Introduction
Corn is a staple in many diets around the world, but did you know that eating corn can have some surprising side effects? According to recent scientific studies, eating corn can have a variety of positive and negative effects on your health. From helping to reduce cholesterol levels to increasing the risk of certain types of cancer, the side effects of eating corn can be both beneficial and detrimental. In this article, we’ll explore the surprising side effects of eating corn, so you can make an informed decision about whether or not to include it in your diet.
Surprising Side Effects of Eating Corn, Says Science — Eat This Not That
Corn is a staple in many diets around the world, but did you know that it can have some surprising side effects? According to recent research, eating too much corn can lead to a variety of health issues, including weight gain, digestive problems, and even an increased risk of certain diseases. Here’s what you need to know about the potential risks of eating too much corn.
Weight Gain
Corn is high in calories and carbohydrates, which can lead to weight gain if eaten in excess. A single ear of corn contains about 120 calories, and a cup of cooked corn contains about 177 calories. Eating too much corn can lead to an increase in body fat, which can increase your risk of developing obesity-related health problems.
Digestive Problems
Corn is also high in fiber, which can cause digestive issues if eaten in large amounts. Eating too much corn can lead to bloating, gas, and constipation. It can also interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals, such as iron and zinc.
Increased Risk of Disease
Eating too much corn can also increase your risk of developing certain diseases. Studies have shown that eating a diet high in corn can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. It can also increase your risk of developing food allergies.
How to Enjoy Corn Safely
If you enjoy eating corn, there are ways to do so safely. Try to limit your intake to one or two servings per week. Choose fresh or frozen corn over canned, as canned corn is often high in sodium. You can also opt for whole grain corn products, such as corn tortillas or cornbread, which are higher in fiber and other nutrients.
Eating corn can be a healthy part of your diet, but it’s important to be aware of the potential risks. If you’re concerned about the side effects of eating too much corn, talk to your doctor or dietitian for advice.
Whether you love cornbread, corn chowder, or just enjoy adding some fresh kernels to your favorite salad, corn is a staple food in countless homes around the world. However, it’s not just the versatility of this tasty vegetable that makes it such a great addition to meals—it also confers plenty of health benefits even the biggest connoisseurs may not recognize. Read on to discover the side effects of eating corn, according to science. And if you want to revamp your eating habits, check out Eating Habits to Lose Abdominal Fat As You Age, Say Dietitians.
If you want to get your cholesterol into healthier territory, adding some corn oil to your diet may be an effective means of doing so. A 2018 study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that, among a group of 25 adults with high cholesterol, consuming four tablespoons of corn oil per day lowered cholesterol levels by greater proportions than those who consumed an equivalent amount of coconut oil.
For more ways to make your meals healthier, check out The #1 Best Vegetable To Eat, According to a Dietitian.
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A little purple corn on your menu could be the key to keeping diabetes and its associated complications at bay. A 2018 in vitro study published in PLOS One found that the anthocyanin pigments found in purple corn were associated with improved glucose uptake and increased insulin secretion, as well as activating free fatty acid receptor-1 and glucokinase, two biological markers associated with a reduction in diabetes risk.
If you’re trying to give your sluggish digestive tract a boost, a little corn might just do the trick. A 2013 study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that consumption of polydextrose and soluble corn fiber, two types of fiber found in corn, was associated with more frequent stool production.
A healthy balance of gut bacteria is essential for not only keeping your digestive tract healthy, but promoting whole-body wellbeing, as approximately 70 percent of your body’s immune system is located within the gut.
Fortunately, adding some corn to your diet may help keep this essential balance intact. A 2016 study published in PLOS One found that soluble corn fiber had a prebiotic effect, increasing the amount of beneficial bifidobacteria in the digestive tract of study subjects.
Enjoying some air-popped popcorn as a snack could help you stay satisfied between meals without turning to high-calorie snacks. A study published in the European Journal of Nutrition ranked popcorn as having a 154% satiety index, using white bread as a baseline comparison with a 100% satiety index. What’s more, a 2012 study published in Nutrition Journal found that low-fat popcorn was more satiating than high-fat potato chips.
For more insight into the benefits of this a-maize-ing vegetable, check out What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Corn, and for the latest healthy eating news delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter!
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Sarah Crow