Sweet corn (Makkai) or sugar corn is a widely consumed cereal grain of Mexican origin. The sweet corn kernels are starchy, succulent, and delicious in taste, crispy in texture, and doughy in consistency. In terms of look, the kernels are glossy, golden, and delectable. Also, the kernels come encapsulated in lemon-yellow colored silky husks and are a summer staple worldwide. The scientific term for sweet Corn is Zeamays L. Sweet corn belongs to the Gramineae family. [1] Very recently, Sweet Corn has been promoted to the status of new age diet food and is being used in soups and salads, as pizza toppings, and for making sugar syrups, corn starch, etc.
There is a wrong notion among people that anything tasty isn’t healthy. In this article, we’ll learn about the various Sweet Corn benefits. So, read on:
12 health benefits of eating Sweet Corn
- Protects Your Heart
Improved heart health is one of the benefits of eating corn. Niacin, a B-Vitamin constituent in Sweet Corn, can reduce LDL or Bad Cholesterol levels and, thus, may improve your cardiovascular health. [1]
- Maintains Eye Health
Carotenoids, such as lutein, xanthophyllus, and zeaxanthin in sweet corn, have come to the limelight due to their close association with eye health. [1] These nutrients can nourish the macular region of your eyes.
- Improves Your Memory
One of the health benefits of corn is that it can improve and maintain your memory even if you have aged. Therefore, eating Sweet Corn may support healthy cognitive (brain) function. [1]
- Strengthens Your Immune System
Superior-quality phyto-nutrition profile of Sweet Corn empowers it to improve the functioning of your immune system. Sweet Corn contains antioxidants and essential vitamins that help enhance your immunity and lead a healthy life.
- Fights Anemia
Folic acid and Vitamin B12 in Sweet Corn allow the production of healthy red blood cells and prevent Anemia caused by nutritional deficiencies. [1]
- Delays Aging
The high concentration of antioxidants in Sweet Corn can delay aging and help you maintain a youthful look for many years. [1]
- Guards You Against Diabetes Mellitus
Sweet Corn has a low glycemic index and is absorbed very slowly into the bloodstream. This helps to stabilize your blood sugar levels and check sudden sugar spikes. [1]
- Keeps Neurodegenerative Diseases At Bay
High amounts of Ferulic acid in Sweet Corn can create a defense system in your body against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s Disease. [1]
- Is anti-carcinogenic
One of the notable Sweet Corn health benefits is that it can protect you against various types of cancers. [1] Carotenes in Sweet Corn can reduce oxidative stress in your body, thereby preventing abnormal cell division, which causes cancer.
- Fights Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
One of the Sweet Corn benefits is that it can improve the status of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by subduing the endoplasmic reticulum stress. [2] This, however, holds true only in the case of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
- Relieves Constipation
High amounts of dietary fiber [1] in Sweet Corn can add bulk to your waste and push it down the digestive tract for easy, strain-free defecation.
- Nutritional Support During Pregnancy
A high Folic acid content [1] in Sweet Corn makes it a beneficial food for pregnancy, as folic acid can protect the baby in its mother’s womb against congenital disabilities.
FAQs
What is the Ayurvedic perspective of Sweet Corn?
Ayurveda considers it a pacifying food for the Pitta and Kapha doshas. In ancient literature, ‘Bhojana Kutuhala,’ we get a mention of Sweet Corn. In the classical text, it is called ‘Umbi’ and ‘Rumbi.’ The attributes of Sweet Corn, according to Ayurveda, are as follows:
1) Madhura rasa (sweet taste)
2) Ruksha and Laghu Gunas (Dry and Light qualities)
3) Comes with Ushna Virya (heating potency)
4) Eliminates Tamas (negative mindset) and fosters rajas and sattva (positive mindset)
Is boiled Sweet Corn healthy?
Yes, boiled Sweet Corn is healthy. Boiled corn benefits more than fried or roasted Corn, as exposure to too much heat or cooking can destroy the nutritional properties of any food substance.
Can we eat Sweet Corn daily?
Yes, but too much of anything can destroy its nutritional aspects in moderation.
Conclusion
Sweet Corn is one of the most loved grains. Apart from being naturally sweet, Corn benefits are diverse. The wealth of vitamins and minerals that the yellow sweet Corn is blessed with makes it one of the most sought-after foods for health-conscious lots.
Disclaimer
This article is written from a health and wellness perspective and is not medical advice. Kindly seek the help of a certified medical practitioner before initiating any treatment.
