There are still some variation of the classification of corn. Some said it is a vegetable, while some list it into grain. However, whatever the name is, many health benefits can be associated with the consumption of this food.
1. Corn is known as a good source of pantothenic acid. This vitamin B is very helpful in carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism. Besides, this compound is effective in times of stress, as it supports the functioning of the adrenal glands.
2. This grain contains thiamin. This vitamin is essential for maintaining nerve health and cognitive functions. Thiamin acts as an important part of enzymatic reactions since they are central to the production of energy. Consuming corn is thus, critical for brain cell/cognitive function. Thiamine also helps in the synthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for memory. Deficiency of this vital component has a significant contributing factor in age-related impairment in mental functions (senility) and Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Corn kernels contain a high amount of folic acid. Deficiency of the vitamin in pregnant women can cause the birth of underweight infants and neural tube defects. Eating yellow corn can be helpful in maintaining a good vision and skin as it is a rich source of beta-carotene, which produces the body with vitamin A.
4. Corn is a rich source of fiber that is effective in alleviating digestive problems such as constipation and hemorrhoids. These fibers also help in lowering the risk of colon cancer.
5. Corn contains great amounts of phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron and copper and trace elements such as selenium. These combine together in maintaining normal bone growth, bone health and kidney functioning. Magnesium, especially, plays an important role in regulating the heart rate and strengthening bones.
6. Corn or maize provides antioxidants help in fighting cancer-causing free radicals. This particular grain is also a rich source of the phenolic compound, ferulic acid, which is effective in fighting tumours in the breast and liver.
7. Oil from corn has anti-atherogenic effects on the cholesterol levels, thereby making it preventing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The oil also lowers plasma LDL cholesterol by reducing cholesterol absorption by the body.
Regular intake of corn kernels helps the management of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and provides protection against hypertension owing to the presence of phenolic phytochemicals.
As being acknowledge about corn health benefits, you can choose immediately your favorite menu with corn. What do you have? Well, that may be a high nutritious popcorn for a movie treat snack; maybe a great quick-energy food with corn flakes for perfect breakfast.