Content
The benefits and harms of boiled corn have been known to mankind for a long time. The beneficial properties of this crop, as well as the relative ease of cultivation, have earned it great popularity. Especially appreciated is the fact that corn cobs do not absorb toxins when treating fields with chemicals and when fertilizing the soil. In addition, the product does not lose its beneficial properties when heated, due to which boiled corn is as rich in vitamins and minerals as a fresh cob.
The chemical composition of boiled corn
The benefits of boiled corn are due to its rich vitamin composition. An ear of corn contains:
- unsaturated fatty acids;
- ash;
- starch;
- vitamins A, B1, B2, B4 (choline), B5, B6, B9, C, E, PP, K;
- macronutrients (potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus);
- trace elements (copper, iron, zinc, selenium, manganese).
Calorie content of boiled corn on the cob
Corn is a fairly satisfying product due to its relatively high calorie content. The energy value of 100 g of boiled corn is 96 kcal.
The calorie content of 1 cob of boiled corn varies from 150 to 250 kcal, depending on its size. The calorie content of boiled ears in combination with salt increases to 350-450 kcal.
Benefits of boiled corn on the cob
The beneficial properties of corn cobs are preserved even after heat treatment. The reason for this is the dense shell of the grains - they provide the seeds with good protection and fully preserve their benefits.
Moderate consumption of cooked corn has the following health effects:
- lowers blood cholesterol levels;
- normalizes metabolic processes, which contributes to better weight control - the product is useful for losing weight;
- tones up the nervous system;
- improves the condition of the skin, nails and hair;
- stimulates the brain, improves memory;
- prevents the formation of malignant tumors;
- promotes the elimination of toxins from the body;
- helps with constipation;
- normalizes the work of the cardiovascular system by strengthening the walls of blood vessels;
- weakens the manifestations of hepatitis and gallstone disease;
- soothes irritation of the gastric mucosa;
- improves the digestive tract;
- reduces the risk of developing a stroke;
- helps relieve stress and symptoms of insomnia, chronic fatigue and depression;
- strengthens the immune system;
- stops putrefactive processes in the gastrointestinal tract;
- helps with diarrhea;
- lowers blood pressure;
- normalizes the work of the genitourinary system in women and restores the regularity of the menstrual cycle, relieves the symptoms of menopause;
- increases potency in men.
The benefits of boiled corn cobs in combination with salt are reduced by increasing the calorie content of the product.
Is boiled corn good for kids
Boiled corn cobs can be given to young children from the age of two if they have not had any problems with the use of corn porridge before. In order to avoid possible harm to health due to poor absorption of boiled corn kernels, it is necessary to explain to the child that they must be thoroughly chewed and not swallowed whole. It is also better to first consult with a specialist.
Boiled corn for pregnant women
The benefits of boiled corn cobs for pregnant women are that they:
- help with nausea;
- remove the heaviness in the abdomen;
- relieve symptoms of toxicosis;
- reduce overall body fatigue;
- normalize the digestive tract;
- improve metabolic processes in the body;
- relieve puffiness;
- help with constipation;
- contribute to the removal of toxins and toxins from the body;
- lower blood cholesterol levels.
It is not recommended to abuse this product. The daily norm of boiled corn is 1-2 ears.
Can boiled corn be breastfed?
When breastfeeding, it is not forbidden to eat boiled corn. On the contrary, the vitamins and trace elements contained in the cobs help a woman to recover from childbirth. In addition, the high concentration of certain substances contributes to the better functioning of the child's digestive system.
Nevertheless, there are several recommendations for this period. During the first 2 months of a child's life, boiled corn cobs should be excluded from the diet, since the baby is not able to absorb a number of nutrients contained in corn kernels. During this period, eating the product will only be harmful, however, already at 3-4 months of the baby's life, the mother can gradually return boiled corn to her diet.
When reintroducing the product into the diet, it is recommended to observe how the child reacts to changes in the composition of breast milk. If there were no visible reactions, then there was no rejection. If the baby has colic, the eating of boiled ears is stopped.
Features of the use of boiled corn
Eating boiled ears does not imply any strict rules or restrictions. Some recommendations are important only if there are problems in the gastrointestinal tract, high blood sugar and stool disorders.
With diabetes mellitus
In diabetes mellitus, excessive consumption of cooked corn kernels can cause serious harm to health, however, if the daily allowance is observed, they will only benefit diabetics. The beneficial substances contained in the product prevent the development of harmful processes in the eyes, kidneys and feet of patients with diabetes.
In order to reduce the possible harm from boiled ears, while maximizing their useful properties, it is recommended to use grains in the form of porridge with a small oil content. Also, you can not mix them with cottage cheese. Increase the benefits of the product of the dish with vegetables.
For constipation
For constipation, boiled corn kernels must be mixed with a lot of butter. Otherwise, the use of the product in this case does not require compliance with any additional measures.
With gastritis and pancreatitis
In case of irritation of the mucous membranes of the stomach, it is better not to eat boiled corn cobs in pure form. For people with gastritis and pancreatitis, it is better to take corn in the form of a homogeneous mass - porridge of medium density. When cooking porridge, the ratio of corn grits to water should be 1: 4.In this case, it is important to regularly stir the cereals. The cooking time is about half an hour. It is usually boiled in water. Butter and a small amount of milk are added to the finished porridge.
How to cook corn properly
Cooking boiled corn is not difficult, however, it takes a lot of time. Due to the dense shell surrounding the kernels on the cob, boiling them can take 4 to 6 hours. Even after this treatment, it is recommended to chew corn thoroughly for better absorption.
Best of all, the beneficial properties of the product can be preserved if the ears are steamed. Boiling water to a small extent, but still takes away some of the nutrients. This does not happen when steaming corn. It also makes the ears juicier and much sweeter. In general, the product is often greased with butter for flavor. You can also lightly sprinkle the ears with salt.
For more information on how to cook corn properly in order to preserve its beneficial properties, see the video below:
Harm of boiled corn and contraindications
Despite the obvious benefits of corn for human health, there are a number of contraindications that can not only nullify the beneficial properties of the product, but also cause serious harm to the body. Boiled corn is contraindicated in the following cases:
- with increased blood clotting;
- with individual intolerance;
- with a tendency to thrombophlebitis;
- if you are overweight;
- with exacerbation of duodenal and stomach ulcers.
Also, when eating boiled corn cobs, measure is important. If this product is abused, the body will react with flatulence, bloating and upset stools. Breastfeeding mothers should be especially attentive to the recommended intake doses. The fact is that oversaturation with substances contained in boiled corn is fraught with colic in a child.
How to store boiled corn
The benefits of corn for the body are obvious, however, in order for its beneficial properties not to be harmful, it is necessary not only to follow the rules for cooking the cobs, but also to take into account the peculiarities of storing the product.
Boiled corn cobs cannot be kept in the refrigerator for too long - after heat treatment, the cob gradually begins to lose its beneficial properties after 2-3 days.
In order to use the product throughout the year, it is best to freeze the ears. Before this, the corn is boiled until it is partially cooked.
Conclusion
The benefits and harms of boiled corn have been known to mankind for many centuries, although in the Old World this plant has spread relatively recently. Moderate consumption of this culture benefits the health of women during pregnancy and after childbirth, especially when breastfeeding when the mother's body is weakened. Also, the beneficial properties of the product are revealed for constipation and gastritis.
