Thursday, November 17, 2011

Corn for health benefits

Corn for health benefits include controlling diabetes, prevention of heart disease, reduce hypertension and the prevention of neural-tube defects at birth. Corn or maize is one of the most popular cereals in the world and form the staple food in many countries including the United States, Africa, etc. Not only provide the necessary calories for daily metabolism, but it is a rich source of vitamins A, B, E and many minerals. High fiber content by ensuring that play a role in the prevention of gastrointestinal diseases such as constipation and hemorrhoids and colorectal cancer. Antioxidants present in corn also acts as an anti-cancer agents and prevent Alzheimer's.

Corn for health benefits offered by the quality of nutrition in it. Also, being rich in phytochemicals, provide protection against chronic diseases. 

Here are some health benefits of corn:
Rich Source of Calories: Corn is a rich source of calories and is a staple food for many residents. Calorie content of corn is 342 calories per 100 grams, one of the highest in the cereal.
Prevention of Colorectal Cancer and Hemorrhoids: The fiber content of one cup of corn is 18.4% of the recommended daily amount. It helps in relieving digestive problems like constipation and hemorrhoids, as well as lowering the risk of colon cancer.

Rich source of Vitamins: 
Corn is rich in vitamin B, especially Thiamin and Niacin. Thiamin is important for maintaining healthy nerve and cognitive function. Niacin deficiency can cause pellagra; disease characterized by diarrhea, dementia and dermatitis and commonly observed in individuals with malnutrition. Corn is also a good source for vitamin pantothenic acid which is necessary for carbohydrate and protein and fat metabolism in the body. Folic acid deficiency in pregnant women resulted in the birth of underweight babies and also may lead to neural tube defects at birth. Corn provides a large chunk of the daily folate requirement. Yellow corn is a rich source of beta-carotene which forms vitamin A in the body, essential for the maintenance of good vision and skin. Corn kernels are rich in vitamin E, a natural antioxidant essential for growth.

Containing Minerals Required: 
Corn besides containing much phosphorus and magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron and copper. And contain minerals such as selenium. Phosphorus is essential for maintenance of normal growth, bone health and normal renal function. Magnesium is needed to maintain a normal heart rate and for bone strength.
That's some corn for health benefits