Corn is a staple dish in countless homes worldwide, whether you enjoy cornbread, corn chowder, or simply adding some fresh kernels to your favorite salad. However, it's not just the variety of this delightful vegetable that makes it such a terrific complement to meals; it also comes with a slew of health benefits that even the most ardent health buffs may be unaware of. Continue reading to learn about the scientific side effects of consuming corn.
1. Corn may help to decrease cholesterol levels.
If you want to lower your cholesterol, include maize oil in your diet may be an excellent way to do it. According to a 2018 study published in The Journal of Nutrition, consuming four tablespoons of maize oil per day reduced cholesterol levels by a more significant proportion than consuming a similar amount of coconut oil in a sample of 25 adults with high cholesterol.
2. Corn may help to lower your diabetes risk.
A serving of purple corn on your dinner may be the secret to avoiding diabetes and its complications. The anthocyanin pigments present in purple maize were linked to better glucose absorption and insulin secretion and activating free fatty acid receptor-1 and glucokinase, two biological indicators related to a lower risk of diabetes according to a 2018 in vitro study published in PLOS One.
3. Corn could help you digest your food better.
If you're looking for a way to help your sluggish digestive system, a little corn can be the answer. Polydextrose and soluble maize fiber, two forms of fiber in corn, were linked to more frequent stool output in a 2013 study published in The Journal of Nutrition.
4. Corn may help to enhance intestinal bacteria.
Because the gut contains over 70% of your body's immune system, maintaining a good balance of gut bacteria is critical for not just keeping your digestive tract healthy but also encouraging whole-body wellness.
Fortunately, including maize in your diet can help maintain this vital balance. In a 2016 study published in PLOS One, researchers discovered that soluble maize fiber had a prebiotic impact, raising the amount of beneficial bifidobacteria in study participants' digestive tracts.
5. Corn may help you feel fuller for a long time.
Air-popped popcorn as a snack may help you stay content between meals instead of reaching for high-calorie snacks. According to a study published in the European Journal of Nutrition, popcorn has a 154 percent satiety index compared to white bread, which has a 100 percent satiety index. Furthermore, low-fat popcorn was found to be more satiating than high-fat potato chips in a 2012 study published in Nutrition Journal.