Content
- 1 Chemical composition of boiled corn
- 2 Calories of boiled corn on the cob
- 3 Benefits of Boiled Corn on the Cob
- 4 Is boiled corn good for children?
- 5 Boiled corn for pregnant women
- 6 Is it possible to have boiled corn while breastfeeding?
- 7 Features of eating boiled corn
- 8 How to store boiled corn
- 9 Conclusion
The benefits and harms of boiled corn have been known to mankind for a long time. The beneficial properties of this crop, as well as the relative ease of cultivation, have earned it great popularity. It is especially highly appreciated that corn cobs do not absorb toxins when fields are treated with chemicals and when fertilizers are applied to the soil. In addition, the product does not lose its beneficial properties when heated, so boiled corn is as rich in vitamins and minerals as a fresh cob.
Chemical composition of boiled corn
The benefits of boiled corn are due to its rich vitamin composition. Corn cob contains:
- unsaturated fatty acids;
- ash;
- starch;
- vitamins A, B1, B2, B4 (choline), B5, B6, B9, C, E, PP, K;
- macroelements (potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus);
- trace elements (copper, iron, zinc, selenium, manganese).
Calories of boiled corn on the cob
Corn is a fairly filling product, which is explained by its relatively high calorie content. The energy value of 100 g of boiled corn is 96 kcal.
The calorie content of 1 cob of boiled corn varies from 150 to 250 kcal, depending on its size. The calorie content of boiled cobs in combination with salt increases to 350-450 kcal.
Benefits of Boiled Corn on the Cob
The beneficial properties of corn cobs are preserved even after heat treatment. The reason for this is the dense shell of the grains - they provide the seeds with good protection and fully preserve their benefits.
Moderate consumption of boiled corn has the following effects on human health:
- lowers blood cholesterol levels;
- normalizes metabolic processes, which contributes to better weight control - the product is useful for losing weight;
- tones the nervous system;
- improves the condition of skin, nails and hair;
- stimulates brain function, improves memory;
- prevents the formation of malignant tumors;
- helps remove toxins from the body;
- helps with constipation;
- normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular system by strengthening the walls of blood vessels;
- weakens the manifestations of hepatitis and cholelithiasis;
- soothes irritation of the gastric mucosa;
- improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- reduces the risk of stroke;
- helps relieve stress and symptoms of insomnia, chronic fatigue and depression;
- strengthens the immune system;
- stops putrefactive processes in the gastrointestinal tract;
- helps with diarrhea;
- lowers blood pressure;
- normalizes the functioning of the genitourinary system in women and restores the regularity of the menstrual cycle, reduces the symptoms of menopause;
- increases potency in men.
The benefits of boiled corn cobs in combination with salt are reduced by increasing the calorie content of the product.
Is boiled corn good for children?
Boiled corn cobs can be given to young children from the age of two, if there have been no problems with eating corn porridge before. In order to avoid possible harm to health due to poor absorption of boiled corn kernels, it is necessary to explain to the child that they need to be chewed thoroughly and not swallowed whole. It is also better to consult with a specialist first.
Boiled corn for pregnant women
The benefits of boiled corn cobs for pregnant women are that they:
- help with nausea;
- remove heaviness in the abdominal area;
- relieve symptoms of toxicosis;
- reduce overall body fatigue;
- normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- improve metabolic processes in the body;
- relieve swelling;
- help with constipation;
- promote the removal of waste and toxins from the body;
- lower blood cholesterol levels.
It is not recommended to abuse this product. The daily norm of boiled corn is 1-2 cobs.
Is it possible to have boiled corn while breastfeeding?
When breastfeeding, it is not prohibited to eat boiled corn. On the contrary, the vitamins and microelements contained in the cobs help a woman recover after childbirth.In addition, high concentrations of certain substances contribute to better functioning of the child’s digestive system.
