Maize,Corn nutrition and Health benefits of Corn

Corn known as “Bhutta” or “Makka” in hindi is one of the few cereals that we all can get very creative with. Also popularly known as maize, nutritional value of corn on the cob is very nice it can be cooked in a variety of ways, here are amazing health benefits of corn.

 

Corn is high in nutrients, which are extremely beneficial for you. Rich in Vitamin B1, which is used in the metabolism of carbohydrates, Vitamin B5, corn benefits with physiological functions, folate, that helps generating new cells and Vitamin C, which helps fight diseases, corn should be a must in your diet.

 

Health benefits of Corn (Maize)

 

#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.

 

#Good for Digestion

Corn is high in dietary fiber which comprises of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps in blocking cholesterol absorption by turning into a gel like consistency whereas insoluble fiber prevents constipation and intestinal problems by promoting soft and bulky stool that can move easily through the intestines, thus reducing the chances of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and diarrhea.

 

#Antioxidant properties

Corn is a rich source of antioxidants which fight cancer-causing free radicals. In fact, unlike many other foods, cooking actually increases the amount of usable antioxidants in sweet corn. Corn is a rich source of a phenolic compound called ferulic acid, an anti-carcinogenic agent that has been shown to be effective in fighting the tumors which lead to breast cancer as well as liver cancer.

 

#Improves Vision

The yellow kernels of corn contain substances called carotenoids which reduce the risk of macular degeneration i.e. impairment of vision at the center of your line of sight.

 

#Beneficial during Pregnancy

Being a rich source of folic acid, corn is particularly beneficial for pregnant women. Deficiency of folic acid in pregnant women can cause the birth of underweight infants and also cause neural tube defects at birth.

 

#Prevents Skin Problems

Corn starch is used as an ingredient in many cosmetic products and can even be applied topically to soothe skin rashes and irritation.

 

#Facilitates Weight Gain

Corn is a great option for underweight people. Corn is rich in carbs as well as calorie dense to bulk up your body. Thus, it can be a healthy addition to your meals if you are underweight.

 

#Prevents Anemia

Corn helps to prevent anemia caused by deficiency of these vitamins. Corn also has a significant level of iron one of important health benefits of corn, which is one of the essential minerals needed to form new red blood cells; a deficiency in iron is one of the main cause of anemia as well.

 

#Combats Hair Loss and Dryness

Corn oil offers a great combination of fatty acids and nutrients such as vitamin E. Thus, the topical application of this oil helps to keep the hair follicles hydrated, well-nourished and prevents premature aging. The antioxidants prevent cell damage by trapping the free radicals. It also contains vitamin K that helps in the absorption of calcium, thus preventing hair loss.

 

#Prevents Diabetes and Hypertension

Health benefits of corn is proven to be effective in reducing the signs of diabetes. Regular consumption of corn kernels assists in the management of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and protects against hypertension due to the presence of phenolic phytochemicals in whole corn.