Benefits of corn

Corn is the most popular and healthy product for humans

Corn is one of the oldest cultivated plants, which is actively used in nutrition due to its rich composition and versatility. It contains many useful substances, including vitamins, minerals and fiber. Let’s consider what are the benefits of corn for the human body and what are the possible contraindications.  

Health benefits of corn

Corn is rich in B vitamins (B1, B5, B6), which support the nervous system, improve metabolism and strengthen immunity. It also contains vitamin E, known for its antioxidant properties, and vitamin K, essential for normal blood clotting.  

Magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and iron in corn help strengthen bones, improve heart function and maintain normal hemoglobin levels. The high fiber content improves digestion, prevents constipation and removes toxins from the body.

Benefits of corn for the male body

For men, corn is useful as a source of zinc, which plays a key role in maintaining hormonal balance and improving the quality of sperm. Regular consumption of corn helps to strengthen the cardiovascular system, which is especially important for the prevention of heart attacks and strokes.  

Benefits of corn for a woman’s body

Women appreciate corn for its ability to improve the condition of skin, hair and nails thanks to vitamin E. Also, its inclusion in the diet helps regulate blood sugar levels, which is useful for hormonal fluctuations. Corn supports normal iron levels, which is especially important during pregnancy.  

Interesting corn facts and benefits

  • Corn began growing about 9,000 years ago in Central America. Its ancestor is thought to be the teosinte plant, which is very different in appearance from modern corn.  
  • Corn is a grass. Although we are used to thinking of corn as a vegetable, biologically it belongs to the cereal family such as wheat, rice and barley.  
  • It is the world’s highest yielding crop. Corn ranks first in the world in terms of production among crops, ahead of even rice and wheat.  
  • A symbol of life for ancient civilizations. For the Maya and Aztecs, corn was a sacred plant. They considered it a gift from the gods and the basis of life.  
  • There are many colors. Corn is not only yellow. The kernels can be white, red, purple, black and even multicolored. For example, Indian corn is famous for its colorful palette.  
  • Each kernel is associated with a fiber. A corn cob has hundreds of thin fibers (stigmas), each of which is associated with a different kernel. If a fiber is damaged, the grain will not form.  
  • Corn stalks are used in industry. Corn stalks are used to make paper, textiles, animal feed, and in the production of biofuels.
  • Popcorn has been known for thousands of years. Popcorn, or popping corn, was around long before modern movies. Archaeologists have found traces of popcorn more than 5,000 years old.
  • Unique genetic code. Corn has more genes than humans: about 32,000 genes versus 20,000-25,000 in humans. This makes it an important subject for genetic research.
  • NASA scientists have included corn in experiments to grow plants in space. Its unpretentiousness and useful properties make it a promising food for astronauts.  
  • Corn and starch. Corn is one of the main sources of starch in the world. It is used to make many products, from corn syrup to biodegradable plastic.  
  • Corn mazes. In many countries, corn fields are turned into giant mazes for entertainment. These “corn trails” have become a popular leisure activity.  
  • The famous corn cob in culture. In Iowa, USA, there is a tower in the shape of a corn cob, a popular landmark and symbol of agriculture.  
  • World leader in corn production. The United States is the world’s top producer of corn, where much of it is used for animal feed and biofuel production.

How corn is good for children’s health

For children, corn helps to strengthen the immune system and provide energy to the body. Its sweet flavor is liked by kids, and the high vitamin content contributes to their full development.  

The benefits of corn in different forms of preparation

Here’s how you can cook corn to make it healthy:

  • Boiled corn. This is the most popular way of cooking and retains most of the health benefits. Boiled corn saturates the body with fiber and is a low-calorie food suitable for dieting.  
  • Raw corn. Contains the maximum amount of vitamins and enzymes useful for digestion. However, it should be consumed in moderation, as raw grains can be hard on the stomach.  
  • Corn in salads. Canned or fresh corn kernels perfectly complement salads. They add sweetness to the dishes and enrich them with nutrients.  
  • Popcorn. With no added butter or sugar, popcorn becomes a healthy snack rich in antioxidants. However, overuse of salty or sweet popcorn can lead to high blood pressure and weight problems.  
  • Leaves, stems, and fiber. The leaves and stalks of corn are often used in folk medicine. A decoction of corn stigmas (fibers) helps with kidney disease, lowers blood sugar and has a diuretic effect.  

Treatment of diseases with corn

Corn is useful in:  

  • Diabetes mellitus: the low glycemic index and high amount of fiber help control sugar levels.  
  • Digestive problems: improves intestinal motility.  
  • Cardiovascular diseases: lowers cholesterol levels.  

Harm of corn

Although corn is beneficial, it can cause harm if consumed in excess. It can cause abdominal bloating due to its high fiber content. Raw kernels can be hard on people with gastritis or ulcers. Consuming large amounts of popcorn with salt or butter increases the risk of hypertension.  

Corn is a versatile and beneficial product for the human body. It can be consumed in many forms, including boiled, raw, or as part of salads. However, it is important to remember the sense of proportion and take into account possible contraindications.

To learn about the benefits of other products, go to the Benefits food page.

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