Corn grows in “ears”, each of which is covered in rows of kernels that are then protected by the silk-like threads called “corn silk” and encased in a husk. Corn, also called maize, is one of the world’s major cereal crops and is used as flour to make bread; to produce breakfast cereal, to make popcorn and, of course, corn is grown and sold as a vegetable.Corn also called sweet corn, sugar corn or simply corn. Unlike field corn varieties, which are harvested when the kernels are dry and fully mature, sweet corn is picked when immature and eaten as a vegetable rather than a grain.Sweet corn is the result of a naturally occurring recessive mutation in the genes which control the conversion of sugar to starch inside the endosperm of the corn kernel. 

 Corn Nutrition

Corn is an excellent source of dietary fibre and potassium and contains vitamin C, beta carotene and niacin (one of the B group vitamins which assist in the functioning of the digestive system, skin, and nerves. It is also important for the conversion of food to energy.)Being rich in folate, corn helps the generation of new cells, especially important before and during pregnancy. Those suffering from anemia have shown positive effects after consuming corns. The Pantothenic acid present in corns helps with the physiological functions of the body.Owing to the presence of thiamin, corns have been said to help in the metabolism of carbohydrates. Corn has been found to be helpful in treating kidney problems, including renal dysfunction.Regular consumption of corn, in moderate quantities, has been associated with better cardiovascular health.The beta-cryptoxanthin in corn makes it good for the health of the lungs and may even help prevent lung cancer. 

Corn Calories100 gm of corn contains:

Calories: 92

Protein: 3.7 gm

Carbohydrates: 20.5 gm

Calcium: 9 mg

Dietary fiber: 2.7 gm

Fat: 1.2 gm

Iron: 0.5 mg

Corn is rich in phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, iron and selenium. It has small amount of potassium. Corn has vitamin B (Thiamin, Vitamin B6, Niacin, Riboflavin, and Folate). It has traces of vitamin A and vitamin E. 

Health tips for Corn

 Come summer time and the hot ‘corn on the cob’ seem to be the perfect snack, for munching in the evening. Not only is it great in taste, but also packs a high amount of nutritional value within itself.