Blue corn may be popular for its deep blue hue, but let me tell you that it has also grabbed people’s attention due to its various health benefits. In the beginning, it was only grown by South American native tribes, but as people came to know about its amazing health advantages, the cultivation of blue corn spread worldwide. Apart from health benefits, corn is also considered in diets for its robust flavors, which makes it more intense than normal yellow corn. So, let us delve into some of the health benefits of blue corn.
10 Health Benefits Of Having Blue Corn In Your Diet
1. Diabetic Health Benefits
The anthocyanins found in blue corn are considered to be controlled by insulin levels in the body. This has been demonstrated in an experiment on animals to control the release of insulin and the breakdown of carbohydrates. Besides, scientists have found that blue corn has less starch and glycemic index, which makes it a healthy option for diabetic patients.
2. Packed With Nutrients And Minerals
Blue corn is completely packed with nutrients and minerals such as zinc, phosphorus, iron, and Vitamin B. In addition, blue corn consists of calcium and potassium, which are also essential for your body. Moreover, this corn contains more amino acids and antioxidants than the regular yellow one. Thus, adding blue corn to your diet can ensure your overall well-being and good health.
3. Keeps You Energised For A Longer Time
Blue corn includes complex carbohydrates that are perfect for slow and steady energy release. This makes corn a great choice for sustained energy levels to keep yourself energized throughout the day. Moreover, the complex carbohydrates in blue corn can ensure good digestion as bacteria in our intestines feed on carbohydrates. Thus, with balanced energy released, the proper digestion of blue corn helps you in good metabolism
4. Good For Your Memory
Blue corn and other foods with the same hue contain anthocyanin, which has various mental health advantages, including enhanced memory. This benefit is supported by many research studies that show blue corn is rich in certain flavonoids. Thus, when it comes to mental health, corn can improve cognitive abilities, which boosts information retention capabilities and memory.
5. Feel Light By Losing Weight
If you are a person who is always concerned about weight, then let me tell you that blue corn can be an impressive food to add to your weight loss diet. Blue corn consists of less starch and has a lower glycemic index, which is great for controlling weight.
Moreover, the dietary fiber and protein found in blue corn also contribute to weight management. The dietary fibers expand in your stomach and make you feel full and satisfied for a longer time, ultimately reducing your hunger.
6. A Good Source Of Protein
Another thing that makes blue corn stand out from regular corn is the high amount of protein found in it. Protein is a crucial nutrient that supports muscle growth and repair of damaged muscles and tissue. Hence, if you are a gym lover or indulge in heavy physical activity, then blue corn is a great option to add to your diet. The proteins your body will absorb from it will be helpful in repairing tissue and muscles and making them stronger over time.
7. Gives You A Robust Immune System
Blue corn is rich in antioxidant properties and minerals, which can support your immune system and make your health robust. The antioxidants present in the corn, including anthocyanins, can help you alleviate oxidative stress in the body and boost your immune system to combat infections and diseases.
Moreover, the zinc present in blue corn promotes the development of immune cells, which eventually makes your immune system stronger. Furthermore, the fiber in this corn improves gut health, which is crucial for the good and good functioning of the immune system.
8. Good For Eyesight And Vision
Antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which are antioxidants considered good for eye health, are found in blue corn. These antioxidants protect the eyes from oxidative stress and blue light damage by being present in the retina.
Moreover, these antioxidants can help to avoid chronic eye diseases in adults like macular degeneration and cataracts, which can be major reasons for vision loss. In addition, lutein and zeaxanthin can prevent eye fatigue and enhance visual performance.
9. Improves Bone Health
Blue corn can also promote good bone health and make them stronger as it is rich in minerals such as phosphorus and zinc. While phosphorus ensures the formation and maintenance of bones, zinc is needed for the renewal of bone tissue and mineralization to make the bone stronger. Moreover, zinc plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis to support the structural framework of bones. Therefore, adding blue corn to your diet can make sure to keep your bones healthier and prevent various bone diseases.
10. Rich In Fiber Content
Fiber is an essential nutrient for our body that is critical for digestion and heart health. Thus, by adding blue corn to your diet, you can ensure enough fiber in your body. The fiber you will get from the blue can improve your digestion by adding bulk to your tool, aiding in bowel movements, and reducing the chances of digestion disorder.
Moreover, the fiber in blue corn can improve your heart health as it controls the LDL cholesterol level. Furthermore, the fiber in blue corn can also control the absorption of sugar levels, thus, it can also be helpful in controlling diabetes and excess sugar.
Key Note – Start Having Blue Corn For Good Health
Blue corn can be a great choice to add to your diet due to its various health benefits. Whether it is your bone health or eyesight and immune system, blue corn can be a superb healthy option to incorporate into your diet. And surprisingly, there are many ways to add blue corn to your diet, like using it to make nachos, tortilla chips, tortillas, and blue cornmeal.
References
- FAO (2016) Food and Agriculture Organization. http://faostat.fao.org
- Kong JM, Chiam SL, Goh NK, Chia TF, Brouillar C. Analysis and biological activities of anthocyanins. Phytochemistry. 2003;64:923–933. doi: 10.1016/S0031-9422(03)00438-2. [PubMed]