Corn is nutrient-dense food that contains many surprising health benefits.
That’s because corn contains many essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. In addition to being a rich source of carbohydrates and fiber, corn also contains small amounts of healthy fats. It also is an excellent source of vitamin B6, thiamin and folate, which are important for energy metabolism and red blood cell production.
Corn also has several nutritional benefits stemming from the fact that it contains two kinds of fiber—soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. It also contains resistant starch, a particularly beneficial form of insoluble fiber.
In short, corn is a healthy and delicious part of a well-rounded diet. So, how can all these nutrients brought to you by corn farmers benefit your health? Here are six surprising health benefits of corn to think about while you’re enjoying juicy Nebraska-grown sweet corn or products made from the state’s quality white corn:
1. Corn Is Good to Eat Every Day
Corn can be a healthy addition to your daily diet. It is a rich source of essential nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C and dietary fiber. The insoluble fiber in corn can aid in digestion and support regular bowel movements. Corn also contains antioxidants such as zeaxanthin and lutein, which can help prevent age-related eye diseases.
However, as with any food, it’s important to consume corn in moderation and balance it with other nutrient-rich foods to ensure you are getting a variety of vitamins and minerals in your diet.
It’s also important to remember that corn, like any fruit or vegetable, is most beneficial in its unprocessed form. In the case of corn, that means it’s more nutritious when eaten in kernel form than it is after it’s been ground up and turned into processed foods such as breakfast cereals.
2. Corn Is Good for Hair Growth and Health
Corn can contribute to healthy hair growth and maintenance. It contains important vitamins and minerals such as biotin, folate, vitamin C and iron that are essential for hair health. Biotin, also known as vitamin H, is particularly beneficial for promoting hair growth and strength. Folate and vitamin C are important for maintaining healthy collagen levels, which is the protein that forms the structure of hair strands and also benefits your skin. Iron helps carry oxygen to the hair follicles, which is necessary for healthy hair growth.
In addition, corn is also rich in antioxidants that help protect the scalp and hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals. Incorporating corn into your diet can be a delicious and nutritious way to support healthy hair growth and maintenance.
3. Corn Is Good for Lowering the Risk of High Blood Pressure
Corn may play a role in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. This is due to its high potassium content, which is a mineral that can help reduce the negative effects of sodium on blood pressure. Potassium works as a vasodilator, keeping blood vessels relaxed and open, thus reducing blood pressure.
Adding corn to your diet can also increase your intake of dietary fiber, which has been shown to lower blood pressure levels. Corn is also a low-fat food and contains no cholesterol, making it a healthy option for those with high blood pressure.
Corn also can help regulate how insulin is absorbed and released in your body, which can prevent sudden spikes or drops in your blood sugar.
4. Corn Is Good for High Cholesterol
Corn is an important part of a heart-healthy diet because it’s low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Corn oil in particular is high in polyunsaturated fat, which contributes to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
Corn also can help reduce high cholesterol because it contains soluble fiber, which helps lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels in the body. It also contains plant sterols, which are compounds that can help block the absorption of cholesterol in the body. In addition to its cholesterol-lowering benefits, corn is also a rich source of antioxidants like zeaxanthin and lutein, which some studies have indicated can benefit heart health.
5. Corn Is Good for Digestive Issues
Corn can be a beneficial food for individuals with digestive issues. Corn is high in insoluble fiber, which can help regulate bowel movements and promote healthy digestion.
Additionally, it contains resistant starch, which acts as a prebiotic to feed beneficial gut bacteria. This can improve gut health and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.
6. Corn May Help Aid in Weight Loss
Corn can be a helpful food in weight loss efforts. It is a low-fat and low-calorie food that can help you feel full and satisfied without consuming excess calories.
It’s able to keep you feeling full because it’s high in dietary fiber, which can slow down the digestion process and keep you feeling fuller for longer periods of time. This can prevent overeating and reduce the number of calories consumed throughout the day.
Additionally, corn is a good source of complex carbohydrates, which help provide sustained energy levels throughout the day.
FAQs
Corn has plenty of fiber, both soluble and insoluble. The soluble fiber in corn breaks down and forms a gel in the intestines and can play a role in controlling cholesterol. Soluble corn fiber is used in the manufacture of processed foods. The covering of each delicious kernel of corn is insoluble.
What are the amazing benefits of corn? ›
Corn has plenty of fiber, both soluble and insoluble. The soluble fiber in corn breaks down and forms a gel in the intestines and can play a role in controlling cholesterol. Soluble corn fiber is used in the manufacture of processed foods. The covering of each delicious kernel of corn is insoluble.
