Corn: health benefits and harms, calorie content, chemical composition

Corn, or maize, is one of the most ancient grains. Mexico is considered its homeland, where it has been cultivated since ancient times. Currently, the culture is popular and grown in many countries around the world. For the targeted use of cereal, you need to know the benefits and harms of corn for human health, how it affects the body, and its possible contraindications.

Chemical composition of corn

Maize grains are bare, their weight is about 0.3 g, and on top they are covered with a dense shell of white or yellowish color. The chemical composition of corn grain includes saponin, essential oil, alkaloids, vitamins, nicotinic acid, biotin, carotenoids, and a large number of macro- and microelements. The grains contain biologically active substances, the benefits of which for human health can hardly be overestimated.

Vitamins in corn

The benefits of cereal are determined by its rich mineral and vitamin composition. 100 g of corn contains:

vitamin PP (2 mg) – nicotinic acid, participates in restoration processes;
beta-carotene (0.32 mg) – has antioxidant properties;
B vitamins (1.2 mg) – are responsible for cellular metabolism;
vitamin E (1.3 mg) – protects the body from toxins;
Choline (71 mg) – helps in the construction of brain cells.

Microelements

100 g of product contains microelements:

iron (3.7 mg) – helps provide the body with oxygen;
zinc (1.73 mg) – regulates the activity of the nervous system;
iodine (5.2 mcg) – responsible for the functioning of the thyroid gland;
copper (290 mcg) – affects hematopoiesis;
manganese (1.09 mg) – is responsible for the proper development of cells;
selenium (30 mcg) - provides antioxidant protection;
chromium (8 mcg) – regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats;
fluoride (64 mcg) – strengthens the immune system;
boron (270 mcg) – maintains normal hormonal levels;
aluminum (440 mcg) – participates in the construction of bone tissue.

How many calories are in corn

The calorie content of corn per 100 grams of product is 325 Kcal. Contains:

carbohydrates – 60 g;
proteins – 10.3 g;
fats – 4.9 g;
dietary fiber – 9.6 g;
water – 14.0 g;
starch – 58.2 g;
ash – 1.2 g;
saturated acids – 0.56 g;
unsaturated acids – 3.46 g;
monosaccharides – 1.6 g.

Useful properties of corn

Regular consumption of cobs and products made from them promotes changes in the body:

positive dynamics in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases;
reducing the risks of cardiovascular pathologies;
prevention of diabetes and obesity;
calcium retention in the body;
protection against eye diseases;
improving digestion;
getting rid of fatty liver;
protecting skin from wrinkles and aging;
strengthening the immune system.

For men

The benefits of corn on the cob for the male body are due to the chemical composition of the product and are as follows:

the level of “bad” cholesterol decreases;
memory improves;
inflammatory processes are prevented;
the risk of prostate adenoma decreases;
the condition of patients with nephritis and gout is alleviated;
the risk of male infertility is minimized;
genital dysfunction is prevented.

For women

Corn grains are tasty, nutritious, beneficial not only for men, but also for the health of women, thanks to them the reproductive system functions better, menopause symptoms are milder, and menopause symptoms are less pronounced. Eating corn during the diet helps maintain slimness, and thanks to B vitamins, the skin is tightened and rejuvenated. The benefits of grains also have a positive effect on the condition of the hair - it becomes shiny and voluminous. Based on starch, you can prepare masks that have a regenerating, refreshing effect.

For the elderly

Doctors advise older people to regularly eat corn in various forms. Its beneficial properties help improve memory, reduce the risk of developing sclerosis, and slow down the aging process. The boiled type of product is preferable for the elderly. The grains should be soft, in this state they are well digestible. According to experts, the use of grains in food leads to the improvement and preservation of vision thanks to the carotenoids included in their composition.

At what age can corn be given to children?

One of the first complementary foods for a baby at the age of six months is corn porridge. Frequency of use – no more than 2 times a week.The first dose should not exceed ½ teaspoon. Gradually the portion increases. The large amount of fiber in the product benefits the baby’s gastrointestinal tract, normalizing its activity and preventing constipation. It is very important that this type of porridge is hypoallergenic.

Boiled cobs can be given to a child no earlier than two to three years of age. Maximum serving – 1 piece per day. It is possible to prepare dishes based on maize - soups, stews, porridges.

