Amazing Benefits Of Corn For Skin, Hair And Health

Corn (Maize) is a large grain annual plant originated from Mexico and Central America. It belongs to Family Poaceae. It is a staple food crop grown all over the world. The corn grains also called as kernels forms the perfect edible part. The kernels usually are found in yellow color but they can be in white, red, purple or black in colors too.  In some countries it is also used as fuel and is also a primary source of starch.

Corn has high nutritional value. 100 g of Corn has about 86 calories. You can directly have corn or add it to soups, chilies to increase their protein and fiber content.

Its components are:

·         Vitamins: Vitamin B (thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Pantothenic Acid, niacin), Vitamin C, Folic Acid, Provitamin A
·         Pigments: Carotenoids
·         Minerals: Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Manganese, Copper, Zinc, Iron and Selenium
·         Fats & Fatty Acids: Omega-3 Fatty Acids , Omega-6 Fatty Acids , Monounsaturated Fats, Polyunsaturated Fats
·         Starch
·         Proteins
·         Oils
·         Fiber
·         Antioxidants

Why to use Corn? Corn has numerous health benefits

·         Digestion:

Corn is a whole grain consisting both soluble and insoluble fibers. Soluble fiber chunks cholesterol absorption whereas Insoluble fiber acts on gastrointestinal tract reducing the symptoms and occurrence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and diarrhea. It promotes soft and bulky stool treating constipation and other gastrointestinal disorders.

·         Prevents Anemia:

Corn is used in the treatment of Hematological Diseases like Anemia. It contains higher amount of vitamins (vitamin B12) and folic acid used for anemic patients. Additionally it contains significant amount of iron required for hemoglobin regeneration.

·         Increased Energy:

Abundant in carbohydrates, corn is a starchy vegetable providing long term energy. Corn starch breaks down slowly through your intestines when compared to your liver. Hence to have balanced energy levels, consume corn starch daily.

·         Lowers LDL Cholesterol:

In general Cholesterol is categorized into HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol and LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol. LDL or bad cholesterol increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Studies revealed that corn oil lowers LDL cholesterol levels up to 16%. Corn, a good source of monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and elevate HDL (good) cholesterol levels.

·         Weight Gain:

In order to gain healthy weight, corn is the best option. It deserves a regular place on your routine food menu. Corn is rich in nutrients, starch, fibre, vitamins, fatty acids and with high calorific value. It is a wise and healthy choice to gain your weight and add some mass to skinny bodies.

·         Diabetes and Hypertension:

Regular consumption of corn kernels are proven effective in treating risk of Diabetes and Hypertension

·         Connective Tissue:

Connective Tissue support, anchor different types of tissues and organs in the body. It comprises cells, fibers, and extracellular matrices. Research studies established that Corn contains minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, copper, zinc, iron and selenium that strengthen Connective Tissue.

·         Eye:

For proper functioning of eye and to actually improve eyesight, our body requires carotenoids. The yellow kernels of corn contain carotenoids which reduce the risk of macular degeneration thus supporting a better vision.

·         Cancer:

Corn High in antioxidants is used as an anticancer agent. Antioxidants fight and eliminate free radicals that cause cancer.

·         Pregnancy:

Deficiency of folic acid in pregnant women can cause the birth of underweight infants. Corn is a rich source of vitamins particularly folic acid have shown beneficial effects on pregnant women. Hence it is advisable to include corn I your daily diet.
Note: In case of high blood pressure or swollen hands or feet, it is advisable to consult doctor first.

·         Alzheimer’s disease:

Alzheimer disease can be defined as a Progressive mental deterioration mostly occurring in old age causing memory loss. It is attributed mainly to loss of neurons contributing to reduced brain function. This happens if brain is devoid of access to the nutrients it needs in the blood stream.

Corn is rich in thymine which participates in enzymatic reactions that generate energy. Also it is essential for the synthesis of acetylcholine, required for learning and memory. Thus corn prevents progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Amazing Benefits Of Corn For Skin

Corn plays a vital role in skin care. It overall upgrades your skin texture and helps skin to glow.
·         For Skin Problems: Corn is rich in vitamin E, which is used to remove acne scars. Make a corn paste and apply twice in a week for best results. Corn starch is used to treat skin irritations and rashes thus replace carcinogenic petroleum products in cosmetic preparations.
·         Improves skin texture: On a daily routine massage your skin with corn oil. Corn oil contains Linoleic acid that smoothes and nourishes your skin. There are abundant antioxidants like vitamin C, ß-carotenes, xanthins, cryptoxanthin, lutein and lycopene in corn which keeps skin healthy and radiant.

Amazing Benefits Of Corn For Hair

Add one cup of corn to your routine diet for healthy hair.
·         Antioxidants in corn assist in collagen production, thus contributing to smooth hair. Also strengthens hair follicles thus used to combat UV generated free radicals that can weaken hair. Corn is an effective remedy for treating hair loss.
·         Corn oil: Regularly massage your scalp with lukewarm corn oil for about 15 minutes. This improves blood circulation stimulating hair follicles and nourishes your hair to give a soft shiny look. Contains right balance of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Omega-6 Fatty Acids that prevents dry and flaky scalp.