Corn and vitamin b complex

What nutrients or minerals can be found in corn?
(October 13, 2010)

Difference Between High Fructose Corn Syrup And Corn Syrup 

Corn is great in taste and also carries with it many nutrients that are beneficial for you. The nutrients in corn include carbohydrates, magnesium, fat, calcium, dietary fiber, iron, protein, sugars, energy, Vitamins A, B and C and so on.

The breakdown of the nutrients in corn is given below:-

• Protein: 3.2 gm
• Carbohydrate: 9 gm
• Vitamin A:10 mg
• Vitamin B:15 mg
• Vitamin C: 7 mg
• Niacin:1.7 mg
• Folate: 46 ug
• Iron:0.5 mg
• Phosphorus - 120 mg
• Potassium - 270 mg
• Dietary fiber: 2.7 gm
• Calcium: 9 mg
• Sugars: 3.2 gm
• Energy - 90 kcal (360kJ)
• Magnesium: 37 mg
• Fat: 1.2 gm

Carbohydrates, protein, fiber, fats and vitamins are among the main nutrients in corn. Carbohydrates are formed of a mixture of sugar and starch. Ripe kernels of corn contain a higher ration of starch while unripe ones contain more sugar.


Corn is a good source of both insoluble and soluble fiber.

The nutrients in corn provide the following nutritional benefits:

1. The high amount of fiber in corn helps lower cholesterol levels and also helps to reduce the risk of colon cancer. The insoluble fiber in corn helps with constipation and hemorrhoids.
2. Studies have shown that corn is helpful in treating kidney problems like renal dysfunction.
3. Corn in any form is advised for weight gain diets.
4. Corn is also known to have a retarding effect on the body’s metabolism. It is suitable for those cases of hypothyroidism which are distinguished from others cases by having thinness and nervousness among other symptoms.
5. Corn also helps one attain better cardiovascular health if eaten in moderate quantities.
6. Corn is also beneficial before and during pregnancy as it contains Folate.

High fructose corn syrup is made by changing the glucose (sugar) in cornstarch into fructose. Fructose is another form of sugar. The end product therefore is a combination of glucose and fructose.

High fructose corn syrup facts include the fact that it has become a popular ingredient in many processed foods, sodas, and fruit flavored drinks. The reason for this is that it is cheaper than sugar and also has an extended shelf life.  It is also easy to transport and use because it is liquid.

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) dangers stem from the fact that mercury is used in the production of high fructose corn syrup. Mercury gets into this corn syrup while it is being manufactured.  The making of HFCS includes the use of caustic soda, magnesium sulfate, calcium chloride, hydrochloric acid, gluco-amylase, powdered carbon and alpha-amylase. Hydrochloric acid and caustic soda contain traces of mercury. Mercury is toxic and dangerous. Glutaraldehyde is another toxic chemical which goes into the making of HFCS and can damage the stomach lining.  Studies have also shown that the higher levels of reactive carbonyls in this syrup can be linked to juvenile diabetes.

There is hardly any difference between high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup as they are both made out of sugar and therefore should not be had in excess quantities.

As much as it is a favorite among young and old alike, corn in any manner is supposed to be extremely heavy as well as tasty. One of the most common and well enjoyed meals from corn is fresh corn-on-the-cob that can also become part of any health menu. The nutrients and minerals found in corn qualifying it to be a source of a wide range of nutrients such as vitamin C, phosphorus, thiamin also known as vitamin B1, pantothenic acid or vitamin B5, folate, and manganese. Corn is well-known for the amount of folate it contains and supplies. Folate is an important and significant vitamin B complex that helps to avoid birth defects in addition to lowering the levels of homocysteine. Homocysteine is a type of amino acid that is known to directly damage the blood vessels. According to medical experts, high levels of homocysteine are a risk factor for heart disorders, strokes and attacks and also vascular diseases. Research indicates that the consumption of 100% of the daily recommendation of folate can help in reducing heart attacks and heart diseases. Diets rich in folate are also known to reduce the risk of colon cancer. A cup of freshly steamed corn provides 19 percent of the daily value for folate. Corn is also rich in beta-cryptoxanthin which is an orange red carotenoid that helps in lowering one's risk of lung cancer. Corn is also an excellent source of thiamin which is a significant ingredient in the production of energy for cognitive or brain cell function. Corn provides about one-quarter of the daily value for thiamin in a single serving. This particular nutrient is also important in the synthesis of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neuro transmitter and is important for the functioning of memory and is also known to be an instrumental factor in mental functionality in old age and also in Alzheimer's disease. Research has shown that Alzheimer's disease is caused due to a decrease in the levels of acetylcholine.

Corn is also good source of pantothenic acid. The pantothenic acid is an important vitamin B complex for the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. It is also important in functioning of the adrenal glands especially when the individual is under stress. One cup of corn provides approximately 14 percent of the daily value for this particular nutrient. Since corn is a whole grain, it contains important phytonutrients essential for a healthy body. Importantly it is rich in phenolics which are powerful forms of antioxidants that help to prevent diseases.