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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.
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