Health Benefits of Corn

It includes all the advantages of whole grains and more. 

Is maize a vegetable or a carb? This is a question that many people have. And does it really benefit you?

Technically speaking, corn is a whole grain, and sure, it can be quite healthy for you. For people who must avoid gluten, corn is a viable substitute for wheat because it is also naturally gluten-free. Here are four additional special health advantages of corn.

Benefits of Whole-Grain Corn Packs

Whole grains like corn are considered to be foods that promote good health. According to a November 2016 Journal of Chiropractic Medicine study, numerous research have linked whole grain diet to a reduced risk of heart disease, colon cancer, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.

Of course, portion size is important. Consider choosing portions that are appropriate for your exercise level and body's demands. For most adult women, that would entail consuming one ear of corn, a half cup of oven-roasted kernels, or three cups of popcorn all at once.

Corn Offers Defense-Intensifying Antioxidants

The primary carotenoids (or pigments) in maize, lutein and zeaxanthin, help shield your eyes and have been shown to lower your risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration.

It has been demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory quercetin prevents neurological illnesses like Alzheimer's disease and reduces both acute and chronic inflammation. According to a February 2017 article in The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology, quercetin has also been linked to apoptosis, the process by which the body destroys worn-out or dysfunctional cells.

According to researchers in a study published in the June 2020 issue of Current Research in Food Science, blue and purple corn have antioxidant qualities, which implies they help prevent inflammation. They protect the body from oxidative stress, which is caused by an imbalance between the generation of free radicals that injure cells and their ability to be neutralized by the body.

Full of Important Nutrients

According to a Food Science and Human Wellness article from September 2018, corn contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. For instance, potassium, a mineral that is present in corn, promotes normal blood pressure, heart function, muscular contractions, reduces cramping, and aids in maintaining muscle mass.

According to the study in Food Science and Human Wellness, yellow maize and sweet corn in particular can be good sources of provitamin A (a chemical that can be transformed to vitamin A). According to MedlinePlus, vitamin A boosts the immune system and aids in the development of the mucous membranes in your respiratory tract. Better protective barriers are formed by stronger membranes to keep germs out of your bloodstream.

Corn Promotes Digestion

Insoluble fiber, which is not dissolved and taken into the bloodstream, is available in significant amounts. According to MedlinePlus, insoluble fiber remains in the GI tract, increasing stool volume and assisting in the movement of waste through your body. This lessens the likelihood of hemorrhoids, decreases constipation, and may help lower the risk of colon cancer.

Additionally, researchers discovered in a June 2019 study published in The Journal of Nutrition that increasing dietary fiber consumption is associated with weight loss. Thus, the fiber in maize may also benefit weight management, particularly by increasing the feeling of fullness after meals.

Additional Information About Corn

The majority of fresh corn on the cob is not genetically modified, despite the fact that there are more varieties of genetically modified maize than any other plant species. (Most corn grown in the US is processed into various products like cornstarch; a lesser portion is utilized as animal feed and biofuels.) Additionally, you can avoid GMOs when purchasing bagged frozen corn by looking for "USDA Certified Organic" on the label.

Additionally, even though whole corn has a low fat (1 gram per ear) and sugar (3 grams per ear) content, it may be best to stay away from corn oil and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). HFCS has been linked to an abnormal rise in blood fats called triglycerides as well as body fat, particularly belly fat. Furthermore, corn oil contains a lot of omega-6 fatty acids, which have been linked to pro-inflammation, especially when omega-3 fatty acids aren't present in sufficient quantities.

Berbagi :