Don’t like your veggies?  What about corn?   It’s likely it’s one of your favourites.  Corn is one of the most loved starchy vegetables of our region.

Aware of our collective love for this vegetable, we’ve researched and found five reasons corn should be a part of your diet and we’ve added a yummy recipe you can try.

Whether roasted, boiled or grilled corn or maize is a great staple food.  The plant is said to have been domesticated by the indigenous peoples of Mexico.  Its origin lies in the teosinte plant which was very similar to wild grass.  Today, it differs in that the kernels are larger and more compact.

Corn on the cob is rich in vitamins A, B and E, as well as being high in fibre.  The best part is here’s a vegetable that is good for you and is also tasty, making for an easy addition to meals.

Let’s take a look at the top five health benefits:

1. Prevents Hemorrhoids and Constipation – Corn is said to prevent haemorrhoids and constipation as it is very high in soluble and insoluble fibre. A diet high in fibre is good as it helps with digestion, whether it’s constipation, diarrhoea or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
2. Aids in Battling Anaemia – The words iron deficiency generally brings to mind green, leafy vegetables.  However, in addition to those veggies, corn which is rich in Vitamin B12, folic acid and iron is another suitable choice for battling anaemia.
3.  Lowers LDL Cholesterol – There is good cholesterol (HDL) and there is bad cholesterol (LDL). Sweet corn is said to have significant levels of Vitamin C, carotenoids and bioflavonoids which aid in regulating cholesterol levels ensuring a healthy heart.
4. Promotes Weight Gain – You read correctly. While many people focus on losing weight there are those who are interested in gaining weight.  Consider corn an option to help in this department because it is high in carbohydrates and calories both of which are needed to add bulk.  So for the underweight, corn would be an excellent addition to meals.
5. Manages Diabetes and Hypertension – Corn and other vegetables grown organically are great for maintaining overall good health as well as reducing the risks of diabetes. Consuming corn helps in the management of non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDPM).  Also, it is effective against hypertension because of the presence of phenolic phytochemicals in it. Phenolic phytochemicals are natural plant compounds that provide a variety of health benefits.

Before you go, here is an easy recipe for a tasty oven roasted corn.

Oven Roasted On the Corn

Ingredients

Four ears corn shucked

½ cup olive oil

½-one teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon crushed pepper flakes

½ teaspoon parsley flakes

½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Method

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut four pieces of foil large enough to hold a cob and  place a cob on each piece. Then brush corn with olive oil. Combine parsley and Italian seasoning.

Season with salt to taste. Sprinkling crushed pepper on two and  then, season the remaining two with parsley and Italian seasoning.

Seal edges to form parcels.  Bake for 30-35 minutes or until tender.

And, if you need to shop for ingredients for this recipe, visit Find Yello for your local grocery listing.

Sources: Organicfacts.net and Stylecraze.com