Besides being extremely delicious and even a little sweet, corn has many health benefits. The popular food is a tasty snack that is not only filling but also healthy. It is rich in fibre, carbohydrates and protein. It also contains vitamins A, B and C, as well as important minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. Here are some major health benefits of corn.
1. Corn can improve digestive health
The fibre found in corn helps with digestion and promotes regularity of bowel movements. Corn can also help prevent constipation. A study published in the journal JAMA says that eating nuts, corn and popcorn reduces the risk of diverticulitis, a condition in which bulging blisters form in the digestive tract.
2. Corn promotes heart health
Corn contains antioxidants and may help lower cholesterol. Corn contains compounds such as folate, potassium and plant sterols that are beneficial for heart health. Folate helps lower homocysteine levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, while plant sterols help lower cholesterol, according to the American Heart Association. Corn is rich in fibre, and according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, consuming 25 grams of fibre per day may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in women.
3. Eating corn can give you an energy boost
The carbohydrates found in corn provide a quick energy boost. This makes it a suitable choice for active people. Corn contains carbohydrates that provide quick energy to the body. The carbohydrates in corn are broken down into glucose, which is used by cells for energy and promotes overall vitality and stamina.
4. Improves eye health
Corn is a good source of carotenoids, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for eye health. These compounds help protect the eyes from age-related macular degeneration and cataracts by filtering harmful blue light and reducing oxidative damage to the retina. This study published in the journal JAMA found that participants who consumed carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin had a 43% lower risk of developing AMD, or age-related macular degeneration, an eye disease.
5. Aids in weight management
The fibre content of corn promotes satiety, making it a healthy snack. This helps in weight control by reducing overall calorie intake. Corn is relatively low in calories and fat, making it a suitable part of weight control diets. Its fibre promotes satiety, thus helping to curb appetite and avoid overeating. In a study on mice published in the journal Nutrition Research and Practice, it was found that the group of mice that received high-fat corn silk for 8 weeks had significantly lower body weight.
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