Corn health benefits and therapeutic value

Corn (Zea mays) is a hardy vegetable that belongs to the Poaceae family.

A tall annual herb that counts among the most grown cereal plants in the world, corn is native to Central and South America. Corn is a cereal that comes in many forms and offers many health benefits and significant therapeutic value.

• Plant benefits for each species

Corn and its benefits for health

• A source of protein, fats and fiber, corn is a very nourishing and digestible food.

• An antioxidant, corn helps avoid damage caused by free radicals on the body. Corn oil, also, is recommended for its high antioxidant levels.

• Potassium-rich corn is a diuretic and considerably increases the volume of expelled urine. It is precious in case of bladder stone, gout, renal colic, cystitis and chronic or acute inflammatory afflictions of the bladder.

Growing corn for its health benefits

To grow properly, corn needs rather warm full sun exposure. Corn will thrive in deep, thick, well drained and very fertile soil.

Take note that rust, corn fly and corn borer aren’t very friendly to sweet corn.

In pots, short-stemmed varieties will do well in 10 inches (25 cm) containers.

Cooking corn for its health benefits

Corn can be eaten raw or cooked in water, steam or oven.

When on the cob, corn must be eaten very fresh so as to not lose its taste and nutritional value. It should be chosen with nice, swollen seeds and very green leaves.

Corn flour or meal (semolina) can replace wheat in a gluten-free diet.

Protein-rich with iron and calcium as well as fiber, imparting high energy while being low-calorie, popcorn is a great alternative to chips and biscuits served for appetizers. Well, as long as it isn’t drowned in butter, of course…

• Cooking: all our recipes using corn.

Nutritional content of corn

10 kcal / 3.5 oz (100 g). Sweet corn is rich in carbohydrates and vitamins B3, B5, E and C.