How Corn Promotes a Healthy Lifestyle

Nutrient Content (1 cup)

Vitamins

Excellent Source of: 

  • Thiamin – 21%

Good Source of: 

  • Folate – 18%
  • Vitamin C – 17%
  • Niacin – 13%
  • Pantothenic Acid – 12%

Also a Source of:

  • Vitamin A – 6%

Minerals

Good Source of: 

  • Magnesium – 14%
  • Phosphorus – 14%
  • Potassium – 12%
  • Manganese – 12%

Source of:

  • Zinc – 5%
  • Copper – 4%
  • Iron – 4%

Other

A Source of:

  • Fiber – 17%
  • Omega-6 Fatty Acids

*All nutritional Info From (1)

How Corn Prevents Chronic Disease

How Corn Prevents Cancer

Corn is relatively rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals–small unstable molecules that damage tissues and lead to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress, can cause cancer cells to generate and metastasize (spread) throughout the body, impacting other organs. Antioxidants help prevent cancer from both generating and spreading. (2)

On the other hand, some studies suggest that corn does not have beneficial effects when overconsumed. Corn should be eaten in moderation in order to receive the most benefits.

How Corn Prevents Cardiovascular Disease

Corn can help prevent cardiovascular disease by reducing inflammation and lowering LDL cholesterol in the body. (3)

As LDL cholesterol builds up in the cardiovascular system upon consuming fatty foods, it can clump together and form plaques. These plaques can cut off blood flow in the blood vessels. They can even completely keep blood from traveling to parts of the body; that is when a heart attack can occur. (4)

Corn is also relatively rich in potassium. Potassium has been shown to be important in blood pressure control. (5)

How Corn Prevents Diabetes

Antioxidants have been shown to reduce risk of type 2 diabetes, as they neutralize inflammation caused by free radicals. (6)

Corn is rich in phytosterols. Phytosterols are compounds similar in structure to cholesterol; however, they are plant-based compounds. Phytosterols have been shown to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, and they are found in high quantities in corn oil. (7)

Corn is also rich in flavonoids. Flavonoids have been shown to reduce risk of diabetes. One study showed that corn intake can reduce glucose and insulin response, which can help reduce blood sugar fluctuations after a meal. Also, whole grain corn consumption has been shown to generally reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. (8). However, further studies must be done to confirm these results.

With that being said, it is important to acknowledge that you should not overconsume corn. Corn is high in carbohydrates which, when consumed excessively, can raise your blood glucose levels. 

Corn Promotes a Number of Health Benefits

How Corn Promotes Eye Health

Whole-grain corn can promote healthy eyesight and reduce age-related macular degeneration. This is one of the most common visual impairments and can lead to total blindness. By consuming corn and carotenoids, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, you can improve your eye health and reduce retina damage from blue light. (9)

One study showed a 43% reduction in risk of macular degeneration in individuals with high levels of carotenoids, compared to those with low intake of carotenoids. (10)

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