.

Anti-cancer Compounds:

Few research studies have mentioned that antioxidants found in the corn help in combating and eliminating the free-radicals that would cause cancer. Also, corn contains a phenolic compound known as the ferulic acid that is helpful in fighting tumors in the liver and the breast.

Treats Anemia:

Deficiency of vitamin B12, iron, as well as folic acid is the reason behind anemia. Corn contains a healthy dose of all the above nutrients and minerals that help in the formation of new RBC. Hence, including corn in your diet can help prevent and treat anemia.

Boosts Your Energy:

Corn contains a healthy dose of starchy carbs that provide lots of energy to you. One cup of corn delivers 29gm of carbs. Hence, athletes can get lots of benefits on consuming corn as the carbohydrates in it helps boost your energy essential for the peak performance. Also, corn is a complex food and takes a lot of time to digest and hence, consuming it provides you balanced energy levels throughout the day.

Prevents Hypertension:

Corn contains phenolic phytochemicals that are helpful in keeping hypertension at bay. Consuming a cup of corn is good for the health and helps regulate your blood pressure levels.

For Diabetics:

The presence of phytochemicals in the corn helps in absorption as well as the release of the insulin, thus preventing blood sugar spikes among diabetics. It even helps in managing diabetic Mellitus as well. However, it should be taken in moderate quantities.

For Weight-gain:

People who need to gain weight can include corn in the diet. Corn contains a lot of calories and carbohydrates. It could be a super food for people to gain weight as one cup of corn delivers around 130 calories.

For Healthy Heart:

The oil derived from corn contains anti-atherogenic effect on the bad cholesterols, thus helping prevent cardiovascular risks. The healthy compounds present in the corn help in reducing cholesterol and preventing clogging of the arteries, thus reducing the risks of heart strokes.

Nutrient-dense Food:

Corn is an amazing source of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. It contains folic acid, magnesium, vitamin B, vitamin E, phosphorus, zinc etc. good for your health.

For Hair:

The oil derived from corn has Vitamin E that is helpful in locking the nourishment of the hair and keeps your hair follicles hydrated. It even helps in preventing premature aging. It also contains vitamin K helpful in absorbing calcium, thus preventing hair fall.

For Vision:

Corn contains beta-carotene and other such carotenoids helpful in preventing macular degeneration. Also, Vitamin A in it helps in improving your eyesight and treats other vision problems.

For Healthy Pregnancy:

Corn is beneficial for a healthy pregnancy due to the presence of folic acid. Lack of folic acid can cause birth defects in infants. Hence, pregnant women need to include corn in their diet.

Prevents Alzheimer’s:

Corn contains thymine which plays a crucial role in enzymatic reactions essential for producing energy and for improving the brain and cognitive functioning. The compound thymine is even essential for the synthesis of a neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine which is vital for the memory, and its deficiency can lead to cognitive decline conditions such as Alzheimer’s.

For A Great Skin:

Corn contains abundant doses of beta-carotene and vitamin A that are essential for a healthy skin. Lycopene and vitamin C are potent antioxidants available in the corn that help combat free radical damage caused to the skin. It helps improve skin elasticity and its extracts are used in several cosmetic products.