The Amazing Health Benefits of Corn

Corn, also known as maize, is grown all over the world and used for many products. It is one of the most popular cereals in the world and it can be consumed in many different forms. Corn is also very beneficial to the human body. Here are a few more reasons why you should enjoy delicious corn, anyhow, anytime:

1. Nutrients

Corn is very good source of vitamin B1 (thiamine). It’s a good source of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamins C and E, folic acid, dietary fiber, essential fatty acids, and the minerals magnesium and phosphorus.

2. Eye Health

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study suggests antioxidants may delay the advance of age-related macular degeneration. Yellow corn is rich in the carotenoid lutein which has  antioxidant properties that can lower the risk of age related vision loss.

3.  Prevents Alzheimer’s

A study has shown that the lutein and beta-carotene in corn can prevent the cognitive decline which leads to Alzheimer’s disease.

4. Prevents Cancer

Corn has a high level of a carotenoid with antioxidant properties. An observational study in Singapore has shown that high levels of this were associated with reduced risk of lung cancer.

5. High Fibre

This popular food is high in fibre and its insoluble fibre is effective at tackling common digestive ailments (like constipation and haemorrhoids) by absorbing water, which swells the stool and speeds its movement.

6. Antioxidant Properties of Corn

According to studies carried out at Cornell University, corn is a rich source of antioxidants which fight the cancer causing free radicals. In fact, cooking increases the antioxidants in sweet corn. Corn is a rich source of a phenolic compound ferulic acid, an anti-cancer agent which has been shown to be effective in fighting tumours in breast cancer and liver cancer.

7. Heart Health

According to researchers, corn oil has been shown to regulate cholesterol levels, thus preventing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

8. Protection against Diabetes and Hypertension

Consumption of corn helps in managing diabetes mellitus and is effective against hypertension.

9. Lowering LDL Cholesterol

According to Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, consumption of corn husk oil lowers bad cholesterol by reducing cholesterol absorption by the body.

10. Prevents Anaemia

The vitamin B12 and folic acid present in corn prevent anaemia caused by the deficiency of these vitamins.