What vitamins are cooked in corn?

Corn is rightly considered one of the most popular delicacies, which is equally loved by adults and children alike. It is used not only in cooked, but also in canned form. It also produces starch and flour, which later become the ingredients of many dishes. In addition, we all know very well how useful the corn is. What vitamins contains this product, you will learn from today's article.

A bit of history

As a cultivated corn plant began to grow about twelve thousand years ago. The first people to cultivate it were people who lived on the territory of Mexico. At that time, its cobs were much less modern. The average size of the fetus was only four centimeters.

To those who want to understand what vitamins are in corn, it will be interesting that it was the basis of the diet of Indian tribes inhabiting America long before the formation of the United States. Images of this plant adorned the walls of ancient Indian temples. It is well known that some tribes in the hope of a good harvest brought the god of the Sun a sacrifice in the form of bread baked from corn flour.

European peoples learned about this culture thanks to Christopher Columbus. On the territory of Russia it was brought in the XVII century. It was cultivated in regions with a warm climate (in the south of Ukraine, the Caucasus and in the Crimea). Originally it was cultivated as an ornamental plant, but later Europeans appreciated its taste qualities.

Chemical composition

Those who are interested in what vitamins are in corn will be surprised to learn that it is considered one of the best sources of many valuable substances. In this low-calorie product there are mineral salts, fats, ascorbic acid, protein, sugar and starch. The vitamin E contained in it has a positive effect on the condition of the skin and hair. In addition, it contributes to slowing down aging. Also, it contains enough magnesium, potassium and iron. B vitamins help fight depression, insomnia and other disorders of the nervous system.

Interestingly, a hundred grams of corn contains only 97 calories. Therefore, it can be considered a dietary product. In addition, it is rich in vitamins K and D, which also has a beneficial effect on the human body.

Beneficial features

Having understood what vitamins are contained in corn, you need to pay attention to its effect on our health. Due to the presence of a large number of dietary fiber, it improves the state of the gastrointestinal tract. Soluble fiber is involved in blocking cholesterol, and insoluble fiber is considered to be the best prevention of constipation.

Those who have already understood what vitamins are contained in cooked corn, it will be interesting that the regular use of this dish helps to maintain eye health. The antioxidants present in it positively influence the state of the organs of vision, preventing the development of cataracts.

Thanks to the beta-cryptoxanthine contained in cooked corn, it supports the health of human bones and prevents the appearance of a disease such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Contraindications to use

Having figured out which vitamins in corn, you need to understand in whose diet there should not be this product. Immediately mention that the abuse of these delicious cobs can lead to serious problems of the gastrointestinal tract. The surplus of this product often causes various disorders and malfunctions in the digestive system.

Some people may develop allergic reactions to corn. Fortunately, this happens very rarely. However, if you have any symptoms, you need to completely eliminate it from your diet. The most common signs of allergies are rashes, redness and itching of the skin.

It is also undesirable to abuse corn grains to people who have a stomach ulcer, thrombosis or thrombophlebitis. In this case, this product can cause significant harm to health.

What is more useful - boiled or canned corn?

Unlike most vegetables and fruits, this herb does not lose its valuable properties in the process of heat treatment. The shell of corn kernels retains its integrity even after cooking. Therefore, it is equally useful in fresh and processed form.

Those who have already understood what vitamins in corn are boiled, it will be interesting to know that it is more valuable than canned. Of course, it also contains useful substances, just in slightly lower concentrations. The fact is that in the process of preparing corn for conservation, many vitamins volatilize from it. In addition, some unscrupulous manufacturers add GMOs to their products.

Recommendations for selection

Having understood, what vitamins in corn, it is necessary to learn to distinguish a qualitative product. Incorrectly selected cereal can cause harm to your health, therefore it is necessary to approach to this issue with the utmost responsibility.

It is not recommended to buy cobs from the hands. Because no one can guarantee that they were properly stored. Dry leaves separated from the fruit indicate that the corn has been exposed to direct sunlight for too long. It is not ruled out that pathogenic microorganisms have already begun to multiply actively in it. A non-uniform shade of grains indicates that they are no longer the first freshness.

When choosing a canned product, you must first pay attention to the packaging. It should have all the necessary information about the expiration dates and the manufacturer's contacts. It is very important to look at the date of manufacture. Corn, made in spring or winter, can not be considered fresh. In this case, prior to conservation, it was stored frozen. The product should not contain anything other than grains, water, a small amount of sugar and salt.

Cooking tips

Those who already know what useful vitamins in corn, will not stop learning how to properly cook this cereal. You can do this not only in a saucepan, but also in a multivariate, oven and steamer. To the product does not become too hard, it is recommended to salt it already in ready-made form.

As for the cooking time, much depends on the variety of cereal. Typically, this takes about thirty minutes. But in some cases the cooking time is increased to three or four hours. When cooking corn for a couple, it retains the maximum amount of useful substances, since this process takes no more than fifteen minutes.

Delicate young cobs are often cooked in the oven. The result is a very fragrant and soft treat. To do this, just pour the corn with water and send it to the oven for forty minutes.

Application of cereals

Having figured out which vitamins in corn, you need to study in which areas this useful product is used. It has long been used successfully in folk medicine. So, the stigmas of this plant are considered an excellent diuretic, and its oil helps lower the level of cholesterol in the blood. Dishes cooked on the basis of corn flour have long been recommended for women suffering from infertility.

This useful cereal is also used in cosmetology. It is based on the production of all kinds of products intended for hair care, as well as creams that help to restore the elasticity of the skin as soon as possible. In dietetics successfully used corn broth. It is believed that it helps quickly burn excess fats.

Paradoxically, this plant is used even in the construction industry, as well as for the manufacture of glue, paper and cardboard. In agriculture, this cereal serves as a feed for cattle.