Corn is a starchy vegetable and cereal grain that is rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is a healthy food that can promote eye and digestive health, and may help lower the risk of diseases like cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. However, the health benefits of corn are controversial, as it can also spike blood sugar levels and prevent weight loss when consumed in excess. Here are some positive and negative aspects of corn for weight loss:
Positive:
- The insoluble fiber in corn feeds good bacteria in your gut, which aids in digestion and helps keep you regular.
- The fiber in corn helps you stay full for longer between meals.
Negative:
- Corn is a starchy vegetable that has sugar and carbohydrates that can raise your blood sugar levels.
- Corn may prevent weight loss when consumed in excess.
- Corn may act as a filler, which may cause people to eat too many carbohydrates and too few of more nutrient-dense foods.
It is important to note that processed corn products, such as tortilla chips, offer fewer health benefits than whole corn, as they lose beneficial fiber and other nutrients during production. Therefore, it is recommended to eat whole corn and popcorn as part of a balanced diet, and to avoid processed corn products that are high in added salt, sugar, or fat. Corn is healthiest when it is eaten as close to its natural growing form as possible, either on the cob, as cooked kernels, or freshly milled.
