Fitness101: 7 health benefits of corn or maize

LAHORE – Corn is a seed (grain) of a plant from the grass family, native to Central America, but grown in countless varieties throughout the world. Popcorn and sweet corn are commonly eaten varieties. Whole-grain corn is as healthy as any cereal grain, rich in fiber and many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Below are some of the wonderful health benefits of adding corn in your diet:

1# Promotes Growth: Corn is rich in vitamin 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.

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, thus preventing this condition.

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2#Provides Essential Minerals :Corn contains abundant minerals which positively benefit the body in a number of ways.  Phosphorus, 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. Phosphorus is essential for regulating normal growth, bone health, and optimal kidney functioning.

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3#Prevents Anemia: Corn helps prevent anemia caused by a deficiency of these vitamins. It also has a significant level of iron, which is one of the essential minerals needed to form new red blood cells; a deficiency of iron is one of the main causes of anemia as well.

4# Eye & Skin Care :Yellow corn is a rich source of beta-carotene, which forms vitamin A in the body and is essential for the maintenance of good vision and skin. Beta-carotene is a great source of vitamin A because it is converted within the body according to the amount required by it.

Vitamin A can be toxic if too much is consumed, so deriving it through beta-carotene transformation is ideal. It will also benefit the health of skin and mucous membranes, as well as boost the immune system.

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5# Controls Diabetes: In recent decades, the world has seemed to suffer from an epidemic of diabetes. Although the exact mechanism for this cannot be pinpointed, it is generally related to nutrition.

Studies have shown that the consumption of corn kernels assists in the management of non-insulin dependent diabetes  and is effective against hypertension due to the presence of phenolic phytochemicals in whole corn.

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6# Cosmetic Benefits: Cornstarch is used in the manufacturing of many cosmetic products and may also be applied topically to soothe skin rashes and irritation. Corn products can be used to replace carcinogenic petroleum products which are major components of many cosmetic preparations.

7# Protects Your Heart: According to researchers, corn oil has been shown to have an anti-atherogenic effect on cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of various cardiovascular diseases. Corn oil, in particular, is the best way to improve heart health and this is derived from the fact that corn is close to an optimal fatty acid combination.

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