Natural Health Benefits of Corn: How Corn and Corn Oil Health Benefits Can Improve Your Heart and Lungs

How to Choose Corn

Corn is available year round, but you can get the sweetest varieties during the summer. Looks for ears of corn that have fresh, green husks and silky tops. The kernels should form nice, tight rows, and look plump and juicy. Sweet corn is actually picked when it is in its immature, milky stage and if you press on fresh kernels with your fingernail a milky juice comes out.

How to Cook Corn

To cook corn first you need to remove the corn husks, and then scrub the cob with a stiff brush to remove all the silks. If you desire, you can cut the kernels off the cobs at this point by holding the ears upright and running your knife down the sides. Next, boil a large pot of water and cook the corn in boiling salted water for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the kernels are tender. You can also microwave corn ears simply by wrapping them in wax paper. 1 ear takes about 3 to 5 minutes on high power. Corn loses its flavor somewhat quickly so be sure to store it, with the husks on, in a plastic bag in your refrigerator. Eat it soon as you can.

Health Benefits of Corn

There are numerous health benefits of corn and it is a must have in a well-balanced diet. The high levels of thiamin and Vitamin B in corn can help preserve your memory and keep energy levels up. Corn is also high in fiber, which keeps your digestive system functioning well. If you need to watch your blood sugar levels or are trying to lose weight, the blue varieties of corns chips and tortillas are the most healthy, as they contain more antioxidants. In fact, blue corn has 8% less starch and 20% more protein than the white and yellow varieties.

Diseases Corn Can Help Prevent

Corn is also an excellent source of folate, several different B vitamins and vitamin C. The high amount of folate in corn can help reduce the risk of a heart attack and colon cancer. It is also high in beta-cryptoxanthin, which is a carotenoid found in orange, red and some yellow vegetables, that may help reduce your chance of developing lung cancer.

Corn Oil Health Benefits

Corn oil is extracted from the germ of the corn kernel. Corn oil is considered a vegetable oil and has mainly poly-unsaturated and mono-unsaturated fats. Some studies have shown that corn and corn oil can help reduce high LDL cholesterol levels. Corn oil health benefits also include controlling your blood pressure and improving the quality of your skin and hair. Corn oil is great to use for frying because of its high smoke point and is a good substitute for other types of oil.

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