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Corn is not only very tasty and slightly sweet, but also has many health benefits. Delicious snacks that are not only filling but also healthy are popular. It is rich in fiber, carbohydrates and proteins. It also contains vitamins A, B and C as well as important minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. Here are some of the top health benefits of corn:
1. Corn improves digestive health:
The fiber in corn helps with digestion and promotes regular bowel movements. Corn also helps prevent constipation. According to a study published in JAMA, eating nuts, corn and popcorn may reduce your risk of diverticulitis, a condition in which bulging bubbles form in your digestive tract.
2. Corn promotes heart health:
Corn contains antioxidants and helps lower cholesterol. Corn contains compounds such as folic acid, potassium and plant sterols, which have positive effects on heart health. Folic acid helps lower homocysteine levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, potassium helps regulate blood pressure and plant sterols can help lower cholesterol. Corn is rich in fiber and, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, consuming 25 grams of fiber per day can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in women.
3. Eating corn gives you more energy:
Carbohydrates in corn provide a quick energy boost. Therefore it is suitable for active people. Corn contains carbohydrates that quickly provide the body with energy. Carbohydrates in corn are broken down into glucose and used by cells for energy, increasing vitality and endurance.
4. Improve eye health:
Corn is an excellent source of carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which have positive effects on eye health. These compounds help protect your eyes from age-related macular degeneration and cataracts by filtering harmful blue light and reducing oxidative damage to the retina. The study, published in the journal JAMA, found that participants who consumed carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin had a 43 percent lower risk of developing the eye disease AMD (age-related macular degeneration).
5. Helps with weight management:
The fiber content in corn increases satiety and makes it a healthy snack. It helps in weight control by reducing overall calorie intake. Corn is relatively low in calories and fat and is suitable for weight control diets. Fiber provides a feeling of fullness, suppresses appetite and prevents overeating. A mouse study published in the Journal of Nutrition Research and Practice found that a group of mice fed high-fat corn silk for eight weeks lost weight.