Nutrition

Health benefits of corn

• Fresh corn

-Corn has soluble fibre for satisfaction and a healthy gut

One medium-sized ear of corn packs in about two grams of fibre. Corn contains fibre and insoluble fibre. It makes one feel full and satisfiedand promotes healthy gut bacteria.

Corn is a starchy vegetable, meaning it is naturally higher in carbohydrates than some other vegetables. The soluble fibre helps slow down the absorption of carbohydrates preventing spikes in blood sugar and keeping one from getting hungry again quickly.

-Corn is a source of plant protein

Adding corn to salads, pastas, rice and more is a sneaky way to up a dish’s protein content, especially if one is a vegetarian or vegan. Corn provides more protein than most other vegetables. Like fibre, protein helps keep hunger and cravings at bay and serves numerous essential functions in the body, including muscle repair and growth.

-Corn contains vision-protecting nutrients

Lutein and zeaxanthin give commonly found varieties of corn its yellow hue and constitute the main pigments found in the yellow spot of the human retina. Consuming these two carotenoids can help protect the eyes from blue light damage. It improves visual acuity, and even reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

-Corn provides potassium and magnesium

One serving of corn contains about six per cent of the daily potassium needs and nine to 12 per cent of daily magnesium needs. These minerals (both categorised as electrolytes) play a role in numerous different body processes. Potassium, to name a few, helps regulate hydration levels, send nerve signals, protect bones, and reduce blood pressure. Magnesium, too, is involved in nerve function and regulation, managing blood pressure, and reducing the risk of stroke and ischemic heart disease.

-Corn contains vitamins C and B.

Whether you consider corn a vegetable or a whole grain, it provides vitamins and minerals to the body. One cup of sweet yellow corn contains 17 per cent of the daily value of vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports your immune system, collagen production, and iron absorption.

It also offers about 24 per cent of the daily value of thiamine and 19 per cent of the daily value of folate—both are B vitamins that help convert carbohydrates into energy.

Folate is especially important to consume during pregnancy to ensure normal foetal development and prevent certain birth defects.

Source: www.realsimple.com

Nutrition

Benefits of Tamarind Juice

Tamarind seed

Tamarind juice is particularly abundant in vitamin C, which is important for a strong immune system, healthy skin and wound healing.

Additionally, tamarind provides significant amounts of B vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin and niacin, as well as essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron.

– Antioxidant properties

Tamarind contains potent antioxidants, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which combat harmful free radicals in the body. This oxidative stress reduction can help prevent cell damage and lower the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer.

-Digestive health

Tamarind contains dietary fibre and natural laxatives that promote regular bowel movements, alleviate constipation and improve overall gastrointestinal health.”

– Heart health

Regular consumption of tamarind juice may have a positive impact on cardiovascular health. It can help lower cholesterol levels due to its high fibre content and antioxidants, reducing the risk of heart disease.

– Anti-inflammatory properties

Tamarind juice does a great job in curbing inflammation in the body. High in anti-inflammatory compounds such as polyphenols and bioflavonoids, this property makes it potentially beneficial for individuals suffering from conditions like arthritis or chronic inflammatory diseases.

– High magnesium content

Tamarind is rich in magnesium- 110 mg per 120 g of pulp. This simply concludes that drinking tamarind is a convenient way to meet your daily magnesium requirements. It plays an important role in the formation of bones, regulates heart rhythm, and contraction of muscles, and keeps blood sugar levels under check.

Source; Healthshots.com