Sweet corn (also called sugar corn and pole corn) is a variety of maize grown for human consumption with high sugar content. Sweet corn is the result of a naturally occurring recessive mutation in the genes which control the conversion of sugar to starch inside the endosperm of the corn kernel. Unlike field corn varieties grown for animal fodder, which are harvested when the kernels are dry and mature (dent stage), sweet corn is picked when immature (milk stage) and prepared and eaten as a vegetable, rather than a grain. Since the process of maturation involves converting sugar to starch, sweet corn stores poorly and must be eaten fresh, canned, or frozen before the kernels become tough and starchy. It is one of the six major types of corn, the others being dent corn, flint corn, pod corn, popcorn, and flour corn.^[rx]

Sweet corn is one of the members of the grass family Gramineae with wheat, barley, and rice. It is inherent to the tropical environment of the Americas. Sweet corn is the sweet version of maize. Various varieties could be found, some have white kernels whereas others have a combination of white and yellow kernels. The sweetness differs in varieties. Yellow sweet corn is the common variety. This cereal has a high content of sugar. Sweet corn is an outcome of naturally occurring recessive mutation in genes that restrains the conversion of sugar to starch inside the ENO of the corn kernel.

This maize species differ genetically from field maize. The kernels are delicious, tender, and consumed as vegetables in cuisines worldwide. Adjacent to traditional field corn, sweet corn crops are harvested when corn ears attain the milky stage. Cob is either used immediately or frozen for use later as the sugar content converts into starch quickly. This crop has attained major success as one of the vital commercial cash crops in various tropical and semi-tropical countries including the USA.

History

Sweet corn is an instinctive mutation in field corn and was cultivated by several Native American tribes. Sweet corn was given by Iroquois to European settlers in 1779. Then soon it was a popular food in the Central and Southern regions of the United States. Open pollinated cultivars started to become available widely in the United States in the 19^th century. In the 20^th century, the production of sweet corn was influenced by various key developments.

Health Benefits of Sweet Corn

The health benefits offered by Sweet corn are in detail below:

1. Packed with calories

Calories are essential to survive. Corn offers 342 calories in a serving size of 100 grams. It also has a low content of glycemic index. Foods with high content of glycemic indexes such as white bread and white rice break down rapidly and cause blood sugar and jump of insulin level followed by the active crashing of blood sugar levels. Sweet corn is absorbed slowly into the bloodstream result in stabilizing blood sugar levels.

2. Contain B vitamin complex

Sweet corn has a high content of B vitamin constituents such as niacin and thiamin. Thiamin is required to maintain proper nerve health as well as cognitive function. Niacin helps to promote good cholesterol and lowers the chances of cardiovascular problems. Insufficient niacin causes Pellagra which is a disease indicated by dementia, diarrhea, insomnia, dermatitis, and inability to sleep.

Sweet corn contains pantothenic acid which is considered to be an essential vitamin for protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism in the body. Folic acid assists in the production of healthy red blood cells and prevent anemia. Additionally, it is required to aid rapid cell growth and division such as during pregnancy and infancy. In pregnant women, the deficiency of folic acid results from the birth of underweight infants and results from neural tube defects in newborns.

3. Deal with anemia

Anemia is an insufficient amount of red blood cells or amount of hemoglobin in the blood. Folic acid and Vitamin B12 helps to prevent the chances of anemia caused by a deficiency of vitamins. Corn is a great source of iron which is required for the formation of new red blood cells.

4. Improvise cholesterol levels

Niacin is essential for good cholesterol and lowers the chances of cardiovascular ailments. Cornhusk oil helps to lower bad cholesterol. It helps to lower the risk of heart problems and atherosclerosis.

5. The benefit of Vitamin A

Sweet corn has a high content of beta carotene; forerunner to Vitamin A. Beta carotene is turned into Vitamin A and provides maintenance of skin and vision. Vitamin A also assists mucus membranes and promotes the immune system. Beta carotene is not transformed into Vitamin A which acts as an antioxidant and counteracts heart disease and cancer.

6. Care for skin

Corn starch is used in various cosmetic products and is also applied to the skin for soothing irritation and rashes. Corn products are used to restore carcinogenic petroleum products that are major constituents of cosmetic preparations.

7. Counteract cancer

Study shows that corn is loaded with antioxidants that counteract cancer-causing free radicals and urge apoptosis in cancerous cells without affecting healthy cells. The high content of ferulic acid acts as an anticarcinogenic agent which is effective in counteracting tumors that lead to liver and breast cancer. Purple corn has anthocyanins which eliminate cancer-causing free radicals.

