Can i digest corn

Myth: You shouldn't eat corn because it's really high in sugar. You don't steer clear of bananas because you think they're high in sugar, do you? Then why should you do the same for corn? A banana contains about the same amount of calories as an ear of corn -- around -- yet it has two to three times the amount of sugar. A cob of corn has around 6 to 8 grams of sugar , while a banana has about Note: This article only addresses myths about sweet corn in its form as a vegetable.

For information about corn as a grain, visit the United States Department of Agriculture. News U. Politics Joe Biden Congress Extremism. Special Projects Highline. However, there is little other evidence to suggest that eating corn is harmful, especially in its organic, ancient form. In moderation, corn can still be a part of a healthful diet. Producers can grow corn easily and quickly in many different regions of the world. Hybridization and domestication have made corn even easier to grow, making corn an affordable commodity.

For people with very low incomes, especially those living in developing nations, corn is a cheap and ready source of calories, carbohydrates, and protein. Some corn varieties are rich in antioxidants , specifically in a group of antioxidants called carotenoids.

Antioxidants combat the effects of harmful free radicals in the body. Research suggests that free radicals may play a role in the aging process and the development of a number of chronic diseases. Many fruits and vegetables, including dark leafy greens, carrots, and sweet potatoes, are also rich in carotenoids. However, the amount of fiber in corn is often lower than that from other sources.

For instance, a half cup of cooked navy beans provides 9. Fiber can help with digestion and reduce the risk of constipation. Some research also suggests fiber may help people live longer. A large study found a correlation between dietary fiber intake and a lower overall risk of premature death, especially from cardiovascular, infectious, and respiratory diseases.

Although corn is technically a grain, it is also gluten-free. This makes corn a safe option for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance who want to add grains to their diet. Corn is higher in protein than many other vegetables, making it a good choice for vegetarians and vegans, or for people hoping to eat more protein from nonanimal sources. Some studies also suggest that a diet rich in protein may support healthful weight loss by either reducing hunger or helping the body burn extra calories.

The primary health concern that nutrition advocates have with corn is that it may act as a filler, which may cause people to eat too many carbohydrates and too few of more nutrient-dense foods. This sugar, which is a derivative of cornstarch, has triggered numerous debates about manufacturers adding sweeteners to consumables. The U. Several concerns about corn have become popular, especially on message boards and alternative health sites. We discuss some common concerns below:.

According to the USDA , 1 cup of cooked frozen corn provides you with the following:. The plant fiber cellulose is the primary constituent of the bran coat of corn kernels. Like starch, cellulose consists of individual sugar molecules chemically linked together. But the way in which sugar molecules in starch and cellulose bind together differs.

Your digestive system produces enzymes that quickly and easily break down the chemical bonds in starch, releasing sugar molecules that pass into your bloodstream. These digestive enzymes, however, cannot break the chemical bonds between the sugar molecules in cellulose, according to Elmhurst College. Therefore, the bran coat of the corn kernels passes through your intestines intact.

Although corn's bran coat passes through your gastrointestinal tract without breaking down, this dietary fiber provides important health-related benefits. The cellulose in corn bran absorbs water, which keeps your stool soft and promotes regular bowel movements, according to the Mayo Clinic. In addition, the bulkiness of water-soaked cellulose causes you to feel full for an extended period of time, which may help with weight control.

When sweet corn is consumed and not completely chewed, some will pass through the digestive tract and escape digestion and absorption. Resistant starch is considered similar to dietary fiber — and is under-consumed in the U.

So the lack of digestibility of corn would be considered a positive rather than a negative, generally. Do you have a question about food? Submit your question here! Sweet corn, field corn, and popcorn — where do the different types How did a chemical weed killer get into breakfast cereal? Is this a health hazard? Bacon, bacon, bacon!