10 Amazing Health Benefits Of Corn

By Sheetal Tewari

Eat corns and stay healthy! Yes, it is true that corn is a wonderful food which provides us lots of nutrition. It not only tastes great, but also has many health benefits. This fiber rich food helps us improve digestion, provides many essential vitamins and minerals, and keeps our heart and whole body healthy. Among many other health benefits, it keeps diabetes at bay, controls cholesterol levels in our blood, reduces the risk of cataracts and provides important nutrients to the pregnant women.

There are many ways you can include corn to your diet. You can boil it directly with the cob and eat it. It is the simplest way to eat corn. You can try out corn recipes or add it as an ingredient in dishes. Corn can be added to salads as well. Some people love to eat recipes like corn casserole, black bean and corn salad and simple grilled corn. You can even try new recipes with corn and get all of its benefits.

There are lots of health benefits of corn and here are some of the benefits we are mentioning for you. Let's have a look at the amazing health benefits of corn:

Great for digestion

Great for digestion

Corn is full of fiber and helps speed up the digestion process in your body. According to many researches, a medium sized cup of corn provides over 10 percent of dietary fiber for our daily requirement.

Essential during pregnancy

Essential during pregnancy

If you are pregnant and love to eat corn, it is great for you. Corn contains Folic acid which is very essential for the mother and baby during pregnancy. Its deficiency affects the spine and weight of the baby, and leads to other health defects.

Good for eyes

Good for eyes

Including corns to your daily diet is wonderful for your eyes. Corn is known to contain such carotenoids which reduce the risk of macular degeneration. The carotenoids Lutein and zeaxanthin present in corn also reduces the development of cataract among the elderly.

Heart healthy food

Heart healthy food

Corn is a great remedy to keep your heart healthy. Vitamin C, carotenoids and bioflavonoids present in corn prevent many heart diseases. The carotenoid present in corn prevents hardening of the arteries and controls cholesterol level in your blood also.

Rich in calories and vitamin

Rich in calories and vitamin

It is a vital source of energy and provides 342 calories per 100 grams. It contains Vitamin B, especially Niacin and Thiamin, which is very essential for our body and mind. Niacin deficiency can lead to dementia, dermatitis, and Thiamin is essential to maintain nerve health.

Rich source of minerals

Rich source of minerals

Corn is abundant in minerals such as magnesium, manganese, iron, copper, zinc and selenium which are all very necessary for proper functioning of human body. Phosphorous is essential to maintain bone health and kidney functioning whereas magnesium maintains normal heart rate.

Prevents Anaemia

Prevents Anaemia

If you are anaemic, corn should be the essential part of your daily diet. Anaemia is caused by the deficiency of Vitamin B12, folic acid and iron. Corn has a significant level of Vitamin B12, folic acid and iron which are very essential for red blood cells formation.

Controls Diabetes

Controls Diabetes

This is one of the health benefits of having corn. Diabetics are advised to include corn in their diet as it contains properties which helps bring control. Studies have shown that people eating corn are less prone to diabetes when compared to others. The phytochemicals present in corn helps regulate diabetes.

Fights cancer

Fights cancer

Corn is a very rich source of antioxidants which fight different types of cancer. Phenolic compound present in corn is an anti-carcinogenic agent, and fights breast and liver cancer. Other antioxidants present in it kill cancerous cells in our body without affecting other healthy cells.

Good for skin

Good for skin

Cornstarch is used in many cosmetics nowadays as it is very beneficial for your skin. The antioxidants present in it prevents ageing process. A regular massage with corn oil enhances your skin texture and helps you get a radiant skin.

Story first published: Monday, October 7, 2013, 19:07 [IST]
Read more about: wellness