Health Benefit Of Corn And Corn Silk
Corn which is also know by its scientific name (Zea mays), its a whole cereal grain. the native name of corn is maize but its being known as corn in Australian and American English. Corn was first cultivated in Mexico many years ago before it was introduced and brought down to America, it has so many health benefits we will talk about in this article.
Corn silk is a thread-like strands found at the tip of the corn, it has essential health benefits and have diuretic properties which most times its being used to prepare traditional medicines. it also contains essential minerals which helps for a healthy function of the body.
Nutritional Content Of Corn And Corn Silk
Corn is packed with nutrients such as vitamins and minerals which helps in the function of the body, Corn has potential benefits which helps fight off free radicals and chronic inflammatory sickness.
Below we list down the nutritional values contained in corn and its silk;
- Fiber
Corn contains high fiber, fiber comes in two forms which are soluble and insoluble fiber. Corn contains dietary fiber which aid in the maintenance and functioning of a healthy digestive system
2. Protein
The protein amount in corn is moderate, protein when consumed moderately helps make one feel fuller and also aids in the maintenance and function of the muscles.
3. Vitamin
Corn contains varieties of B vitamins which are;
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Important for the conversion of carbohydrate into potential energy and the help organize the nerve signals and operations.
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Improves metabolism of fats and protein in the body and maintaining a healthy nervous system.
- Vitamin B9 (Folate)
Important for the formulation or the red blood cells and cell functions.
4. Mineral
The mineral content in corn helps with the functions of the vital organs and tissues in the body.
Here are some of the mineral properties in corn;
- Phosphorus
Important for the formation of teeth and bone health, they also play a essential role in the repair and maintenance of body tissues.
- Magnesium
Supports the immune system and help reduce the risk of high blood sugar level.
- Potassium
Supports the regulation of heart beat and proper functioning of the nerve and muscle.
5. Carbohydrates
Improves the energy production, prevents ketosis and regulates blood sugar level.
15 Benefits Of Corn And Corn Silk
Corn have numerous health potentials due to their rich nutritional composition and in the other hand corn silk is also know for its on health properties as its being used to prepare traditional medicines.
Here are the health benefits corn and corn silk which are as follows;
- Reduce the risk of high blood pressure
Corn silks contains antioxidants which help fight off free radicals away from the body, Studies have shown that a healthy consumption of corn or its silk can reduce the risk of high blood pressure. corn silk reduces excess fluid from the body.
2. Improves the digestive system
The high fiber content in corn improves bowel movement, making it easy for digestion there by softening the broken down foods. it can also help prevent constipation and it contains dietary properties.
3. Diuretic properties
Corn silk is traditionally know for its diuretic properties as it helps treat urinary track infection. corn silks can also improve urine production and water retention in the body.
4. Anti-inflammatory properties
Inflammation is a natural immune response of the body, so too much inflammation in the body can result to the risk of having chronic inflammatory diseases like heart diseases.
5. Improves eye health
Antioxidant like zeaxanthin and lutein which help in eye vision and reduce the risk of blindness, regular consumption of corn can maintain and repair eye sight. macular pigment are compounds which exist in the retina which help protect the eye from blue light.
6. Improves healthy skin
Corn contains essential vitamins which can help repair or replace tissues for a healthier skin .
7. Energy source
Corn is a good source of carbohydrates, carbohydrates helps in energy production. The carbohydrate level in corn helps convert carbohydrate into energy
8. Antioxidant properties
Traditional medicine uses corn silk as a natural remedy to fight off free radical and neutralize harmful toxins in the body.
9. Enhance weight management
Corn and corn silk are high in fiber, fiber is an essential nutrient which contributes to weight management and can help with satiety. For a moderate consumption consult a healthcare professional due to its protein and fat properties.
10. Lowers the risk of chronic diseases
Corn contains healthy protective properties known as antioxidant, which improves the functions of the immune system and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
11. Moderates blood sugar
Some research conducted years ago has shown that corn silk can help moderate blood sugar, corn is said to be consumed properly as it contains high carbohydrate which can raise blood sugar.
