With the very first soothing showers of the long-awaited monsoon finally upon us, my corn cravings have returned in full swing. Though corn is easily available throughout the year, it somehow is more special in the rainy months. We all have a memory that remembers us playing in the rains with paper boats that swirled in the flowing water like our imaginations. But corn with a cup of tea is majorly enjoyed in monsoons.
In rainy season you can easily spot the corn sellers roasting them in coal and loaded with tangy and spicy flavors. The aroma of these smoky corns is irresistible and you would not be able to stop yourself from eating one in the rainy season. Just a single bite of these smoky and soft cobs will satisfy your cravings of eating something spicy and tangy. It is the healthiest snack that one can have in monsoon.
Corn is a cereal grain first domesticated by indigenous peoples in southern Mexico about 10,000 years ago. The leafy stalk of the plant produces pollen inflorescences and separate ovuliferous inflorescences called ears that yield kernels or seeds, which are fruits. It is also known as maize and popularly known as ‘bhutta’. It has become a staple food in many parts of the world. However, maize is consumed by humans directly in many ways. The six major types of maize are dent corn, flint corn, pod corn, popcorn, flour corn, and sweet corn. Sweet corn is also one of the popular varieties of corn.
Corn is used to producing cornstarch, a common ingredient in home cooking, and in many industrialized food products. Maize starch can be hydrolyzed and enzymatically treated to produce syrups, particularly high fructose corn syrup, a sweetener; and also fermented and distilled to produce grain alcohol. It is used in cooking in various forms. Just like potato, corn is known to be a versatile ingredient with which you can make a plethora of dishes such as pakoda, bhel, or even simply masala corns.
Corn is loaded with several vitamins and minerals like zinc, phosphorus, manganese, and magnesium. It is rich in fiber, which helps improve digestion. Add a cup of yellow corn to your diet, to fill your body with 3.6 grams of dietary fiber. Corn has numerous health benefits that you can add to your daily lifestyle.
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Corn truly defines the essence of the Indian monsoon, it is a bhutta, which is one of the oldest summer crop popularly savored in the rainy season. A bite into the charred and soft kernels on the cob is a perfect snack to relieve you from undying hunger pangs. So, if you don’t have reasons enough to gorge on this seasonal delight, we give you some legit reasons that will compel you to go out and grab them. It is an amazing monsoon snack that is healthy and good for health. It is roasted and has a high nutritional value than other snacks.
Health Benefits Of Corn
Energy Enhancer
It contains complex carbohydrate which gets digested at a slower pace, which in turn provides energy for a longer duration of time. One cup of corn yields around 29 grams of carbs which not only provides physical energy but ensures proper functioning of the brain and nervous system.
Healthy Skin
It contains Vitamin C and lycopene (antioxidants) that increase the production of collagen and prevent UV generated free radicals from damaging the skin. Besides being eaten, its products like corn oil, corn starch can be directly applied to the skin and often used as an ingredient in many cosmetic products.
Lowers Blood Sugar & Cholesterol Level
Sweet corn and corn oil increases the blood flow, lowers cholesterol absorption, and regulates insulin, making it an excellent choice for diabetics and cholesterol patients. It is rich in carbs, it’s a great source of energy. High in nutrients, corn is extremely rich in Vitamin B1, Vitamin B5, and Vitamin C, which helps in fighting diseases and generating new cells. High in fiber, corn also helps in lowering cholesterol levels in the body by reducing the levels of blood sugar in diabetics too.
Prevents Diabetes
Vitamin B present in sweet corn regulates protein, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism, and the phytochemicals present to regulate the release of insulin. Sweet corn has a glycemic index of 58, making it a superfood for those who are diabetic. Together, these help in controlling diabetes. Similarly, phenolic phytochemicals present in sweet corn also control hypertension.
Improves Vision
Sweet corn kernels contain beta carotene, which produces vitamin A that promotes better vision. The carotenoids also reduce macular degeneration, which impairs vision at the center of the line of sight.
