The longer you boil corn, the stronger its effects
The longer you boil corn, the stronger its effects? Its antioxidant activity increased by 22%, 44%, and 53% respectively. This means that the longer you heat corn, the better its anti-aging effect. Therefore, it's best to boil corn for a longer time when cooking at home.
The many benefits of corn
From a food therapy perspective, corn has multiple functions, such as: stimulating appetite, promoting bile flow, relieving constipation, promoting urination, softening blood vessels, slowing down cellular aging, preventing cancer, and more. It is suitable for dietary therapy for conditions like high blood pressure, high blood lipids, arteriosclerosis, habitual constipation in the elderly, chronic cholecystitis, and difficulty urinating.
1. Strengthens the spleen and benefits the stomach. In the north, corn is a coarse grain, while in the south, it's used as animal feed. However, from the perspective of "medicine and food sharing the same origin," corn is sweet and neutral in nature, affecting the stomach and bladder meridians, and has the effect of strengthening the spleen, benefiting the stomach, promoting urination, and draining dampness.
2. Anti-aging. Corn is known for its diverse components. For example, it contains vitamins A and E, and glutamic acid. Animal experiments have proven that these components have anti-aging effects.
3. Prevents constipation and arteriosclerosis. Corn is rich in fiber, which not only stimulates gastrointestinal motility to prevent constipation but also promotes cholesterol metabolism and accelerates the excretion of toxins in the intestines. Corn oil, extracted from the germ, contains a large amount of unsaturated fatty acids, of which linoleic acid accounts for 60%. It can remove harmful cholesterol from the blood and prevent arteriosclerosis.
4. Cancer prevention. Corn is not only rich in vitamins but also contains more than 5 times the carotene of soybeans, which is beneficial for inhibiting carcinogens.
5. Skin beautification and care. Corn also contains lysine and the trace element selenium. Its antioxidant properties are beneficial for preventing tumors. At the same time, corn is also rich in vitamins B1, B2, B6, etc., which are effective in protecting nerve conduction and gastrointestinal function, preventing beriberi and myocarditis, and maintaining healthy skin.
6. Blood sugar lowering effect. Corn silk has certain effects of promoting bile flow, diuresis, and lowering blood sugar. It is commonly used in folk remedies for its diuretic and heat-clearing detoxification properties. For patients with chronic nephritis or nephrotic syndrome, 50-60 grams of dried corn silk can be used with 10 times the amount of water, simmered over low heat, and taken orally in three doses daily. It is very beneficial for diabetics to lower blood sugar, although the effect is slow, so it is advisable to consume it regularly.
7. Relieves constipation. Corn bran and corn cob cores have a good laxative effect. Take 100 grams of corn bran, soak it in cold water for half a day, then simmer over low heat until soft. Add sweet potato chunks and cook them together. Drinking the congee and eating the sweet potatoes can help relieve habitual constipation in the elderly. Although corn has many benefits, it is also an excellent product for preventing eye aging. Experts remind that when eating corn, one should chew it thoroughly to aid digestion. Additionally, those with diarrhea, a cold and bloated stomach, or poor gastrointestinal function should not eat too much at once and should try to eat fresh corn.