WHITE CORN (MAIZE)

Description

Health benefits of White Corn

White Corn provides numerous health benefits due to the presence of quality nutrients within. Besides being a delicious addition to any meal, it is rich in phytochemicals and offers protection against a number of long-lasting diseases. The well-researched and widespread health benefits of white corn are listed below.

1. Anemia Prevention

This is another one of those illnesses for women that are spreading more than ever. Anemia happens due to the profound deficiency of vitamins and minerals such as iron in your body. Body requires iron and folate to form new red blood cells. White Corn is a very good source of iron, per 166 grams of serving it provides an impressive 4.5 mg of iron.

2.Prevents Hemorrhoids

White corn consists of good amount of fiber content that helps in alleviating digestive problems such as constipation and hemorrhoids, as well as lowering the risk of colon cancer due to corn being a whole-grain.

Fiber has long been encouraged as a way to reduce colon risk, but insufficient and conflicting data exist for fiber’s relationship with preventing cancer, although whole-grain consumption has been proven to reduce that risk. Fiber helps bulk up bowel movements, which stimulates peristaltic motion and the production of gastric juice and bile. It can also add bulk to overly loose stools, which can reduce the chances of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diarrhea. (1), (2)

3. Promotes Growth

White Corn is rich in vitamin B constituents, particularly thiamin and niacin. Thiamin is vital for maintaining nerve health and cognitive function. Niacin shortage leads to pellagra; a disease characterized by diarrhea, dementia, and dermatitis that is commonly observed in malnourished individuals. It is also a good source of pantothenic acid, which is an essential vitamin for carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism in the body.

Deficiency of folic acid in pregnant women can lead to the birth of underweight infants and may also result in neural tube defects in newborns. White corn provides a large percentage of the daily folate requirement, thus preventing this condition. Kernels of corn are rich in vitamin E, a natural antioxidant that is essential for growth and protection of the body from illness and diseases. (3)

4. Weight Loss

Losing weight can be quite tough job. However, to lose weight consuming the right kind of nutrient rich foods is essential. White corn is the best snack for this, it is a wonderful source of energy and will also leave you feeling full for longer due to its fiber content. Popped corn without any salt, cooked with a tablespoon of coconut oil is the way to go.

5. Prevents Hypertension

White Corn consists of phenolic phytochemicals that help regulate blood pressure and prevent hypertension. There is also a good amount of vitamin B that is beneficial for the optimal functionality of your adrenal glands.

6. Lowers LDL Cholesterol

According to the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, consumption of corn husk oil helps to lowers plasma LDL or bad cholesterol by decreasing cholesterol absorption in the body.  As mentioned earlier, this reduction in LDL cholesterol does not mean a reduction in HDL or good cholesterol, which can have beneficial effects on the body. They include the reduction of heart diseases, prevention of atherosclerosis, and a general searching of free radicals throughout the body.(4), (5)

7. May Prevent Alzheimer

It has been researched as a source of thymine, which is an antioxidant that sharpens brain functions. It also helps synthesize acetycholine, which in turn leads to an improved memory.

8. Prevents Diverticular Diseases

These diseases are often quite painful and lead to a lot of discomfort and suffering. Although researches are still being conducted on this subject, there has been an observation made on about 47,228 men that shows the benefits of consuming popcorn to prevent the symptoms of this disease from developing.

9. Weight Gain

White corn is a rich source of calories and is a staple in many places. The calorific content of corn is 606 calories per 166 grams, which is among the highest for cereals. This is why, it is often turned to for quick weight gain, and combined with the ease and flexibility of growing conditions for corn, the high-calorie content makes it vital for the survival of dozens of agricultural nations.(6)

10. Cosmetic Benefits

Cornstarch is used in the manufacturing of many cosmetic products and may also be applied topically to soothe skin rashes and irritation. Corn products can be used to replace carcinogenic petroleum products which are major components of many cosmetic preparations. Many of the traditional skin creams consists of petroleum jelly as a base material, which can often block pores and make skin conditions even worse.(7)