Is it possible to eat corn during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

If there are no contraindications, then during pregnancy the use of the product is not only not prohibited, but recommended. It can be used as an independent dish or as a side dish, as well as in salads.

The benefits of cereal for a woman’s body are undeniable and are as follows:

helps reduce nausea and other manifestations of toxicosis;
increases performance;
reduces swelling;
prevents the possibility of constipation;
cleanses the body of waste and toxins;
Helps normalize sugar and cholesterol levels;
improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

You should avoid consuming the canned product, and you should consult your doctor before using the cobs.

During breastfeeding, in the first month of the baby's life, the use of corn as food is prohibited. Later, you can gradually introduce this product into your diet, focusing on the child’s behavior. If within 24 hours the baby does not have any negative reaction - diarrhea, rashes, bloating - then there is no harm, you can use it. The health benefits of boiled corn for mother and baby are significant.At the same time, harm to a canned product is possible only because of the dyes, flavor enhancers, and preservatives it contains.

Corn for weight loss

The energy value of the cereal depends on its variety and the degree of ripening of the cob. The BJU ratio of corn allows it to be included in the list of dietary food products. It can only cause harm to your figure if used incorrectly or excessively.

For weight loss, milky corn can be used raw or grilled or steamed. The number of calories in an ear of corn in this state is minimal: only 80 Kcal per 100 g of product. Despite this, a single serving is no more than 200 g. You can consume two servings per day. You should not eat corn at night.

Rules for eating corn for illnesses

It must be remembered that corn will be harmful to those who suffer from intolerance to the product. Excessive use in food can also be harmful to health and cause rashes, allergic reactions, and digestive problems. You cannot eat genetically modified corn.

For diabetes

Grains have a high glycemic index: more than 50. Therefore, in order not to cause harm, patients with diabetes are recommended to limit this product in its pure form.

To lower the index, experts recommend combining corn with protein components. In this case, the diabetic receives the same benefits as a healthy person. For diabetes, corn can be consumed with non-drinkable dairy products: cottage cheese and cheese.

For gastritis

Despite the medicinal properties of corn, in the acute phase of gastritis it can cause irreparable harm to health.During the period of remission, it is allowed to use young baked cobs for food, or in the form of ground soups - in small quantities.

For pancreatitis

The use of corn for pancreatitis is undesirable, since it is a rough food that requires increased work of the gastrointestinal tract. Absorption is difficult, which puts additional stress on the pancreas. Maize contains a lot of starch, the digestion of which requires a large amount of enzymes produced by the gland. And this is an unnecessary burden on an unhealthy organ. In the chronic form of the disease, it is undesirable to consume unripe grains, boiled cobs, or canned foods that can be harmful to health.

For gout

Those who suffer from gout should include corn on the cob in their diet. The product helps to activate metabolic processes in the body, restore psychological health, which leads to a favorable outcome in treatment.

For urolithiasis

Corn has a diuretic effect, so long-term use of stigmas can get rid of kidney stones and helps remove sand.

Contraindications to eating corn

Despite the rich chemical composition and benefits of the components included in the cereal, there are contraindications:

acute and chronic form of pancreatitis;
thrombosis;
increased blood clotting;
low body weight;
stomach and duodenal ulcers;
pancreatic diseases.

Can you be allergic to corn?

Maize products are considered hypoallergenic, but manifestations of allergies still occur in adults and children. They are expressed in rashes, eczema, swelling of the mucous membranes, nausea, vomiting, and headaches.

Important! If there is a reaction to the product, the symptoms develop very quickly, and contacting a doctor should be urgent, especially if it concerns the health of a small child.

How to choose corn

Choosing the right product requires meeting several conditions:

the cob should be no larger than the palm of your hand;
grains - densely packed, yellow or cream in color;
the leaves should cover the corn, keeping it fresh for a long time;
storage - no more than 2 - 3 days.

You can test for ripeness: when you press on a ripe grain, juice comes out.

Conclusion

With correct, reasonable use, only benefits can be obtained from the cereal, and the harm of corn to health will be completely neutralized. It is necessary to clearly understand in what cases cereal cobs are beneficial, and when you should refrain from consuming them.