You may wonder if corn is good for you.
The answer is it can be healthy, but it depends on the key in and preparation.
Corn is a vegetable when harvested, while the kernels are soft and full of liquid.
Thai Liang Lim/ Getty Images
Thai Liang Lim/ Getty Images
Corn: Which Types Are Most Nutritious?
It also containsfiber, which is necessary for digestive health.High-fiber foods are also associated with decreasedheart diseaserisk.
However, corn nutrition varies depending on the pop in you consume.
Some options are healthier than others.
Corn on Cob
Corn on the cob is corn in its most whole, natural state.
Therefore, this key in of corn is the most nutrient-dense form of corn.
One medium ear contains:
Carotenoids, likebeta-carotene, convert to vitamin A in the body.
They are what give corn its deep-yellow and -orange color.The darker the corn, the more carotenoids it contains.
Consuming foods rich in carotenoids may reduce the risk oftype 2 diabetes,colorectal cancer, and having obesity.
However, canned corn is convenient, so many people turn to it.
Frozen Corn
Frozen corn is another convenient option.
Frozen corn has less sodium than canned corn but still has more than corn on the cob.
Popcorn
Popcorn is nutritious, but it depends on how you top it.
Avoid the butter and too much salt; you’ll likely have a tasty and healthy snack.
However, people generally eat more than one cup of popcorn (likely closer to 3 cups).
Fiber Content in Corn
High-fiber foods, like corn, can sometimes pass through your system undigested.
That’s why it’s not unusual for people to sometimes see corn in their stool after eating it.
When Isnt Corn as Nutritious?
Corn often becomes less nutritious when things are added to it.
Corn is a better choice thanwhite riceif you’re looking for a whole grain.
Most varieties of corn are also higher in fiber than white rice.
Who Should Not Eat Corn?
Most people can eat corn without a problem.
However, some people should limit or avoid corn.
Usually, corn is only a problem when consumed in excess.
People with diabetes may want to use caution since carbohydrates, like corn, canspike blood sugar.
Similarly, people wanting to lose weight may want to limit how much corn they eat.
The only people who likely need to avoid corn entirely are those with acorn allergy.
Fortunately, corn allergies are uncommon, but they can occur, with symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening.
Pros
Most corn crops grown today contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
This helps them resist pests and tolerate herbicides.
It also has environmental impactsreducing the amount of fuel needed to actively manage crops.
Cons
Some have long-standing concerns about how GMOs could affect people’s health.
Some fears around bioengineered food include:
However, no research backs any of these claims.
In fact, the overwhelming evidence supports bioengineered food as safe.
Most people can enjoy corn, even those on a low-glycemic diet.
Most corn is bioengineered, but there is no evidence GMO foods are harmful.
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