Properties of corn 

Easy to find, tasty and highly nutritious. Meet corn, the third most consumed cereal in the world after wheat and rice, and one of the favourites of people with coeliac disease (as it is gluten-free). Corn was first used in America, where it originated, more than 7,000 years ago, and is becoming increasingly popular due to its high vitamin and mineral content.

You only have to take a quick look at the properties of corn to see its benefits. Its vitamin and mineral content boosts our metabolism, it provides us with a high amount of energy and nutrients that protect our heart and nervous system, and its sweet taste captivates those who try it. What vitamins does corn contain? Mostly B vitamins, such as B1 (also known as thiamine) and B3, as well as vitamin C, folic acid and minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium and zinc, among others.

As a result, the properties of sweet corn are countless: it helps combat cellular ageing, supports various brain functions, helps control appetite, maintains strong bones and, ultimately, promotes proper growth and provides essential minerals for our bodies. However, the benefits of corn don’t stop here.

The wide range of varieties of corn on offer is another advantage of this product. We can find sweet corn (the most common variety, which is consumed fresh, raw or canned), grain maize (which is used to make flour or semolina) and corn kernels (more suitable for making popcorn).

For example, the properties of popcorn are greater if prepared at home. To do this, all you need to do is add some corn kernels to a large, hot, frying pan with a small amount of oil. Cover the pan with a lid (leaving a small gap for steam to escape) and when you hear the first pops, lower the heat to medium. When you stop hearing the “explosions”, turn off the heat and take off the lid. All that’s left to do is enjoy the popcorn after seasoning it with some salt… and that’s it! 

Drawbacks of corn

Corn has benefits, but does it have drawbacks? Truth be told, corn is one of the foods with the least drawbacks, but it is interesting to be aware of the few it does have just to be safe. Besides, you are probably already aware by now that the most important thing when we talk about these topics is to always maintain a healthy and balanced diet, avoiding overindulging and excessive consumption, no matter the food.

In any case, it is worth noting that corn has a high starch content, which is essentially comprised of sugars. Therefore, people with diabetes are advised to avoid eating too much of it and its derivatives. Aside from this particular warning, corn has few other drawbacks, so it is generally a good idea to include it in our diets within reason.