12. Improves heart health
Corn is rich in B vitamins, vitamin B9 is a vital nutrient which can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues. Also corn contains fiber, and the fiber in corn can help reduce the risk of high cholesterol.
13. Treatment for bedwetting
Experts recommend Corn silk as the best home remedy to treat bedwetting, This is a temporary problem that both children and adults can suffer from. A glass of corn silk tea before going to bed can help treat bedwetting.
14. Controls bleeding
Corn silk contains vitamins K in good amount, vitamin K is essential for controlling blood especially for pregnant woman who suffer from excessive blood loss after childbirth. When you take corn silk tea iT helps reduced the level of blood loss in the event of wound or injury as it helps in the blood clotting process.
15. Treatment of boils and rashes
Corn silk tea can help treat skin problems such as rashes and boils. corn silk contains antibacterial and antiseptic properties which can help prevent infections and relieve pains too.
Incorporating Corn Into Diet
Incorporating corn in meals can add a sweet flavorful and delicious taste to your dish. Corn also have essential health benefits which when added to meals or dishes it helps nourish our body.
Here are some of the ways corn can be enjoyed;
- Roasting
Roasted corn is one of the most common way to eat corn, as it gives that sweet and lovely taste when its lightly heated either with a charcoal, firewood or oven.
2. Boiling
Cooking corn can also add flavor and sweet taste to a dish or meal. cooked corn does not take much time to get ready as it takes 20-30 minutes to boil.
3. Steamed
Steaming of corn goes by setting up the oven on a low heat and placing the corn on it to heat it up then turning it over so it dose not get burnt.
4. Salad
Corn can be added to your salads either fruit of vegetable salads, it gives this delicious and sweet taste.
5. Dessert
Corn can also be served as a dessert, popcorns are mostly eaten when seeing movies, having a discussion or chilling, it gives that sweet flavorful taste that is always satisfying.
FAQs
Is corn silk consumable?
Corn silk is not mostly consumed but it can be used for the production of green tea known for their diuretic compounds which aids in the treatment of urinary track infection. Corn silk is used traditional to mix up medications for sick patients.
What are the best ways to store corn?
Corn can be stored in many ways, one of the few way to store corn is by refrigerating but for few days so it can retain its sweet fresh taste. corn can also be stored in a barn where they are set up vertically hanging on a rope, always keep in cool dry places.
What are the nutritional values packed in corn?
Corn is a nutrient packed grain as it contains most essential health benefiting properties in them. corn is rich in minerals such as fiber, magnesium, phosphorus and B vitamins too. these minerals helps in the proper functioning of the body system.
When is corn best harvested?
In some part of the world, corn is planted in the space of 3-4 months at that time it is fully matured as its ready for harvesting. Some people do late planting too where will be harvested towards the end of the year, planting of corn depends on the type of soil being used.
Is corn a vegetable or a grain
Corn is a very versatile plant, It can be identified as a grain and also vegetable, in this sense fresh corn can be called a vegetable while when dried is a grain.
When is the best time to plant corn
Corn is being cultivated in the early months of the year, like the early planting of corn starts by March to May or June depends on how rich your soil is and the atmosphere of that season of farming.
Why are corn silk always found on corn
The corn silk helps connect pollens from the tassel to fertilize the corn, they also help transport pollen to the corn cob so as so fertilize the corn. in most cases the corn silks always dry off before the corn is fully matured.
Conclusion
Corn is rich in essential health properties such as antioxidants, B vitamins and minerals. Corn can also be good for clear and good vision as it helps cleanse the eye, help boost the immune system as it is considered to have antioxidant properties which fight off free radicals from the body system. Corn is a very nutritious grain which gives out health beneficial properties to the body for a proper function.
Corn silk on the other hand is very useful traditionally and important for its diuretic properties, most times they being used for the production of health green teas. Before you consume consult a professional health personnel to examine before you can use.
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