Maize is a very popular crop all over the world. Corn is the staple food of many countries in America and Africa. Corn not only provides the calories needed for metabolism but also provides vitamins A, B, E, and many other minerals. Due to the presence of high fiber, corn plays an important role in the prevention of various digestive problems such as constipation, hemorrhoids, and colorectal cancer. Corn  nutrition acts as an antioxidant and carcinogenic agent and prevents Alzheimer’s disease.

The health benefits of corn are many due to the presence of quality nutrients. As well as enhancing the taste of food, corn is rich in phytochemicals. Let’s not forget about the researched and far-reaching health benefits of corn.

 

Different types of corn

 

There are five different types of corn: soft or dent, sweet, shiny, popcorn, and flour

Dent or soft: Also known as field corn, the dent is yellow or white. It is used in animal feed, processed foods, and manufactured products.

 

Sweet corn: Sweet corn is so named because it contains more natural sugar than other types of corn. Dent contains 4% sugar and sweet corn contains 10% sugar. It is swallowed directly rather than added to food. Used strongly as animal feed, sweet corn should be eaten as soon as it is picked, as 24% of the 50% sugar is later converted into starch.

 

Glossy: Glossy corn has a hard outer shell and grows in Central and South America. It is either yellow or red.

 

Flour: Corn flour is one of the oldest types and is used in baked food items. It is usually white, and its grains are soft and filled with starch.

 

Popcorn: This type of corn is soft and starchy and boils when heated. The moisture inside the grain acts like a vapor which causes it to explode. Other types of corn can also pop, but they do not contain the same amount of popcorn due to the high levels of starch and moisture in them.

Keep in mind that corn is not as healthy as other vegetables, fruits, and cereals.

Nutritional value of maize:

 

Every 100 grams of sweet corn contains 19 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 3 grams of protein, less than 1.5 grams of fat, and 6 calories. On the other hand, 100 grams of popcorn contains 92 calories, 2.9 grams of protein, and 16.6 grams of carbohydrates, and 1 gram of fat.

 

 

Nutritional value per 100 grams (3.5Oz) (1)

Power 360kJ (7 Cal)
Sugars 16.6 grams
Protein 3.26 grams
Fat 1.35 grams

 

Vitamin

Vitamin A 9 mg
Lutein jiaxanthin 644 mg
Thiamine (B1) 0.155 mg
Riboflavin (B2) 0.055 mg
Niacin (B3) 1.6 mg
Pantothenic acid (B5) 0.618 mg
Vitamin B6 0.093 mg
Foliate (B9) 42 mg
Vitamin C 6.8 mg

 

 

Minerals

Iron 0.52 mg
Magnesium 36 mg
Manganese 0.173 mg
Phosphorus 69 mg
Potassium 260 mg
Zinc 0.47 mg

 

Nutrition and benefits of corn (2)

1. Cholesterol control

Corn is rich in vitamin C, carotenoids, and bioflavonoids which increase blood flow and help keep the heart healthy by controlling cholesterol. According to the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, taking corn bran oil lowers plasma LDL cholesterol levels by reducing the body’s absorption of cholesterol.

2. Prevents anemia

Baby ears contain a good amount of iron. So eating corn fills the iron deficiency and prevents anemia.

3. Improves digestion

Constipation is relieved by eating corn as it contains high levels of fiber. Dietitian Dr. Astha Sharma said a study has suggested that patients with colon cancer should eat corn.

 

4. Reduces hypertension

Playing corn for the presence of fennel keeps hypertension under control.

 

5. Essential for pregnancy

An excellent source of folic acid also helps baby corn and baby gain weight. Constipation is a very common complaint during pregnancy. So it is important to add baby corn to the diet of pregnant women.

 

6. Reduces the risk of cancer

Corn is rich in antioxidants. So carcinogens can fight against free radicals and reduce the risk of cancer.

 

7. Controls diabetes

The low glycemic index of baby corn is beneficial for diabetes mellitus.

 

8. Improves eyesight

Being a good source of vitamin A, corn helps improve eyesight.

