Corn has always been in the news as the enemy of the dieters. Is it really as unhealthy as they speak of it to be? Let us understand what makes corn healthy or unhealthy and what is the best form to consume it in.
Nutrition Aspects of corn
Corn can be eaten boiled, steamed or grilled and is highly nutritious in its natural form. It provides instant energy for the body as it is high in carbohydrates and its high amount of fiber provides a healthy digestive system.Read more to know about importance of fiber rich foods. It is low in fat and it also tastes goods to eat it regularly alone or in a combination of fruits, vegetables, cereals etc.Learn to know are fruits and vegetables fattening? It has anti-oxidation properties along with flavonoids, carotene which helps to fight diseases and free radicals. Corn is rich in phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, iron and selenium. Corn is a good source of vitamins B1, B5, C, and E, as well as phosphorus.
Though eating corn in its natural form is healthier than eating it in some of its other processed products like corn syrup, fructose which are an alternate substitute for sugar.
Include Corn In Your Diet Smartly
Another popular way of eating corn is as breakfast cereal made by combining milled corn with sugar. The major ingredients include milled corn, sugar, iron, high fructose corn syrup and vitamins (A, B, C, D, and E). Cornflakes are high in glycemic index which quickly converts the sugar into energy which increases the blood sugar levels in the body and therefore not a healthy breakfast option, especially for those that need to control/manage their blood sugar.Get more information about are cornflakes healthy?
Corn syrup is made from corn which is sweeter than sugar and is digested in our body in an unhealthy manner and is fattening in the body when consumed. This corn syrup is cheap in cost and sweeter so it is used in various commercial products like chewing gums, toffees, candies, baked products, Indian sweets, cheap tomato ketchup, sweetened sodas and beverages and drinks. It is highly substituted for sugar and is often used in baked products to maintain the moisture and keeps products fresher for longer periods.
Consuming corn in its natural form is healthy but high fructose corn syrup used products don’t provide the same health benefits as corn kernels as its constitution and nutrition value changes. Read nutritional value to know the form of corn used as it can hamper your weight loss and have not so healthy benefits on the body.