Why You Should Include Corn In Your Diet
“Apart from providing necessary calories for a healthy metabolism, corn is also full of vitamins and minerals”
Corn or maize is a popular food items used in many parts of the world, Apart from providing necessary calories for a healthy metabolism, corn is also full of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin A, B and E are commonly found in corn. Also, the presence of fibre in corn, enhances our digestive health and protects us from colorectal cancer as well. Additionally, the antioxidant properties of corn act as anti-carcinogenic agents that prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Most of us love to bite into the piping hot, roasted corn cobs, seasoned with lemon juice, a dash of chili and a pinch of salt, especially during the monsoons, when corn takes on its best flavour. While a corn treat is perfect on regular days, on rainy days, eating corn has been somewhat of a custom!
Nutritional Benefits
- As a low fat complex carbohydrate, corn should bag a regular place in everyone’s diet.
- Corn is high in fibre and helps ease common digestive troubles.
- It contributes to weight loss and is filled with important calories.
- Corn is a rich source of antioxidants and vitamins A, B and C along with other minerals.
Healthy Ways To Consume Corn
- Makai roti
- Corn on the cob
- Salad or as a pizza topping
- Aired fat free popcorn
Unhealthy Corn Products
- Cornflakes
- Creamy corn dishes
- Theatre popcorn
- Butter corn
To reap the nutritional benefits from corn, it is important that you don’t cover it in butter and other fatty sauces as this increase the calories and fat content of an already carbohydrate- rich food. Instead, flavour your corn with a variety of spices to further increase its nutritional value. The best way to retain corn’s flavour is to boil or steam it, This is the traditional method which helps In retaining its nutritional value.
Nutritional Value
Energy (kcals) – 125, Protein (g) – 4.7, Fat(g) – 0.9, Complex carbohydrates (g) – 24.6, Crude fibre (g) – 1.9, Vitamin A (ug) – 32, Thiamine (Vitamin Bi) (mg) – 0.11, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) (mg) – 0.17, Niacin (Vitamin B3) (mg) – 0.6, Vitamin C (mg) – 6.