Top 10 Health Benefits of Sweet Corn
Sweet corn is one of the most popular starchy vegetables that offer various nutritional benefits and thus doubles as a functional food.
Besides high carbohydrate content, it is also rich in nutrients, including beta carotene and Lutein, manganese, phosphorus, and vitamins.
Corn is not an unhealthy food if taken in a balanced form along with proteins and fats.
Here are the top 10 health benefits of sweet corn
1. Reduces risk of Hemorrhoids
Due to its high fiber content, sweet corn aids in alleviating digestive problems such as constipation and hemorrhoids. The fiber content of sweet corn helps to bulk up bowel movements, which stimulates peristaltic motion and stimulates the production of gastric juices and bile.
2. Controls Diabetes Health Benefits of Sweet Corn
A healthy balanced diet can help to reduced signs of diabetes.
Studies have shown that corn kernels help to manage non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.
The phytochemicals present in corn regulates the absorption and release of insulin in the body, which can reduce the sudden spikes and drops of blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.
3. Promotes Cardiovascular Health
Sweet corn contains folate, commonly known as Vitamin B9, which is highly beneficial in lowering the homocysteine levels of the body.
This homocysteine is responsible for damaging the blood vessels and can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and even peripheral vascular disease.
Balanced consumption of sweet corn can reduce the risk of heart attack by as much as 10 percent.
4. Lowers Levels of “Bad” Cholesterol
Sweet corn lowers LDL or bad cholesterol by reducing the absorption of cholesterol in the body.
Sweet corn doesn’t affect the level of “good cholesterol.” By lowering the LDL, sweet corn prevents atherosclerosis and free radicals as well.
5. Regulates Hypertension Health Benefits of Sweet Corn
Studies have shown that corn kernels are effective against high blood pressure due to the presence of phytochemicals in them. These phytochemicals regulate high blood pressure by reducing the build-up of cholesterol in the arteries, and in turn, reduces inflammation.
6. Enhances Memory Health Benefits of Sweet Corn
Sweet corn is rich in Vitamin B1, which is an essential nutrient required for maintaining healthy brain cells and cognitive function and production of neurotransmitters. This neurotransmitter supports memory capabilities and lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
7. Boosts Immune System
Vitamin A is a micronutrient that is required by our body in a very small quantity. It enhances the efficiency of our immune system and prevents common infections such as common cold and flu. Sweet corn is a rich source of beta-carotene, which forms Vitamin A in our body and helps in fighting free radicals and boosting our immunity.
8. Prevents Iron Deficiency Anemia
Sweet corn contains vitamins and iron which significantly promotes the production of red blood cells and thus reduces the risk of iron deficiency and anemia.
9. Rich source of magnesium and phosphorus
Corn contains abundant minerals, which positively benefits our body. Our body requires magnesium for maintaining a regular heart rate and for promoting bone health. Phosphorus in corn regulates healthy growth and optimal kidney functioning.
10. Soothes skin rashes Health Benefits of Sweet Corn
Corn has cosmetic benefits. Corn powder soothes the rashes and skin irritation when applied topically. Corn products can be used as skincare products as well. Corn Flour Face Masks for healthy and glowing skin
Note: Sweet corn offers plenty of nutritional benefits and can be included as a part of a balanced diabetic diet as well. Make sure that to balance it with protein and fat sources as they can mitigate the effect of carbohydrate-rich foods on blood glucose levels.
