Corn is justifiably considered one of the most popular goodies that adults and children alike love. It is used not only in boiled, but also in canned form. It also produces starch and flour, which subsequently become the ingredients of many dishes. In addition, we all know how useful corn is. What vitamins this product contains, you will learn from today's article.
A bit of history
As a cultivated plant, corn was grown about twelve millennia ago. The first cultivation of the peoples engaged in the territory of Mexico. At that time, her ears were much smaller than modern ones. The average size of the fetus was only four centimeters.
Those who want to understand what vitamins are in corn will be interested in the fact that it was the basis of the diet of the Indian tribes that inhabited America long before the formation of the United States. Images of this plant adorned the walls of ancient Indian temples. It is known that some tribes, in the hope of a good harvest, sacrificed to the sun god in the form of bread baked from cornmeal.
European nations learned about this culture thanks to Christopher Columbus. It was introduced into the territory of Russia in the 17th century. It was cultivated in regions with a warm climate (in the south of Ukraine, the Caucasus and the Crimea). Initially, it was cultivated as an ornamental plant, but later Europeans appreciated its taste.
Chemical composition
Those who are interested in what vitamins are in corn will be surprised to learn that it is considered one of the best sources of many valuable substances. This low-calorie product contains mineral salts, fats, ascorbic acid, protein, sugar and starch. Vitamin E contained in it has a positive effect on the condition of the skin and hair. In addition, it helps to slow down aging. Also, it contains a sufficient amount of magnesium, potassium and iron. Group B vitamins help fight depression, insomnia and other disorders of the nervous system.
Interestingly, one hundred grams of corn contains only 97 calories. Therefore, it can be considered a dietary product. In addition, it is rich in vitamins K and D, which also has a beneficial effect on the human body.
Beneficial features
Having figured out what vitamins are in corn, you need to pay attention to its effect on our health. Due to the presence of a large amount of dietary fiber, it improves the condition of the gastrointestinal tract. Soluble fiber is involved in blocking cholesterol, and insoluble fiber is considered the best prevention of constipation.
Those who have already understood what vitamins are contained in boiled corn will be interested in the fact that regular use of this dish allows you to maintain healthy eyes. The antioxidants present in it positively affect the state of the organs of vision, preventing the development of cataracts.
Thanks to beta-cryptoxanthin contained in cooked corn, it supports the health of human bones and prevents the appearance of a disease such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Contraindications
Having figured out what vitamins in corn, you need to understand in whose diet this product should not be. Immediately make a reservation that the abuse of these tasty ears can lead to serious problems of the gastrointestinal tract. Excess of this product often causes various disorders and malfunctions of the digestive system.
Some people may experience allergic reactions to corn. Fortunately, this is extremely rare. However, when the slightest symptoms occur, you need to completely exclude it from your diet. The most common signs of allergies are rashes, redness, and itching of the skin.
It is also undesirable to abuse corn grains for people who are diagnosed with a stomach ulcer, thrombosis or thrombophlebitis. In this case, this product can cause significant harm to health.
What is healthier - boiled or canned corn?
Unlike most vegetables and fruits, this cereal does not lose its valuable properties during the heat treatment. The shell of corn grains retains its integrity even after cooking. Therefore, it is equally useful both in fresh and in processed form.
Those who have already understood what vitamins in boiled corn will be interested to know that it is more valuable than canned. Of course, it also contains useful substances, just in slightly lower concentrations. The fact is that in the process of preparing corn for preservation, many vitamins disappear from it. In addition, some unscrupulous manufacturers add GMOs to their products.
Selection recommendations
Having understood what vitamins are in corn, you need to learn how to distinguish a quality product. Wrongly selected cereals can harm your health, so you need to approach this issue with maximum responsibility.
It is not recommended to purchase ears on hand. Since no one can guarantee that they were properly stored. Dry leaves separated from the fruit indicate that the corn has been in direct sunlight for too long. It is possible that pathogenic microorganisms have already begun to actively multiply in it. An inhomogeneous shade of grains indicates that they are not the first freshness.
When choosing a canned product, you must first pay attention to the packaging. It should contain all the necessary information about the expiration dates and contacts of the manufacturer. It is very important to look at the date of manufacture. Corn made in spring or winter cannot be considered fresh. In this case, it was stored frozen prior to preservation. The composition of the product should be nothing but the grains themselves, water, a small amount of sugar and salt.
Cooking Tips
Those who already know what useful vitamins are in corn will not hurt to learn how to properly cook this cereal. You can do this not only in the pan, but also in the slow cooker, oven and double boiler. So that the product does not become too hard, it is recommended to salt it ready-made.
As for cooking time, much depends on the variety of cereals. As a rule, this takes about thirty minutes. But in some cases, the duration of the preparation increases to three or four hours. When steaming corn, it retains the maximum amount of nutrients, since this process takes no more than fifteen minutes.
Tender cobs are often cooked in the oven. The result is a very aromatic and soft treat. To do this, just fill the corn with water and send it to the oven for forty minutes.
Cereal application
Having figured out what vitamins in corn, you need to study in which areas this useful product is used. It has long and fairly successfully been used in folk medicine. So, the stigmas of this plant are considered an excellent diuretic, and its oil helps lower blood cholesterol. Dishes prepared on the basis of cornmeal have long been recommended for use by women suffering from infertility.
This useful cereal is also used in cosmetology. On its basis, all kinds of products intended for hair care are produced, as well as creams that contribute to the speedy restoration of skin firmness and elasticity. In dietetics, corn broth is successfully used. It is believed that it helps to quickly burn excess fat.
Paradoxically, this plant is used even in the construction industry, as well as for the manufacture of glue, paper and cardboard. In agriculture, this cereal serves as feed for cattle.