Healthy Reasons to "cherish" this CORN season

Corn also known as maize is the most popular cereal grain grown over the world. They are made in different forms for consumption like the popcorn and sweet corn which contains more sugar and less starch plus the refined products that are frequently consumed as ingredient in foods like corn oil, corn meal and corn flour.
Corn is a healthy grain rich in fiber, vitamins and antioxidants. It is mostly composed of carbohydrates but has little amounts of protein, fats, water, and minerals like magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper etc.

A healthy amount of corn consumption can prevent and control ailments like heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, blindness which is expressed below.
Improves Eye health: In as much as old age and infections are the main causes of visual impairment and blindness, studies have shown that a considerable amount of nutrition plays a significant  role. Dietary intake of antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin are predominant carotenoids in corn accounting for 70% of total carotenoid contents. High levels of these carotenoid in the blood are strongly linked with reduced risk of both macular degeneration and cataracts.
Therefore, regular consumption of foods rich in lutein and zeaxathin such as yellow corn, can have benefitial effects on our eye health.

Aids Digestion: The high dietary fiber contained in corn(double and insoluble) helps in blocking cholesterol and prevent digestive problems like constipation, hemorrhoids and diarrhea as well as colon cancer.

Prevents Anaemia: The consumption of corn helps in prevention of anemia which is a deficiency in vitamins B, iron and folic acid especially iron which is an essential mineral required to form red blood cells.

Prevents Diabetes and Hypertension: Organic fruits and vegetables like the corn help in reducing the signs of diabetes. Regular consumption helps in the management of diabetes and protect against hypertension due to the presence of photochemicals in corn. This is because these photochemicals regulate the activities of insulin in the body, helping diabetic exposed patients maintain a normal healthy life.

Protect the Heart: Intake of corn oil and sweet corn helps in the regulation of cholesterol and increases the flow of blood in the body. Thereby preventing the arteries from clogging, reduces blood pressure, and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Prevents Brain Disease: Maize is a good source of thymine which is an essential part of enzymatic reaction necessary for brain cell and cognitive function. It is needed for memory. The absence of corn in our meal while growing up can cause age related mental function line Alzheimer's disease.

Increased level of Energy: Starchy foods like corn contains high amount of carbohydrates which provides energy. They ensure proper functioning of the brain and nervous system. For lasting energy, it is advised to consume corn hours before exercising.

Corn because of it's rich source of carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and antioxidant, should be included in every diet in every form be it sweet corn, pop corn or whole grain corn.





                                                                  Truly Val


REFERENCES
Atli Arnarson, PhD. February 4, 2015. Corn 101. Nutrition facts and health benefits. (Blog post). Retrieved from http://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/corn/#section11.

Stylecraze. April 28, 2017. 16 best benefits of corn for skin, hair and health. (Blog post). Retrieved from http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-corn-for-skin-hair-and-health/#gref