What Are the Health Benefits of Corn?

Sweet corn is a staple of the American diet, especially in the Midwest. There has been some debate as to whether or not corn can be considered a vegetable, or what its health benefits truly are, but most nutritionists agree there are health benefits associated with eating sweet corn. It contains multiple nutrients that are beneficial to the body.

Here’s an overview of some of the health benefits of sweet corn—pick some up today at your local grocery store or order from a catering service in Williamsport, PA!

Carbohydrates

The average adult needs to eat at least 130 grams of carbohydrates a day to maintain proper bodily function. A single cup of cooked sweet corn contains 31 grams. Carbs are important because they provide your body with the fuel it needs to maintain a reasonable level of mental and physical energy.

This is especially important for people who expend a lot of energy on physical activity, such as athletes—carbs will fuel their performance and keep them going even as they start to wear out. When carbohydrates are consumed, they get stored as glycogen, which is used for energy during short and long exercise periods.

Protein

Protein is another macronutrient the body needs in high amounts, and it is important for repairing cells, building up new muscle tissue and providing a much-needed boost to the immune system. Sweet corn contains about five grams of protein in a single cup serving. The recommended daily intake is 46 grams of protein for women and 56 for men. Sweet corn used as a side dish to accompany steak, chicken breast or pork line is an effective way of boosting the protein content of the meal.

Fiber

Sweet corn also contains a moderate amount of fiber. A single cup contains over 3.5 grams of fiber. The recommended daily intake for adult women is 20 grams, and 30 grams for men. This is a non-digestible type of carbohydrate that makes it easier for you to stabilize the levels of your blood sugar, prevent constipation and reduce the risks associated with high levels of cholesterol. Fiber also helps provide a feeling of fullness, which is beneficial for people who are trying to lose weight and want to avoid overeating.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a form of antioxidant that helps the body protect itself against free radicals, which can be harmful to the cells. It also strengthens the body’s connective tissue and moistens the mucous membranes that are found in the lungs, throat and nose. A single cup of sweet corn contains 310 international units of vitamin A, and the recommended daily intake of that is 3,000 for men and 2,000 for women, meaning you can get a significant percentage of your vitamin A from a serving of corn.

For more information about some of the health benefits associated with sweet corn, contact Tony’s Delicatessen & Fresh Meats at our deli in Williamsport, PA. We’ll also be able to recommend some dishes that corn goes best with—we carry homegrown corn and fresh fruits, which are available when you place an order with us for food catering in Williamsport, PA!

Categorised in: Catering Service, Deli

This post was written by Writer