The sweet and delicious taste of corn makes it a favorite of many people. It is a versatile crop that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, from salads and soups to sides and desserts. In this post, we will explore the different types of corn, how to cook it, and some of the health benefits associated with this nutritious and delicious crop. We will also share some of our favorite recipes and tips for incorporating corn into your meals. So get ready to enjoy the taste of sweet corn!
Corn Nutrition Facts and Calories Chart
It is an excellent source of carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. It is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin B6, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and selenium. Corn contains a moderate amount of fat, with 1 gram per ear, and is a good source of plant-based protein. It is also low in sodium and a good source of dietary fiber. Nutritional value per 100 g raw corn:
- Biotin: 0.33 mcg
- Calcium: 9 mg
- Carbohydrates (Carbs): 21.21 g
- Chloride: 41 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Choline: 8.7 mg
- Chromium: 0.6 mcg
- Copper: 0.16 mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1.8 g
- Energy (Calories): 86 kcal
- Fat: 1.6 g
- Iodine: 5 mcg
- Iron: 0.65 mg
- Magnesium: 33 mg
- Manganese: 0.23 mg
- Molybdenum: 5.1 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid: 0.38 mg
- Phosphorus: 60 mg
- Potassium: 158 mg
- Protein: 3.2 g
- Saturated fat: 0.2 g
- Selenium: 1.6 mcg
- Sodium: 4 mg
- Sugars: 2.3 g
- Vitamin A: 3 IU
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): 0.1 mg
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 0.07 mg
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 0.8 mg
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): 0.38 mg
- Vitamin B6: 0.07 mg
- Vitamin B9 (Folate / Folic Acid): 25 mcg
- Vitamin B12: 0 mcg
- Vitamin C: 0.5 mg
- Vitamin D: 0 IU
- Vitamin E: 0.1 mg
- Vitamin K: 1.3 mcg
- Water: 12.3 g
- Zinc: 0.25 mg
Corn In India
Archaeological evidence indicates that corn was used as a food in Mexico at least 7,000 years ago. The kernels of corn have a translucent, horny appearance when immature and are wrinkled when dry. Corn is native to South America but cultivated throughout much of the world. The top of each plant produces a flower that fertilizes the silk of the individual ears of Corn. Once the silk is fertilized, seeds, or kernels, form within the husk. The kernels are usually yellow but can be red, blue, black, pure white, or any combination of these colors. Commercial varieties are either yellow or white in color. Popcorn is distinguished by its small, hard kernels with tough outer covers, while flour corns have soft, starchy kernels.
- Scientific Binomial: Zea mays
- Common English: Maize / Indian Corn
- Ayurvedic: Mahaa-Kaaya
- Unani: Makkaa / Zurraa Makkaa
- Sanskrit
- Hindi / Urdu: Makai / Bhutta
- Bengali: Joitree
- Marathi: Makka / Kanis
- Telugu: Mokka javanalu
- Tamil: Makka cholam
- Gujarati
- Kannada: Makkejola
- Malayalam: Makka cholam
- Oriya
- Punjabi / Sindhi
- Assamese
- Kashmiri
- Konkani
- Manipuri
- Dogri
- Bhojpuri
Home Remedies
It is known primarily as a staple food, but it also has therapeutic properties. The ears (corncob) are eaten fresh or frozen, or are canned. The basic products of refined or processed corn are starch, oil, syrup, hominy grits, cornmeal, flakes, bran and flour. Corn provides carbohydrates, B vitamins (thiamine and riboflavin), vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and zinc.
- Diarrhea: Corn starch quickly stops diarrhea. Just add 1-2 level tsp. to a glass of cool water that’s been previously boiled. This usually corrects the problem in a couple of hours.
- Painful Splinter: Ground corn flour mixed to a paste with a little water makes a good poultice for drawing out a stubborn and painful splinter.
- Body Fat: Conjugated linoleic acid found in corn oil is used as a supplement to reduce body fat. Animal and test tube studies have demonstrated its anticancer properties.
- Heart Healthy: When corn is frequently consumed in the diet, either fresh, canned or popped, cholesterol levels go down and bowel movements increase. Corn bran are highly beneficial in relieving constipation. It relieves constipation and also lowers LDL cholesterol, which is one of the more harmful kinds. Besides being rich in fiber, bran has a real food value being rich in time, iron and vitamins and containing a considerable amount of protein.
- Kidney Problems: Soft, boiled corn grits are good to eat every day in case of kidney problems, especially where kidney dysfunction is the cause of swollen legs resulting from lack of urination.
- Body Odor: For body odor, dust cornstarch on any odor-troubled part of your body, as it absorb moisture. Try to use it to fight foot odor. Shake a teaspoon of the cornstarch into your shoes to coat the insides is another way to absorb moisture. Cornstarch absorbs foot moisture that can help launch fungal infections. Cornstarch right from the box is a good start; but a quick browning in the oven removes its moisture, allowing it to take in more moisture from your feet.
