Corn, also known as maize, is a cereal grain used extensively for both domestic and industrial purposes. It has become a staple food in many parts of the world, as it provides overall nourishment to the body. Maize, being a cheap crop, has the potential to be the first choice for the underprivileged population. Due to its wide applications in a variety of products, maize is also referred to as the ‘Queen of Cereals’. 

Read on to know more about this cereal grain!

Corns are commonly known as “makka” or “bhutta” in India. They are scientifically known as Zea mays and belong to the family of grasses. Indian corn primarily refers to maize, but it can also refer to multi-colored “flint corn” used for decoration.

Corn was first domesticated by the native people of Mexico about 10,000 years ago, where they simply chose kernels (seeds) to plant. Some scholars believe that they were first cultivated in the Balsas River Valley of south-central Mexico. About 1,000 years ago, as Indian people migrated north to the eastern woodlands of present-day North America, they brought corn with them.

Did You Know?
– Corn-based plastics are becoming popular as an alternative to traditional plastics.
– Genetically modified maize was one of the 26 GM crops grown commercially in 2016.
– Corn is the preferred staple food for 900 million poor people, 120 ‐140 million poor farmer families, and about one‐third of all malnourished children globally.
– In India, corn is the third most important food grain after wheat and rice.

Corn holds great importance, as each part of it is useful. In India, corn is produced and used domestically, and nothing is exported. Due to its relatively low price, it is used as a cereal grain for making "chapattis," which provide energy for long hours.

Corn is industrially used to make "cornflakes," which is one of the most common breakfast options worldwide. Popcorn is culturally used during the folk festival called “Lohri” in North India, where it is fed to the bonfire as a part of their harvest ritual. Corn is also used to make green fodder to feed the poultry animals, maintaining their health.

Different Types of Corn

There are six major categories of corn –

• Sweet corn is harvested before maturation (before the normal conversion of sugar into starch can take place). It has a high sugar content and is typically used as a vegetable or as a snack.
• Popcorn has a tough outer shell, encapsulating a small amount of soft starch content. It is a popular snack due to its rich taste and low starch content.
• Dent corn is used in food manufacturing as the base ingredient for cornmeal flour, corn chips, tortillas, and taco shells. Some varieties are also used as livestock feed.
• Flint corn, also known as ‘Indian corn, is similar to dent corn. It has a hard, glassy outer shell whose kernels can be white, red, blue, orange, or brown. It is primarily used for decoration, animal feed, or as a food source by making flour out of it.
• Flour corn is primarily used to make corn flour, a very finely ground version of cornmeal. Corn flour is used as a substitute for wheat flour for people with gluten allergies.
• Pod corn is not a wild ancestor of maize, but a mutant that forms leaves around each kernel.

Health Benefits of Corn

Corn contains potassium, which improves blood pressure and protects the heart. It contains soluble and insoluble fibers that aid in preventing constipation. It also contains antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect healthy eye cells against damage. Corn is rich in vitamin B complex, which supports overall growth and increases metabolism in the body.

Corn also contains an organic compound known as ferulic acid, which has anti-cancer properties. It has a high content of carbohydrates, mainly starch. It also contains a protein known as zein, which is used for coating candies. Vitamin E present in corn is useful for lowering cholesterol.

Additionally, corn also contains trace elements like manganese, copper, and zinc, but our bodies cannot absorb these due to the presence of phytic acids. Phytic acid is a natural substance present in plant seeds that obstructs the absorption of different minerals. Phosphorus and magnesium present in corn help maintain body tissues and protect against chronic diseases.

Health Benefits of Corn

Supports Newborn Health

Sweet corn is useful for maintaining the health of a baby before birth. Corn contains folic acid, which is responsible for maintaining the weight of a newborn baby. It is also essential for preventing neural tube defects in newborn babies. 

Improves Vision

Corn helps improve eye problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts in old people that occur due to aging. Yellow corn contains macular pigments such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which are present in the retina of the human eye. These compounds protect your eyes against oxidative damage caused by blue light.

Fights Cancer

Corn is a rich source of the bioactive compound ferulic acid, which is an anti-carcinogenic agent that effectively fights tumors that cause breast and liver cancers. Anthocyanins present in purple corn also help in removing cancer-causing free radicals. These antioxidants induce apoptosis (a process where the cells kill themselves) in cancerous cells without affecting the healthy cells around them.

Relieves Constipation

Corn contains a good ratio of soluble fibers, which helps keep the digestive system clean and prevent constipation. Intestinal bacteria metabolize the soluble fibers. When it reaches the large intestine, it turns into Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs). These SCFAs provide energy to the intestinal cells for proper bowel movements.

Manages Diabetes

Research shows that the consumption of corn helps in the management of Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) and is useful for preventing hypertension due to the presence of phytochemicals. Phytochemicals can regulate the absorption and release of insulin in the body, which can reduce the chances of blood sugar spikes and drops in patients suffering from diabetes.

How can you Include Corn in your Daily Life?

Corn has a variety of uses in our day-to-day lives. From a hearty breakfast to its use in the pharmaceutical industry, corn plays a pivotal role in our everyday lives. Cornmeal is a powdery meal ingredient made from ground-up kernels of corn grain. The coarsest meal is called grits, which are used to make cornflakes. Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent in food.

It is also beneficial for people who want to switch to a gluten-free diet. Corn flour is used to make chapattis in many Indian households. Every Punjabi is an avid fan of their famous “makki ki roti” and “sarson ka saag” combination, where the roti is made from corn flour. Popcorn is also a must in movie theaters. Corn syrup is one of the main ingredients in cough drops, as well as many hard candies, providing that flavorful sweetness. Use corn oil in your daily hair care routine to get rid of a flaky and dry scalp.

You can also include corn in your diet in the following ways:

• Steamed corn is not only tasty, but research shows that steaming the corn leads to higher retention of important bioactive compounds such as lutein and zeaxanthin.
• Add corn to salads, sautéed vegetables, or fritters, as they contain protein and fiber, which keep your appetite satisfied for hours.

A meal rich in corn can go a long way in protecting against many ailments and in providing a hearty meal. Let us know how you like to enjoy corn in the comment box below!

Disclaimer: Avoid eating GMO (genetically modified organism) corn, as they undergo various processing methods that destroy the beneficial nutrients. Most of the frozen corn available on the market are not organic and have artificial sugars in them. Corn contains fatty acids and starch, which may be harmful to obese people. It is advisable to consume it in moderation to enjoy its maximum health benefits.

Nutritional Information
100g of Corn provides 365 calories, Carbohydrates -74g (Dietary Fiber – 7g, Sugar – 0.6g), Protein – 9g, Fat – 4.7g (Saturated fat- 0.7g, PUFA – 2.2g, MUFA – 1.3g), Sodium – 35mg, Potassium – 287mg
Percentage daily value of Vitamin A – 4%, Iron – 15%, Magnesium – 31%, Calcium – 17%, Vitamin B6 – 30% (based on a 2,000-calorie diet)