Nevertheless, several recommendations can be made for this period. During the first 2 months of a child's life, boiled corn cobs should be excluded from the diet, since the baby is not able to absorb a number of beneficial substances contained in corn grains. During this period, eating the product will only be harmful, however, already at 3-4 months of the baby’s life, the mother can gradually return boiled corn to her diet.
When reintroducing the product into the diet, it is recommended to observe how the baby reacts to changes in the composition of breast milk. If no visible reactions occur, then rejection did not occur. If the baby develops colic, stop eating boiled cobs.
Features of eating boiled corn
Eating boiled cobs does not imply any strict rules or restrictions. Some recommendations are important only if there are problems in the gastrointestinal tract, high blood sugar and stool disorders.
For diabetes
In case of diabetes, excessive consumption of boiled corn grains can cause serious harm to health, however, if the daily intake is observed, they will only benefit diabetics. The beneficial substances contained in the product prevent the development of harmful processes in the eyes, kidneys and feet of diabetic patients.
In order to reduce possible harm from boiled cobs, while maximizing their beneficial properties, it is recommended to consume the grains in the form of porridge with a small oil content. Also, you should not mix them with cottage cheese. Dishes with vegetables increase the benefits of the product.
For constipation
For constipation, boiled corn grains must be mixed with a large amount of butter. Otherwise, the use of the product in this case does not require compliance with any additional measures.
For gastritis and pancreatitis
If the mucous membranes of the stomach are irritated, it is better not to eat boiled corn cobs in their pure form. It is better for people with gastritis and pancreatitis to take corn in the form of a homogeneous mass - medium-thick porridge. When preparing porridge, the ratio of corn grits and water should be 1:4. It is important to stir the cereal regularly. Cooking time is about half an hour. It is usually boiled in water. Add butter and a small amount of milk to the finished porridge.
How to cook corn correctly
Cooking boiled corn is not at all difficult, however, it takes a lot of time. Due to the fact that the grains on the cob are surrounded by a dense shell, their cooking can take from 4 to 6 hours. Even after this treatment, it is recommended to chew the corn thoroughly for better absorption.
The best way to preserve the beneficial properties of the product is to steam the cobs. Boiling water takes away some of the nutrients to a small extent, but still.This does not happen when corn is steamed. In addition, this way the cobs turn out juicier and much sweeter. In general, the product is often lubricated with butter for taste. You can also lightly sprinkle the cobs with salt.
You can learn more about how to properly cook corn in order to preserve its beneficial properties from the video below:
Harm of boiled corn and contraindications
Despite the obvious benefits of corn for human health, there are a number of contraindications that can not only reduce the beneficial properties of the product to zero, but also cause serious harm to the body. Boiled corn is contraindicated in the following cases:
- with increased blood clotting;
- with individual intolerance;
- with a tendency to thrombophlebitis;
- if you are overweight;
- with exacerbation of duodenal and gastric ulcers.
In addition, when eating boiled corn cobs, moderation is important. If you abuse this product, the body will react with flatulence, bloating and bowel dysfunction. Breastfeeding mothers should pay particular attention to the recommended intake doses. The fact is that oversaturation with substances contained in boiled corn can cause colic in a child.
How to store boiled corn
The benefits of corn for the body are obvious, however, in order to ensure that its beneficial properties do not turn into harm, it is necessary not only to follow the rules for cooking the cobs, but also to take into account the peculiarities of storing the product.
Boiled corn cobs should not be kept in the refrigerator for too long - after heat treatment, the cob gradually begins to lose its beneficial properties after 2-3 days.
In order to be able to use the product throughout the year, it is better to freeze the cobs. Before this, the corn is boiled until partially cooked.
Conclusion
The benefits and harms of boiled corn have been known to mankind for many centuries, although this plant became widespread in the Old World relatively recently. Moderate consumption of this culture benefits a woman's health during pregnancy and after childbirth, especially during breastfeeding, when the mother's body is weakened. Also, the beneficial properties of the product are revealed for constipation and gastritis.
