Corn
 

Corn is a wonderful whole grain food that is a good source of vitamin B1, Vitamin B5, folate, fiber, vitamin C, Phosphorous, Manganese and a nutrient called beta-cryptoxanthin.

In addition to preventing birth defects, Folate can also help to lower your risk of heart attack, stroke and peripheral vascular disease.  It has been estimated that consumption of 100% of the daily value of folate would, by itself, reduce the number of heart attacks suffered by Americans each year by 10%. Folate-rich diets are also associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer.

Consuming foods rich in beta-cryptoxanthin, an orange-red carotenoid found in high amounts in corn, may significantly lower one's risk of developing lung cancer. A study published in the September, 2003 issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention reviewed dietary and lifestyle data collected from over 63,000 adults in Shanghai, China, who were followed for 8 years. Those eating the most crytpoxanthin-rich foods showed a 27% reduction in lung cancer risk. When current smokers were evaluated, those who were also in the group consuming the most cryptoxanthin-rich foods were found to have a 37% lower risk of lung cancer compared to smokers who ate the least of these health-protective foods.

Corn is also a good source of Thiamin which is a nutrient essential to good brain cell health and mental function.  The brain uses Thiamin to make a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine which is essential for good memory.  In addition, maintaining healthy acetylcholine levels may help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Research reported at the 2004 American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) International Conference on Food, Nutrition and Cancer, by Rui Hai Liu, M.D., Ph.D., and his colleagues at Cornell University shows that whole grains, such as corn, contain many powerful phytonutrients whose activity has gone unrecognized because common research methods have overlooked them.  Dr. Liu's team measured the antioxidant activity of various foods, assigning each a rating based on a formula.  Broccoli measured 80, Spinach 81, Apples 98, Bananas 65, but Corn topped them all measuring a whopping 181.

Wholefood Farmacy foods which are made with Corn include Cornucopia, Cornaborealis, Corn of Plenty, V-10 Creamy Yam Soup and V-12 Creamy Vegetable Soup. We encourage you to make Corn and other whole grains a part of your food choices each and every day!

Visit The Wholefood Farmacy

Top 10 Glycemic Impact Snacks
1. Yogurt: Buy low-fat or nonfat, no-sugar added yogurt. Organic with “live cultures” are healthiest.

2. Nuts: An ideal combination of unsaturated fat, protein and carbs, nuts are portable and nutritious. Buy dry-roasted (no oil added) unsalted nuts or peanuts in the shell -- average size is a “handful,” about 200 calories, depending on the variety.

3. Dips & Dippers: Avocado dip (guacamole), chickpea dip (hummus) or tomato salsa, all made without mayonnaise (use a little olive oil instead) with cut-up crunchy veggies.

4. Cheese: Low-fat varieties: read the label, the first ingredient should be skim milk. Nonfat or 1-percent cottage cheese is a great snack; mix with salad herbs or black pepper for added flavor.

5. Cereal: 100-percent whole-grain cereal with a cup of nonfat milk.

6. Fruit: Whole fruit including berries, melon, apples, oranges and grapefruit have the most fiber and fewest grams of carbohydrate per serving. Eat along with some nonfat yogurt or low-fat cheese, or a handful of nuts.

7. Popcorn: Air-popped popcorn sprayed with olive oil and tossed with a tablespoon of Parmesan cheese.

8. Smoothies: Blend 1 cup of nonfat milk, ½ cup of nonfat sugar-free yogurt, 2 drops of vanilla extract and 1 cup of ice. Optional: add a ½ cup of berries.

9. Wrap-ups: Spread a small whole-grain tortilla with a teaspoon of mustard and wrap-up one ounce of any lean meat, including turkey or chicken breast, roast beef, lean ham or shrimp.

10. Mini-pita pizza: Top a ½ whole-wheat mini-pita with tomato sauce and a little low-fat mozzarella and oregano to taste: broil till cheese melts.

Susan L. Burke is a registered and licensed dietitian and a certified diabetes educator who specializes in both general and diabetes-related weight management.

Visit WholeFoodFarmacy for healthy, delicious, nutritious foods and snacks !