 

9. A powerful source of minerals

Small yellow corn shells contain so many minerals that you can’t even imagine! It contains plenty of magnesium, iron, and copper, and most importantly phosphorus which is essential for healthy bones. This mineral not only prevents bone fractures but also enhances the normal functioning of the kidneys.

 

10. Skincare

Corn is rich in antioxidants which help the skin to stay fresh for a long time. In addition to eating corn, the use of corn oil is beneficial because it contains linoleic acid. Corn starch helps to soothe itchy skin and rashes.

 

How to give corn or corn to children – a complete guideline (3)

 

Corn or corn, also called maize in many countries, is a delicious food known for its sweet taste, bright yellow color, and protein quality. Because of this, you might think that this might be the right food to introduce your little one to very early.

 

But before you start it in your baby’s diet, it is good to know all the health benefits of corn as well as its side effects. Below we will discuss more how to feed your baby corn and what precautions should be taken while doing it.

 

Is corn or corn safe for children?

 

First and foremost, corn is safe for your baby, but it is best not to keep it as part of the first solid food. Corn contains a lot of protein and sugar which makes it great energy food, but it lacks many other nutrients. Also, due to the risk of allergies, indigestion, etc., it is believed that corn should not be included in a child’s diet until at least one year of age. If you have a family history of corn allergies, refrain from giving your corn until your child knows it. Also, if your child has eczema, stay away from corn unless your doctor tells you to. (5)

 

How and when to start giving corn to your baby’s diet

 

When the baby starts eating solid food, i.e. corn can be given to the baby at the age of six months. To reduce the risk of allergies, you can wait until the baby is one year old. Since corn is fairly difficult to digest, it is better to wait until the baby’s digestive system improves. Here are some ways you can introduce corn into your baby’s diet:

 

  • Make corn puree and feed the mixture to a baby. It will be soft and easy to swallow.
  • Once your baby is 18-24 months old, you can start giving him creamy corn.
  • Once your child is two years old or older and develops teeth to chew, you can give him corn husks to feed, but make sure he chews them.

 

If you have to choose between giving corn or nutritious food to children, always choose the latter. Never substitute corn as it is considered low in nutrients. You can always introduce it as finger food or finger food in the following months. Here are some tips to introduce corn into your baby’s diet:

 

  • Do not give corn to your child as a first meal. Wait until she is enjoying a variety of fruits and vegetables and is comfortable digesting them.

 

  • Choose hard and green peeled corn. Avoid dry ones. Make sure the corn kernels are colored and wrapped, and bright.

 

  • Both yellow and white corn are equally delicious. There are also some new varieties on the market that are sweet for a long time, as they take longer to transform into sugar starch.
  • The grains are a little too big for your baby to get into his throat and cause shortness of breath, so you should avoid giving him hard corn until he is at least one year old.
  • Corn in cans is less nutritious than fresh corn, it has more protein. Make sure you carefully examine the ingredients in the canned corn and avoid buying added sugars and salts.
  • Cook and feed it as soon as you buy corn to prevent it from being damaged. Until the time of taking, keep it in the refrigerator, as it slows down the conversion of sugar into starch.
  • Try to start your baby with creamy corn as it is easy to digest. You can make creamed corn by using the right amount of water depending on the grain you process in the food processor and the concentration you want to achieve.

 

 

Corn benefits for your baby

Corn, when given in limited quantities, can be beneficial to your baby. Here are some tips to help you get started:

 

1. Weight gain:

100 grams of corn contains about 350 calories – a great energy food. If your child is underweight, a corn diet can help him gain a few pounds. Even a normal weight baby can be given corn to help maintain his or her body weight after you stop breastfeeding.

 

2. Growth and development of the body:

 

Corn is rich in various minerals and vitamins, which help in the development of the body. For example, grains are rich in the B complex. Thiamine which is supports the development of nerves and the brain. Niacin improves the metabolism of sugars, proteins, and fatty acids, and foliate help in the development of new cells.

 

3. Protects blood cells: 

 

The anti-oxidants in the ear (which are in the form of vitamin E) help protect blood cells from damage. Anti-oxidants also help prevent tissue and DNA damage in the body. Corn contains folic acid, a phenolic compound that is anti-carcinogenic.

