Did You Know?

That Corn... 

It may sound corny, but how much do you really know about corn. Did you know that corn is the largest and one of the all-time favourite crops?  White (smaller sweeter) and yellow (bigger, more flavour) corn are the most popular eating varieties today, but corn comes in purple, brown, red, and blue. Did you know, for every kernel of corn on the cob, there is one strand of silk?

Corn is in season here in Nigeria and I thought to share some facts and health benefit that may surprise you:

• Corn is now a completely domesticated plant so you're unlikely to find it growing in the wild.

• An ear of corn has about the same number of calories as an apple and less than one-fourth the sugar. Yep! As soon as it is picked the sugar in corn turns to starch reducing its sweetness.  

• Rich source of vitamins: Corn is rich in vitamin B constituents, especially Thiamin and Niacin. Thiamin is essential for maintaining nerve health and cognitive function. Niacin deficiency leads to Pellagra; a disease characterized by diarrhea, dementia and dermatitis that is commonly observed in malnourished individuals. It  rich in vitamin E as well, a natural antioxidant that is essential for growth and protection of the body from illness and disease.Corn is also a good source of Pantothenic acid, which is an essential vitamin for carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism in the body. 

• Corn is a high-antioxidant food: The most popular type, yellow corn, is particularly a good source of carotenoid antioxidants, especially lutein and zeaxanthin (also found in squash, carrots and other deeply colored fruits or vegetables). Other types of corn supply antioxidants such as anthocyanins, protocatechuic acid and hydroxybenzoic acid, beta-carotene, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid. These antioxidants help fight cancer-causing free radicals.

• Corn is  a good source of fibre:  Corn is a food that gives us plenty of chewing satisfaction, and its high ratio of insoluble-to-soluble fiber is partly the reason. This aids in alleviating digestive problems such as constipation and hemorrhoids.  

• Slowly Digested Source of Carbohydrates: Corn is high in starch, which is a type of complex carbohydrate that supports steady energy levels. Unlike refined carbohydrates, which zap us of energy and aren’t filling for long, foods high in starch and fiber are beneficial for controlling blood sugar levels because the fiber slows down the rate at which glucose (sugar) is released into the bloodstream.

• Naturally Gluten-Free:  Although corn is usually grouped together with other grains and used in similar ways, it’s actually not a grain and doesn’t contain any gluten. Since gluten is problematic for some people, corn (and corn flour) makes a good substitute for wheat or other gluten-containing foods.

• Relatively speaking, corn is  low in calories while still providing nutrients. One large ear of corn on the cob has about: 125 calories, 5g protein,  2g fat, 4g fibre, 27g carbohydrates. Making it a reasonable addition to a healthy meal.

• Protects the  heart:  researchs has shown that corn oil have an anti-atherogenic effect on cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of various cardiovascular diseases.

• Controls diabetes and hypertension: It has been linked to reduced signs of diabetes.  Studies have shown that the consumption of corn kernels assists in the management of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and is effective against hypertension due to the presence of phenolic phytochemicals in whole corn. Phytochemicals can regulate the absorption and release of insulin in the body, which can reduce the chance of spikes and drops for diabetic patients and help them maintain a more normal lifestyle.

• Cosmetic benefits: Corn starch is used in the manufacturing of many cosmetic products and may also be applied topically to soothe skin rashes and irritation.