What does eating corn everyday do to your body? ›
High intake can cause digestive upset, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea, in some people. Corn contains phytic acid, which may reduce mineral absorption. Mycotoxin contamination may also be a concern in developing countries. Finally, corn's soluble fiber (FODMAPs) may cause symptoms for some people.
What are the health benefits of corn roots? ›
By the process of decoction, maize roots, silk, cobs and leaves are utilized in making products which are very helpful in preventing nausea, bladder problems, stomach problems, brain problems, lever problems and stomach problems.
What are the benefits of cornstalk? ›
10 Advantages Of Having A Cornstalk Dracaena
- Purifies air, removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene.
- Low-maintenance and pet-friendly, ideal for beginners and pet owners.
- Brings good luck and wealth according to Feng Shui.
Reduces the risk of Anemia: Corn contains enormous amounts of folic acid, Vitamin B12 and iron which helps in building more red blood cells in the body. By supplying nutrients required to produce fresh red blood cells to the body, it helps in reducing the risk of Anemia.
Is corn anti-inflammatory? ›
Corn is one of the seven Hi-FI foods, or the foods most likely to cause an inflammatory reaction. Inflammation isn't always bad. Acute inflammation is a necessary part of the healing process—it's what causes the redness or swelling when your immune system sends healing cells to a cut on your finger or a swollen ankle.
What does corn do to your gut? ›
Corn fiber also acts as a prebiotic. “Prebiotics feed the healthy bacteria in your gut,” she continues. “They help your digestive system break down and absorb nutrients from corn.” During this process, bacteria in your gut microbiome change corn into a product called short-chain fatty acids.
Is corn good for losing belly fat? ›
Eating corn helps with fat loss and weight loss because corn contains some good bacteria that aid digestion and help keep the body fit and healthy.
What is the disadvantage of eating too much corn? ›
Often, corn gets contaminated by fungi that produce toxins called mycotoxins. Eating a lot of corn with these toxins can put you at a higher risk for certain cancers, liver problems, and lung issues. It can also slow down your immune system.
Corn is an important part of a heart-healthy diet because it's low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Corn oil in particular is high in polyunsaturated fat, which contributes to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
What is ground corn good for? ›
Corn is rich in fiber and plant compounds that may aid digestive and eye health. Yet, it's high in starch, can spike blood sugar and may prevent weight loss when consumed in excess. The safety of genetically modified corn may also be a concern. Still, in moderation, corn can be part of a healthy diet.
What are the benefits of eating corn for hair? ›
Corn is loaded with vitamins B (niacin, riboflavin, and thiamin) and E as well as folate, iron, magnesium, pantothenic acid, potassium, selenium, and zinc. Sweet corn also contains antioxidants that strengthen hair and reduce hair loss.
Do corn stalks have any nutritional value? ›
Usually the bales fall into two different ranges. Those that are lower quality are usually between five and six percent crude protein and around 48 percent total digestible nutrients (TDN) on a dry matter basis.
What are the benefits of eating corn everyday? ›
It is rich in fiber, carbohydrates and protein. It also contains vitamins A, B and C apart from essential minerals like magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. Corn can be a great addition to soups, salads, and stir-fries; and helps give us an instant boost of energy.
What are corn stalks good for? ›
Ground Cover: Like mulch, corn stalks can provide insulation for your farm fields and smother early spring weeds. Utilizing Cover Crops: Planting cover crops in a cornfield full of stalks can help break down residue, cycle nutrients, reduce runoff and erosion, increase infiltration, and warm soils in the spring.
Health Benefits of Corn | Johns Hopkins MedicineJohns Hopkins Medicinehttps://www.hopkinsmedicine.org ›
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Corn is high in dietary fibre and rich in antioxidants. Unlike many other cereal grains, corn flour is gluten-free and cannot be used alone to make rising breads. It is widely used, however, in Latin American cuisine to make masa, a kind of dough used in such staple foods as tortillas, arepas, and tamales.
Why do we eat sweet corn if we can't digest it? ›
Corn is high in cellulose, which is an insoluble fiber that the body cannot digest. However, the body breaks down the other components of corn. Chewing corn for longer can also help the digestive system break down cellulose walls to access more of the nutrients.
Why do I crave corn? ›
Cravings are thought to be linked to the brain's reward system. When we eat certain foods, such as corn, our brains release feel-good chemicals like dopamine, which can create a sense of pleasure and satisfaction. Over time, our brains may start to associate these foods with positive emotions, leading to cravings.
Corn contains antioxidants and vitamins that can be beneficial for the skin, helping with hydration and overall health.
