Interesting Facts and Health Benefits of Corn

Interesting Facts About Corn

Corn is one of the most popular and ubiquitous crops grown around the world. From a staple food source to an ingredient in many processed foods, corn plays an important role in our diets. Even if you don't eat corn directly, chances are you've consumed something containing corn or its byproducts recently.

But there's more to this yellow grain than meets the eye. Here are some fascinating corn facts you may not know:

Corn Is Actually a Grass

Corn, also known as maize, is technically not a vegetable but a grain. Even more specifically, it is a tall grass that produces kernels on ears which are then consumed. Modern-day corn descends from a wild grass called teosinte that looked very different from the cobs we are familiar with today.

The Origins of Corn Are Central American

Corn is believed to have originated in southern Mexico over 9,000 years ago. Primitive corn cobs have been discovered in dry caves in Mexico that date back over 6,000 years. The oldest ears are tiny compared to modern varieties, with only a few kernels developing on each one.

From its birthplace in Mexico, corn cultivation spread northward into what is now the North American continent. By the time European settlers arrived, corn agriculture had spread across much of the Americas.

There Are Many Types of Corn

While yellow corn is the most recognizable, there are actually hundreds of different varieties of maize. Types range from large field corns grown for animal feed to smaller, sweet corns eaten by humans.

Some other common types include:

• White corn
• Blue corn
• Red corn
• Popcorn
• Flint corn
• Dent corn
• Sweet corn

The Corn Genome Has Been Fully Sequenced

The corn genome is extremely complex, with over 32,000 genes identified. In 2009, after 4 years of collaborative research, scientists successfully mapped and published the full genome for corn. This allows for better understanding of corn genetics to breed new hybrids and variants.

U.S. Corn Production is Enormous

The top corn producing country in the world is the United States. Approximately 80 million acres of land are planted with corn, yielding over 14 billion bushels per year. The majority is field corn fed to livestock and used in food manufacturing. Only a tiny fraction is sweet corn eaten by humans.

Corn Is In Almost Everything

Given its abundance and versatile nature, corn ingredients make their way into many common food products:

• Corn syrup gives sweetness to candies, sodas, desserts, etc.
• Cornstarch and corn oil are used in abundance in processed foods
• Cornmeal is used to make breads and tortillas
• Distilled corn is used to make bourbon, whiskey, and fuel ethanol

In addition, byproducts from corn feed livestock and poultry that in turn produce dairy, eggs, and meat.

Iowa Grows The Most Corn

Iowa leads the United States in terms of corn production, yielding over 2.5 billion bushels per year. This makes up about 18% of the country's total output. Other top corn states include Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Indiana.

There Are Beneficial Compounds in Corn

Corn contains beneficial plant compounds like carotenoids and anthocyanins. Yellow corn gets its color from carotenoids like zeaxanthin and lutein. These act as antioxidants to combat disease and promote eye health. Blue and red corn contain anthocyanins which also have antioxidant effects.

Corn Has Interesting Cultural Significance

Corn holds an important place in the folklore and mythology of some Native American tribes. It is seen as one of the Three Sisters essential to agriculture, along with beans and squash. Various festivals throughout North and Central America honor corn and its harvest cycle with celebrations, food, and song.

The Popcorn Board has named the third Thursday in October "National Popcorn Poppin' Day" in the United States. Coinciding with harvest season, its a fun time to celebrate one of corns most popular varieties!

Nutrition Facts

Here is the basic nutritional profile of yellow corn, cooked:

• Calories: 96
• Carbs: 21g
• Protein: 3.4g
• Fat: 1.5g
• Fiber: 2.4g
• Sugar: 3g

The majority of calories in corn come from carbohydrates. Corn is naturally low in fat and also provides some protein and fiber. Vitamins and minerals in corn include:

• Thiamin
• Folate
• Magnesium
• Phosphorus
• Zinc
• Copper

Health Benefits

Eating corn can provide the following benefits:

Antioxidant Effects

Carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin found in yellow corn act as antioxidants. This can reduce oxidative stress and lower risk of diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

Eye Health

These same antioxidants promote eye health by protecting the retina and reducing risk of eye issues like cataracts and macular degeneration.

Supports Digestion

The fiber in corn feeds good gut bacteria which helps maintain digestive regularity and bowel health.

Blood Sugar Control

Despite having carbs and sugar, corn has a low glycemic index. This means it does not lead to spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels.

Skin Health

Corn contains vitamin C, an essential nutrient for building collagen and maintaining youthful skin.

Potential Downsides

Corn does have some potential downsides to consider:

Allergy Risk

Corn allergy, while uncommon, can cause reactions like hives, headaches, and anaphylaxis in those allergic. This is usually related to corn pollen or raw corn. Processed corn is less allergenic.

Pesticide Exposure

Like many crops, conventionally grown corn is frequently treated with pesticides that get absorbed into kernels. Choosing organic when possible can minimize exposure.

GMO Crops

There is debate around the safety of genetically engineered corn, which makes up over 90% of the U.S. corn supply. More long-term research is needed on health impacts.

Can Spike Blood Sugar

While corn has a low glycemic index, some forms like corn cereal and popcorn can spike blood sugar faster due to processing and preparation methods. Moderation is key.

In Conclusion

When all is considered, corn offers more benefits than drawbacks. Rich in nutrients like vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, moderate portions of fresh, organic corn can be part of a healthy diet. It also has cultural importance and big economic impact in the Midwest United States. Just watch out for pesticides, GMOs, and highly processed versions that lack nutritional value.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.