- Chest Congestion: For chest congestion during colds and flu, try a mustard plaster made from cornmeal and mustard seeds. Grind up three tablespoons of mustard seeds and add the powder to a cup of cornmeal. Stir in just enough water to make a paste, then slather it on your chest. The pungent aroma helps to unclog stuffy sinuses, and the heat improves blood circulation and eases congestion. Don’t leave the plaster on for more than 15 minutes, however, or your skin may burn. You may want to smear on a bit of petroleum jelly before you apply the plaster to protect the skin.
- Skin Care: Cornmeal made from the ground kernels makes a great facial, opening all of the pores and freeing them from dirt and oils. Just wash the face twice daily with cornmeal instead of soap. You’ll find it doesn’t even leave the skin as dry and flaky either.
- Diaper Rash: In case of baby diaper rashes, use cornstarch as a substitute for baby powder. As some baby powders contain additives that can actually cause a rash, rather than prevent it.
- Heat Rash: For heat rash, apply cornstarch directly to the rash site to absorb moisture and sweat. This is an age-old approach, recommended by many country grandmothers. Cornstarch makes skin more softer. Reapply every few hours, rinsing and drying the skin beforehand.
- Lice: To eliminate lice, apply a runny paste made from dish washing liquid and cornstarch. Allow it to harden, then wash it out with shampoo.
- Skin Swelling: When mixed with beeswax or lard, it can be used as a poultice for skin ulcers, swellings, and rheumatic pains. Cornmeal makes a nutritious gruel that is good for convalescents.
- Insect Bite: Cornstarch makes a great dusting agent for relieving diaper rash and poison ivy itch, not to mention reducing insect bites and stings, as well as adding a large handful to a tub of lukewarm water to bathe chicken pox, measles, mumps and hives in.
- Abdominal Swelling: Corn cob tea is excellent for treating abdominal swelling, edema in the ankles and wrists and gout in general. Cover 2-3 fresh cobs from which the corn has already been removed or eaten with enough water to cover by 2 inches. Cook on low heat for about an hour, then strain and cool. Keep in the refrigerator, drinking 2-3 cups a day until problems subside, then reduce intake to only 1 cup per day.
Side Effects and Precaution
People suffering from pellagra (a niacin-deficiency disease) may be advised to eliminate corn and corn products from their diet. Some people are allergic to corn – if you suffer a rash, headaches, or any other symptoms, avoid corn and corn products.
FAQs.
Q. What are folklore about corn?
Corn was considered sacred by the Aztec and Mayan people. It is symbolic of fertility and is closely aligned with the energy of the goddess and Earth Mother.
- To bring good luck to all members of your household and attract abundance, hang dried corn in your home with the husks folded back. It will protect your home from negativity.
- Placing cornmeal and tobacco on your altar will invite the wisdom of the ancestors and deepen your connection to your spirit.
- Whenever you harvest anything, leave a pinch of cornmeal behind. It is a sign of respect and ensures that you will always have more than enough.
Q. What is corn silk?
Corn silk refers to the hairs covering the corn. Maize is one of the world’s most popular foods, yet few realize that the silky brown fronds wrapped around the cob make a valuable medicine. Cornsilk or maize fronds is best prepared as an infusion, works specifically on the urinary system, soothing and protecting the kidneys, bladder, and urinary tract. Corn Silk will help in any irritation of the urinary system. Use the stigmas from the female flowers to use as a diuretic, anti inflammatory or tonic.
Q. How to make corn silk tea or infusion?
The infusion may help to ease bladder irritability and poor urine flow. Other urinary-related problems such as chronic urethritis and an enlarged prostate can benefit from this gentle-acting herb.
- Take 1 spoonful of chopped corn silk
- Add to 2 cup water
- Brew for 5 minutes
- Drink up to 3 cups a day as required.
Q. What is corn silk good for?
- A tea made by infusing corn silk in hot water may help in the treatment of kidney stones. Drink three times a day.
- Protective and restorative rather than a front line treatment for infection, cornsilk supports kidney function and the health of the urinary tract. While it is not an effective treatment on its own, take the infusion to aid recovery from cystitis and as a preventative against recurring infection.
- Cornsilk is worth trying in problems such as stress or pressure incontinence and bed-wetting.
- Cornsilk is a remedy to take at the first sign of urinary infection, helping to soothe inflammation and irritation and flush out infection.
- For water retention, corn silk tea has a mild diuretic effect, possibly because of its high potassium content.
- Corn silk is also a good cleanser of the urinary tract. A little of it eaten raw, with or without the corn kernels, will benefit the whole urinary system and may help to prevent cystitis.