HEALTH & NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF MAIZE

One of the reasons maize is a staple food across the world is its high nutritional value, with high levels of starch and also valuable proteins and oils. Depending on the variety, maize may contain a number of important B vitamins, folic acid, Vitamin C, and provitamin A (i.e., precursor to vitamin A). Maize is also rich in phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, iron and selenium, and has small amounts of potassium and calcium. Maize is a good source of dietary fiber and protein, while being very low in fat and sodium (salt). Maize has tremendous variation in content and composition of several colored pigments collectively known as carotenoids . Notably, the carotenoid beta-carotene (or provitamin A) is converted to vitamin A by normal metabolic processes in the body. Vitamin A is very important to human health, but most especially for vision, and as an antioxidant. Therefore maize can be especially important to people who cannot get fresh vegetables year round.

Different types of maize may vary in their nutritional content. Sweet corn types have more sugar, while darker yellow varieties may have more Vitamin A.

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Health Benefits of Maize

1. Nutritious and highly appetizing

Maize grit is used to make nutritious pap which is highly palatable, and is easily broken down in the body. When taken at intervals, pap helps to clean the colon and the dextrose produced is commonly used for medicinal purposes.

2. Prevents constipation

Popcorn is a wholesome staple food made by heating small grains. It is easily digested by the body. In addition, it is practically starch-free and not fattening, and is converted into intermediate carbohydrates and dextrine, which is easily absorbed in the body. It promotes peristalsis and is beneficial in preventing constipation.

3. Reduces stomach acidity

Maize facilitates the removal of toxic food substance and also accelerates the passage of faeces through the intestine. Additionally, it protects the digestive tract thus promoting function of the gall-bladder and reducing stomach acidity.

4. Combats the symptoms of certain cancers

Cereals generally, wheat, rice, millet, oatmeal and maize should be eaten in large quantities since they are sources of carbohydrates and starch. According to recent studies, the use of maize helps to combat the effects of certain cancers, as it reduces the development of cancer.

5. Reduce the risk of diabetes and heart diseases

Maize is low in cholesterol and fat content. Cereal or whole grains are great sources of vitamins and minerals, magnesium, fiber and complex carbohydrates. The fiber in whole grains helps to prevent the risk of heart diseases and diabetes, and all its nutrients boost the immune system.

The main shortcoming is that most people are not aware of the numerous health benefits of maize pap, hence fail to include it in their nutrition. Andreys pap delivers more nutritional and health benefits than the traditional belief that "pap is only starch".

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