Traditional uses and benefits of White Corn

• Corn silk has been used as diuretic, antilithiasic, uricosuric, and antiseptic in many parts of the world.
• It is used for the treatment of edema as well as for cystitis, gout, diabetes mellitus, kidney stones, nephritis, and prostatitis.
• Corn kernel is considered to be diuretic and a mild stimulant.
• Corn is a good emollient poultice and is used for ulcers, wounds sore, swelling and rheumatic pains.
• An infusion of parched corn is taken for nausea and vomiting in many diseases.
• Decoction of fresh or dried stalk, cob as well as corn silk is used as a diuretic in Philippines.
• Decoction of roots, leaves, and corn silk is used for dysuria, bladder complaints, and bedwetting.
• Corn silk has been used for fluid retention and jaundice in China.
• Decoction of pith of cob as tea is used for stomach complaints.
• Corn silk has been used for treating urinary and venereal diseases and in cardiac and renal dropsy in Europe.
• Cob is used for kidney stones in Indonesia.
• Urino-genital problems are treated with prescriptions based on the whole or parts of the maize plant, especially a decoction of the corn silk, which is also used to treat jaundice.
• Maize leaf maceration is drunk to treat fever.
• Charcoal made from maize stalks is included in medicines to treat gonorrhea.
• An infusion from the burnt cob is used to wash wounds.
• Maize spike heated with powdered leaves of Glossonema boveanum used to treat intestinal schistosomiasis in Mali.
• Corn silk decoction is used as diuretic and depurative, and macerated maize leaves used to treat fever in Burundi.
• Powdered corn and leaves used as poultice for boils and carbuncles in Ghana.
• Decoction of the kernel and silk is used for management of diabetes mellitus in Southwestern Nigeria.
• Carbonized and powdered corn silk is used for edema and rash, and a decoction of the corn silk is used for hypertension in Togo.
• Corn silk used to treat convulsion, hepatic disorders, jaundice, and kernels also used for diarrhea, dysentery and liver disorders in Benin.
• In the Errachidia province of Morocco, dried, roasted kernels used to treat hypertension and the stalk for renal diseases.
• Maize stalk ashes are applied to the gums to treat tooth caries in Uganda.
• Decoction of corn flowers and slat is used as a mouth wash for tooth-ache in Burkina-faso.
• Sap from boiled kernels is applied externally for skin diseases in Kenya.
• Corn silk is used for treating measles and a towel dip in a decoction of corn cob is applied to bleeding nose in Nigeria.
• Decoction of the leaves and roots is used in the treatment of strangury, dysuria and gravel.
• Decoction of the cob is used in the treatment of nose bleeds and menorrhagia.
• It is a good herbal remedy in improving blurred vision.
• It reduces the tumor growth in the breast and the lungs.

Ayurvedic Health benefits of White Corn

• Hyperpigmentation: Apply Cornstarch directly to the affected area.
• Diaper Rashes: Cornstarch is in powdered form. It is easily available in the market. Sprinkle it on affected areas. Its moisture absorbing tendency helps to cure Diaper Rashes.
• Gout: Boil half a bowl of Corn. Sprinkle Lemon and Salt. Consume once a day.
• Uremia: Have it daily. Corn helps in proper urination and detoxification of the blood. It supports the proper functioning of the Kidney and treat Uremia. Prepare an infusion by adding 2 to 3 teaspoons of Corn in a cup of water.
• Athlete’s Foot: First, Rub a few amount of Corn flour on your feet. Then, heat up the oven to 330 degrees. Put 2 cups of Corn flour onto a plate and put it in the oven. Heat it till it to brownish. Rub it on your feet and toes. Leave it for 10 minutes. Dry out your feet with a clean towel. Repeat it regularly to prevent fungal infections (Note: Wash off your hands after the application unless it affects worse.)
• Ulcers: Burn the leaves of Jackfruit, Corn and Coconut Shell together. Mix with Coconut oil to make paste. Apply over the affected area.
• Urticaria: Take 1/2 cup baking Soda and 1/2 cup of Corn starch. Mix them well. Put it in a bath tub. Soak the body in this water for about half an hour. Repeat the process twice a week.
• Blemishes: Soak equal quantity of Almond and White Corn overnight. Grind it to make paste. Apply it on your face Spots.
• Melisma: Take 1/2 teaspoon of dried orange peel powder, 1 teaspoon of corn flour, 1 Teaspoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon Yogurt. Mix all. Beat well. Apply over affected area. Let it dry. Wash with normal water.