 

 

4. Keeps eyes and skin well: 

 

Yellow corn is rich in vitamin A, a source of beta carotene, which is important for good eyesight. Beta carotene is also an antioxidant that is good for baby’s skin.

 

5. Muscle and nerve function:

 

Corn contains phosphorus (which supports bone health), potassium, magnesium (which is essential for muscle and nerve function), and iron or iron (which improves brain development).

 

6. Improves digestion:

 

Corn contains a lot of fiber which acts as a laxative. If your child has problems with digestion or constipation, corn kernels and cornflower can relieve the problem.

 

Side effects of corn in children

The natural sugars in corn can turn into starch very quickly and are therefore not considered very healthy for children. Side effects of eating corn may include –

 

1. Allergies

Allergies are caused by proteins present in corn kernels. Lipid transfer protein (LPD) is responsible for allergies and it remains after processing or heating or even after digestion. Storage proteins present in grains and corn pollen are also potential allergens. Both corn and corn-based products can cause allergic reactions such as eczema and allergic rhinitis. Below is a list of some of the major corn-based products in the market –

 

  • Corn starch
  • Baking powder
  • Corn oil
  • Cornflakes
  • Corn tortillas
  • Popcorn
  • Vanilla extract
  • Sugar in confectioners
  • Ears
  • Mannitol
  • Margarine
  • Colorful hominy
  • Lactic acid
  • Converted sugar
  • Corn syrup
  • Caramel
  • Dextrin
  • Glucose
  • Fruits
  • Maltodextrin
  • Sorbitol

 

Here are some signs of corn allergy in children:

 

  • Skin allergies
  • Asthma or anaphylaxis
  • Nasal congestion or runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Headache
  • Nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea

 

 

If your child shows signs of a corn allergy, don’t panic. The first and most obvious step is to limit corn and corn-based products from the baby’s diet. Store-bought foods may contain corn, so be sure to give your child only home-cooked food. If the symptoms are severe, take her to a doctor who can administer medication.

 

2. Intolerance

Intolerance arises from digestive problems and varies from allergy. If your child has the following symptoms, it means he is intolerant to corn –

 

  • Stomach pain
  • Flatulence
  • Diarrhea
  • Gas

 

Intolerance can be cured more easily than allergies. Stop adding corn to your baby’s diet and feed him with light, healthy fruits and plenty of vegetables.

 

Delicious corn recipe for your baby

Corn is a versatile ingredient that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ways to prepare it for your baby, from sweet corn soup to corn porridge, which is tempting to your little one!

1. Corn puree recipe

Ingredients: a whole sweet corn kernel, one teaspoon water, breast milk or formula, milk

Method
  • Remove the grains from the stem with a knife
  • Place the grains in boiling water and let them boil until soft
  • Add water or breast or formula milk and make a puree. Add more water for a thinner concentration.

 

2. Sweet corn soup recipe

Ingredients: Fresh sweet corn, salt to taste, a tablespoon of raw carrots, beans, broccoli, and onions

 

Method
  • Cook the corn kernels and take them out after cooling
  • Keep some grains away for later use and purify the rest
  • Cook other vegetables in a pan with a pinch of butter
  • cooking for two minutes, let the corn puree boil with some salt
  • Add water for proper concentration
  • Add the remaining grains and bring to a boil.

 

 

3. Pumpkin and cornmeal porridge recipe

Ingredients: 1 cup water, 1 cup milk, 1 cup pumpkin puree, water as required, turmeric cornmeal as required, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, half teaspoon pickle (optional), 1 pinch salt.

 

Method

  • In a pan add water, milk, and pumpkin puree
  • Mix cornmeal with water in another bowl. Make sure there are no lumps.
  • Add cornmeal paste and sugar to the pan mixture, heat it and stir till it thickens.
  • Add ginger and salt
  • Cook it for 3-5 minutes
  • Serve hot, corn porridge.

 

4. Carrot, potato, and sweet corn puree recipe

Ingredients: 1 carrot, 1 potato, 1 tablespoon peas, 2 tablespoons sweet corn kernels, 4 tablespoons water, and 1 teaspoon olive oil

Method
  • Put oil in a pan and grind into thin slices until soft
  • Stir in potatoes, peas, sweet corn, and add water.
  • Let the mixture boil and let it boil for 15 minutes to make a corn puree.

