The corn cob is widely consumed around the world. It has its benefits, contraindications and even side effects that should be known, but first we will analyze corn from a botanical point of view.
The corn plant, also known as corn, is an annual grass that typically reaches heights of 8 to 10 feet (2.5 to 3 m), although some varieties of corn have been known to grow up to 40 feet (12 m) tall. Its edible fruit develops like an ear and is generally enclosed in leaves that grow anywhere on the stem. Ears of corn come in various colors, from yellow to deep purple and black, as well as various kernel densities.
Corn (Zea mays) is part of the fifth largest family of plants, known as the Poaceae family. This group of 10,000 species is known to contain the “true grasses” such as barley (Hordeum vulgare), oats (Avena sativa), wheat (Triticum aestivum), and rice (Oryza sativa).
Based on the modern classification system, there may be as many as 80,000 subspecies of corn different, due to their long history of human use, as well as modern genetic modifications aimed at maximizing their vitamin content and improving their resistance to disease.
Historic information Corn was a fundamental element of the Mesoamerican diet. The history of corn begins 7,500 to 12,000 years ago, according to the earliest archaeological records of corn cultivation. In addition to being grown for food, maize was used in barter, which extended the reach of the crop across civilizations and over vast tracts of land. Several centuries later, European explorers introduced the cultivation of maize to Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Economic data On a global scale, the annual production of corn is greater than any other grain, weighing in at over a billion tons in 2014 alone. The United States is the world’s largest producer of corn, growing to 361,091,140 tons in 2014. They are followed by China, which produced 215,812,100 tons in 2014, and Brazil, with 79,881,614 tons harvested in the same year.
popular beliefs Maize has been a remarkably significant crop for indigenous peoples throughout North, Central, and South America, thus many myths about the origin of the world and religious ceremonies centered on maize. Various gods and spirits in these religions were also considered the gods of maize.
Other uses
Industrial products. The benefits of corn are as diverse as the varieties of the plant, aiding in the production of plastics, fabrics, adhesives, and many other products.
Fuel. Researchers have begun using corn to create ethanol oil, a type of biochemical fuel that researchers hope will one day function as an alternative to coal.
Forage. Corn is also a primary nutrient in both livestock feed and domestic pet food.
Due to its widespread use as a culinary ingredient, corn is available throughout the world and throughout the year. Its health benefits, namely its ability to protect the heart and regulate blood sugar, make it a useful herbal remedy.
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Health benefits of corn
In addition to its nutritional and culinary uses, corn is traditionally consumed for:
Stimulate urination Corn has been used as a diuretic for millennia due to its ability to increase urination, which helps flush toxins and excess potassium from the body.
Support kidney health Corn consumption has been linked to the prevention and elimination of kidney stones.
More recently, corn has been the subject of studies that have found it useful for:
Lower blood cholesterol Several of the components of corn are known to lower cholesterol and protect against cardiovascular disease.
Regulate blood sugar levels. Corn seems to help the body influence blood sugar levels, which helps keep them stable.
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How does it work
Maysin is a flavonol glycoside abundant in corn silk and responsible for the diuretic action of the herb. Helps remove waste material and excess potassium through urine, also lowers creatinine levels in people with kidney disease, further contributing to preventing and eliminating kidney stones.
In addition, corn contains several components that lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Phytosterols, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and policosanols have been shown to lower cholesterol and triglycerides, further improving heart health.
Well-known herbs with diuretic properties are asparagus and celery, while apricot and eggplant also help regulate cholesterol levels.
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Contraindications and side effects of corn
Corn is mostly safe in medicinal doses. May decrease potassium in the blood, causing weakness, muscle cramps, numbness, nausea, or heart palpitations. It can also cause skin rashes or itchiness in those who are sensitive to corn.
Corn can interact with diuretics and corticosteroids, as well as prescription medications for: diabetes, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis. Corn is not recommended as a supplement for people with diabetes, high or low blood pressure, low potassium, or allergies to corn.
Also, pregnant and lactating women are advised to avoid medicinal doses of corn as they may increase the risk of miscarriage.
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Also know
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