benefits of maizes

Corn is high in dietary fiber and sweet corn contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. A medium sized ear of corn provides nearly 10 percent of required daily value (DV) of corn. Canned sweet corn can be high in salt, with some brands containing as much as 545 mg of sodium per cup close to a quarter of the recommended dietary allowance. MayoClinic.com reports that excessive dietary salt can lead to fluid retention and increased blood pressure in sodium sensitive individuals; the website recommends getting no more than 2,300 mg of sodium a day.

Corn is a good source of vitamin C though processed forms such as popcorn or cornmeal contain less of this nutrient. Corn is also rich in B vitamins such as Thiamin and Niacin. Pantothenic acid is a vitamin that is vital for carbohydrate as well as protein and lipid metabolism in the body and corn contains it in significant amounts. Besides, it provides a large proportion of the daily folate requirement and is a rich source of beta carotene which is required for vitamin A formation. The corn kernels contain vitamin E which is a natural antioxidant for growth.

Corn contains antioxidant phytochemicals which vary depending upon the different varieties of corn. Yellow corn is rich in carotenoids which provide high concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin. Blue corn is rich in anthocyanin antioxidants whereas purple corn contains a particular acid called protocatechuic acid which is a strong antioxidant. Ferulic acid is natural antioxidant occurring in plants that helps to neutralize free radicals. Corn contains very high levels of this acid which can increase up to 900 percent on cooking it.

Corn belongs to the grass familyorGraminae. Nowadays, farmers grow hybrid corns, which are developed by breeding two or more different types. These hybrids are superior to the pure cultivars in terms of traits, like tolerance to low temperature, disease and pest resistance. Corn is produced in a higher amount than any other grains. America is the highest producer of this valuable crop, contributing to about half of the global production. It is grown all over the world except in Antarctica. Peak season for corn production is May through September.

The major points against consumption of corn include a possibility of fungal and microbial infection and toxicity and skewed Omega 6 : Omega 3 ratio. Besides these, some other concerns over consumption of corn happen to stem from the sugar and starch content of corn which gives this grain high calorific value. Not a very good news for weight watchers! This concern also gives rise to a very serious question is corn oil good for you? Considering the ubiquity of corn oil in just about every processed and fried food and given its high trans fat content, corn oil is not at all a good option for daily cooking purposes. If you are a discretionary snacker and binge on those fries not more twice or thrice a month then it wont be very harmful for you! Regular consumption should be avoided. Is corn good for you? Not always!

Corn is also used in everything imaginable. In addition to being eaten straight off the cob or popped, corn is used to manufacture corn syrup, a wildly successful artificial sweetener. Corn is also used to synthesize a number of compounds used in manufacturing processes, such as corn starch, which is in everything from cardboard to biodegradable containers. Corn is extensively cultivated to produce animal feed, with all feedlot animals consuming pounds of the crop each day. In addition, corn is used in the manufacture of alcohol and ethanol, a commonly used alternative fuel.

Corn is a rich source of calories and is a staple among dietary habits in many populations. Theorcalorific content of cornoris 342 calories per 100 grams, which is among the highest for cereals. It is why corn is often turned to for quick weight gain, and combined with the ease and flexibility of growing conditions for corn, the high calorie content makes it vital for the survival of dozens of agricultural based nations.

The fiber content of one cup of corn amounts to 18.4% of the daily recommended amount. This aids in alleviatingordigestive problems such as constipationorand hemorrhoids, as well as lowering the risk of colon cancer due to corn being a whole grain. Fiber has long been promoted as a way to reduce colon risk, but insufficient and conflicting data exists for fibers relationship withorpreventing cancer, although whole grain consumption, on the whole, has been proven to reduce that risk. Fiber helps to bulk up bowel movements, which stimulates peristaltic motion and even stimulates the production of gastric juice and bile. It can also add bulk to overly loose stools, which can slow reduce the chances of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and diarrhea.

Corn is rich inorvitamin 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. Corn is also a good source of Pantothenic acid, which is an essential vitamin for carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism in the body. Deficiency of folic acid in pregnant women can lead to the birth of underweight infants and may also result in neural tube defects in newborns. Corn provides a large percentage of the daily folate requirement, while the kernels of corn are rich in vitamin E, a natural antioxidant that is essential for growth and protection of the body from illness and disease.

Corn containsorabundant mineralsorwhich positively benefit the bodies in a number of ways. phosphorous, along with magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron and copper are found in all varieties of corn. It also contains trace minerals like selenium, which are difficult to find in most normal diets. Phosphorous is essential for regulating normal growth, bone health and optimal kidney functioning. Magnesium is necessary for maintaining a normal heart rate and for increasing bone strength.