 

5. Corn and cauliflower puree recipe

Ingredients: 1 cup chopped cauliflower, 1 cup yogurt, 2 cups corn kernels, black pepper as required.

Method

  • Boil the corn and steam the cauliflower.
  • Purify both in a blender or food processor.
  • Mix yogurt and pepper to taste.
  • Corn Fritter (for kids over one-year-old) recipe

 

6. Corn Fritter (for kids over one-year-old) recipe

Ingredients: 2-3 tablespoons of milk, 1-2 teaspoons of sauce, 1 cup of sweet corn kernels, 1 cup of flour, amount of vegetable oil.

Method

  • Mix flour and milk to make a smooth paste.
  • Add the sauce and corn kernels
  • Add a thin layer of vegetable oil to the frying pan and spread a small portion of the paste on it.
  • Lightly press them while cooking and stir the fritters a few times.

 

7. Corn, apple, and sweet potato puree recipe

Ingredients: 1 peeled apple, 1 sweet potato, 2 cups corn kernels.

Method:

  • Boil the corn and steam the apples and sweet potatoes.
  • Purify all three.
  • Add some formula or breast milk to thin the concentration.

 

8. Corn Flower Cutlets (for babies over one-year-old) recipe

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons cornflour, 1 boiled potato, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, salt to taste, black pepper to taste, oil for frying.

Method

  • Take boiled potatoes.
  • Mix cornflower, salt, lemon juice, and add some black pepper.
  • Make the mixture into small flat rounds using your fingers.
  • Fry them in a pan, fry two backs of them.
  • Cornmill usually mixes well with carrots, apples, pears, brown rice which is easily digested.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can your baby drink corn syrup to cure constipation?

Someone’s corn syrup does not cure constipation. It does not have the necessary chemical structure, which makes the intestinal stool liquid and loose. It is used as a common home remedy, but it is not effective.

2. Is Karna Syrup formula good for babies?

Corn syrup is an artificial sweetener and complements formula milk with fructose ingredients. It is only used to sweeten certain food items and should therefore be avoided for children. High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) will not only make the baby gain extra weight but will also make him accustomed to extra sweet foods. He can eat this kind of food only when he grows up. All you can do is check the ingredients before buying formula milk and choose the one with the lowest level of corn syrup.

3. Is it safe to give cornflakes to a one-year-old child?

Children who are one year old or older can safely eat cornflakes. However, it is important to choose one that is low in salt. Rice flakes, oatmeal, and wheat flakes have a higher nutritional value than cornflakes.

4. Can you give your child cornstarch?

Children who have not yet erupted should not be given starchy foods like cornstarch. It is given as it can be easily swallowed. However, since the food is swallowed, it creates the risk of not chewing, which can interfere with the baby’s digestion.

5. Is Guinea Corn Good for Kids?

Guinea corn or corn, also known as sorghum, is rich in unsaturated fats, proteins, fiber, and minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and iron. It is high in starch, so if you are giving it to your baby, make sure to balance his diet with other low-starch foods.

6. Is corn puff or cornmeal the ideal finger meal for my baby?

Fruit and vegetable snacks are much more nutritious than corn puffs.

7. Is corn flour used for baby rice?

First, determine what kind of rhythm the baby has. Corn flour can soothe a non-fungal rash, but when applied to a fungal rash, it helps the fungus to grow.

8. Can you use cornstarch to relieve diaper rash?

Cornstarch supports bacterial growth, so its use for the treatment of diaper rash should be avoided. Instead, you can use baby powder.

 

Corn or corn has a variety of health benefits, but it is also important to introduce it at the right time, in the right form, and the right amount in your baby’s diet; So that you do not have to worry about any adverse effects.

 

Side effects

        • Due to the presence of ‘ingestible protein’, it can often cause allergies.
        • Eating too much can cause digestive problems.
        • Eating raw corn can cause diarrhea.
        • Eating corn can cause drowsiness and lethargy.
        • Eating extra corn causes weight gain.