Is Corn Healthy to Eat?

This is probably the one grain dish that people worldwide indulge in without cringing at in disgust because of its sweet, firm bite that goes well with just about anything. Not knowing how a food will help you in the long run is not the way healthy food should be approached.

There are ways to turn drab veggies/grains into delicious meals, by knowing what to put in it and experimenting with cooking styles and spices. Corn, scientifically known Zea mays, grows in "ears" and comes in neatly rowed kernels along the cob.

It can be either eaten in tinned form, or directly from the cob by biting into it after its outer leafy covering is stripped, along with the "corn silk" or husk plucked out (little hair-like strands). When growing corn, it's usually yellow in color which is common among those who eat it, but it also comes in colors of pink, black, red, and blue.

Here, we give you the lowdown on what corn contains within itself before we move further into the benefits of eating this golden delight.

Nutrient            Value(100 gm)

Fat                           1.2 gm

Potassium              270 mg

Calcium                    9 mg

Carbohydrates         9 mg

Sugars                   3.2 gm

Energy             360 KJ (90 kcal)

Iron                        0.5 mg

Vitamin A               10 mg

Nutrient            Value(100 gm)

Vitamin B              15 mg

Vitamin C                7 mg

Dietary Fiber         2.7 gm

Protein                  3.2 mg

Folate                   46 mg

Niacin                  1.7 mg

Phosphorus        120 mg

Magnesium          37 mg

• Those suffering from diabetes will benefit from eating corn.
• Helps in the metabolism of carbohydrates.
• Due to its rich fiber content, corn helps lower cholesterol levels.
• Treats kidney problems.
• Reduces one's risk of getting colon cancer.
• Treats renal dysfunction.
• Helps aid cardiovascular activities.

• May help prevent lung cancer due to beta-cryptoxanthin present in it.
• Soothes one going through hemorrhoids or constipation.
• Helps physiological functions.
• Helps anemic people.
• Many people grow these grains in their backyard or kitchen garden. It's a nice way of having it available all the time, as you can eat it whenever you like.

Not many pregnant women realize how important it is to incorporate folic acid, which is a form of Vitamin B, in their diet. It helps in the development of cells and regeneration, especially during the first couple of weeks of the pregnancy.

It makes certain that the spinal cord and brain form without any deformities, and also cancels out any chance of having a miscarriage. Neural Tube Disorder (NTD) are defects that fall upon very few pregnant women's babies.

These defects can branch out into bigger problems, like anencephaly and spina bifida (open spine), which can cause paralysis in the legs, bowel system, and bladder. Anencephaly is a condition where the skull and brain are undeveloped.

It is also hereditary in nature and must be checked out in family health records. That is why it is important that pregnant women have foods rich in folic acids, and corn classifies as one such food rich in Vitamin B.

• Proper formation of hemoglobin.
• Reduced risk of getting Alzheimer's disease.
• Reduced the risk of getting a stroke/heart attack.
• Proper division of cells and its functioning is normal.
• Protects those from some types of cancers, that include cervical and colon cancer.

Corn can be eaten in many ways, the popular way being, the whole cob placed on barbecue grills, while it sizzles away with any condiments that you think would go well with it; or boiling it over the stove till it's soft.

It is a versatile food that goes well with almost anything, like pasta, vegetable dishes, pizza, fried food, baked dishes like casseroles, and so on. Try and include this vital form of nutrients in your diet, and help yourself and others gain from this valuable source of healthy vitamins.