8. Diabetes prevention

Sweet corn has vitamin B which regulates lipid, protein, and carbohydrate metabolism and phytochemicals regulate the release of insulin. Sweet corn possesses a glycemic index of 58 which is a smart choice for diabetic people. Phenolic phytochemicals found in it also control hypertension.

9. Delay aging process

Sweet corn is perfect for those who want to maintain their youthful looks and remain young. It has a high content of antioxidants which prevent and also slow down the aging process.

10. Enhance vision

The kernels of Sweet corn have beta carotene which forms vitamin A promoting better vision. Carotenoids also help to lower macular degeneration that impairs vision at the center of the line of sight.

Side effects of Sweet corn

1. Upsets stomach

Corn is a great source of fiber and other essential nutrients that supports flushing harmful toxins and unwanted substances for the body. Excess fibers could be harmful to stomach health. The consumption of excess cereals causes stomach cramps and indigestion.

2. Cause diarrhea

Raw sweet corn causes diarrhea and various intestinal disorders. One should consult the doctor if some symptoms are experienced.

3. Allergic reactions

Corn causes allergies and symptoms such as rashes on the skin, vomiting, swelling of the mucous layer. People might experience asthma attacks and anaphylaxis after having corn. Allergies are caused due to ingestible proteins found in sweet corn.

4. Chances of pellagra

Sweet corn is the predominant food. The excessive consumption of corn causes the chances of pellagra. Pellagra is due to vitamin deficiency such as niacin in the body. Corn lacks amino acids and niacin for supporting the body from pellagra.

5. The negative effect for diabetic people

Corn has a negative effect on people with diabetes as it promotes the level of blood sugar in the body. Corn has a high content of carbohydrates which helps to improve blood sugar levels. People with diabetes should not consume corn in high quantities.

6. Cause flatulence and bloating

Corn has a high content of starch. The sweet corn breaks down in the large intestine and produces gas. The people who consume large quantities of corn cause flatulence and bloating.

7. Osteoporosis

People with a corn diet might suffer from osteoporosis as sweet corn has a low content of calcium. It is possible when one is not supplemented with adequate calcium food.

8. Cause weight gain

Corn has a high content of carbohydrates and sugar. Overconsumption of maize could cause a gain in weight. People on diet should avoid the consumption of corn.

9. Cause tooth decay

Corn has sugar which ruins teeth. One should follow oral hygiene and brush the teeth after consumption of corn.

10. Lethargy

Corn has adequate starch which causes drowsiness and leads to lethargy.

Storage

• Store sweet corn in a refrigerator without removing the husk.
• Wrap the corn loosely in a dry plastic bag to keep it fresh for more than two days.

Traditional uses

• The leaf and root decoction is used to treat dysuria, strangury, and gravel.
• Corn silks are demulcent, cholagogue, lithotriptic, diuretic, vasodilator, and mild stimulant. It lowers blood sugar levels and is used to treat diabetes mellitus, gonorrhea, cystitis, and gout.
• Decoction of cob is used to cure nose bleeds and menorrhagia.
• Seed poultice is useful for swellings, ulcers, and rheumatic pains and also in treating warts, tumors and cancer.

Precautions                                                                                                 

• Allergic reactions are rare to sweet corns.
• One with high blood sugar levels should limit an intake of sweet corn as it has lots of simple sugars.

How to Eat

• Serve the cob whole or in chunks.
• Kernels are used as a vegetable.
• The section of cob is served as the main dish.
• It could be steamed or boiled.
• Corncob (whole) is grilled and served with lemon, salt, and pepper seasoning.
• Steam the whole cob or boil it in saltwater and serve with oil or butter.
• Accompany the boiled kernels to pizza, salads, risotto, omelets, stews, rice pilaf, and fried rice.
• The water used to boil cob is used with carrots, onion, parsnip, and celery stalks for preparing vegetable stock.
• Season the boiled corn cob with salt and pepper.
• Dried mature seeds are grounded into flour and used as a thickening agent in foods such as custards.
• Make a salad with thinly sliced cucumbers, red onion, beets, and scatter corn kernels over it and dress with lemon juice.
• Use it as an ingredient in casseroles, stews, bread, relishes, and puddings.
• Sweet corn could be microwaved, baked, and barbecued.

Other Facts        

• First corn was grown more than 7,000 years ago by Native Americans in Central America.
• Native Americans used sweet corn leaves as chewing gum.
• Corn is cultivated on every continent except Antarctica.
• Each kernel on cob has one strand of silk.
• About 14000 pounds of sweet corn is produced in on acre of land.

 

References

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