CORN, TO EAT OR NOT TO EAT?

written by Boluwatife Adeyemo for Thrive Agric
CORN, TO EAT OR NOT TO EAT?
Its corn season again in Nigeria! And we are all excited! Getting ready for our favorite combos, Roasted corn, and pear or boiled corn and coconut!
Do you know that the most commonly owned farms in Nigeria are the maize farms with great returns on investment,
Did you also know that the yellow corn we eat so casually is packed full with so many beauty and health benefits?
We will be letting you in on 10 secrets of this food grain today.
- It serves as an energy booster
This food grain is bursting with carbohydrates that can keep you packed with lots of energy to be able to carry out your daily activities.
Who needs energy drinks when we’ve got corn?
Did you also know that if you consume corn on a regular basis it can help your brain and nervous system perform better and faster?
- It can help you see better.
Throw away those glasses! Because we have a preventive measure for you.
Did you know that corn contains Carotenoids and Beta-carotene? The same chemical substances present in carrots that aid in the production of Vitamin A which in turn boosts your visions.
Well, now you do!
- Helps prevent cancer
Did you know that a regular consumption of corn can help lessen your chances of getting cancer?
This is because this food grain contains loads of antioxidants which helps prevent the effect and damage gotten from free radicals. It also contains ferulic acid and phenolic compounds that aid in inhibiting tumor growth in the liver and breast.
- Makes you feel good
If you’re always anxious you or agitated, just chew on an ear of corn.
Corn is jammed with Vitamin B6 which helps raise levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain, these chemical substances in the brain are responsible for mood regulation. Therefore, the more corn you eat the happier you become!
- Offers sound SLEEP
Do you have troubles sleeping? Your solution lies in corn!
Corn also aids in the production of melatonin from the pineal gland in the brain. Melatonin is a chemical substance released into the brain to help induce sleep. Regular consumption of corn can aid in keeping your internal clock normal. It lets you sleep deep and peacefully at night and makes you feel energetic and ready for the day in the morning
- It promotes healthy hair
Corn oil is bursting out with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that can treat inflammation on the scalp and prevent dry and flaky scalp whereby also preventing dandruff. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are essential for cell structure, if your hair is brittle or dry you might be lacking one or both of these fatty acids.
- It can lighten your skin
Corn has lightening effects as a result of the beta-carotene present in it.
It can help get rid of discoloration, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation
Corn flour can be mixed with papaya and banana. The alpha hydroxy acids, antioxidants and vitamins present in banana and papaya can brighten your skin and make you glow
- Exfoliating Scrubs
Rather than use scrubs that contain harmful chemicals, use one that contains no harmful chemicals and let your skin thank you for that.
Cornstarch can be used to make an exfoliating scrub! Yes, you read that correctly. It can be used to brighten your skin, hydrate and smoothen your skin.
A simple recipe of a cornstarch exfoliator will be
- Cornstarch
- Oats powder
- Coffee granules
- Coconut oil
Mix these up and use twice a week for a beautifully glowing skin.
- Gives you a glowing look
Did you know that consuming enough corn will make your skin radiant and cause you to glow more?
This is because corn is loaded with a lot of nutrients.
Applying corn oil directly on your skin will also improve your skin texture, because the nutrients of corn oil can be absorbed into the skin deeply, thereby, nourishing your skin and causing it to appear smooth and bright.
- Suppresses Acne and Pimples
Did you know that including corn in your diet can help you reduce the amount of acne you get?
Corn is one of the healthiest foods for Acne, it is also loaded with Vitamin E
- Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a sufficient amount of water to create a consistent paste
- Set the paste aside and then rinse your face with a mild cleanser
- Use your fingertips or a cotton bud to apply the paste to your skin
- Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes until it turns completely dry
- Rinse it off with lukewarm water
You can apply this paste twice in a week over the affected area because cornstarch can be very drying so as to prevent drying out your skin. This treatment should also be followed up with a moisturizer.
These are some of the advantages of corn and what it can be used for.
So, next time you chew on an ear of corn take into consideration the Wholesomeness of this wonderful food grain and all it has to offer you asides from its flavor!
it’s time for you to own your maize farm! Subscribe to thriveagric.com to get latest updates on maize.

