Is it possible to eat raw corn: the benefits and harms of a fresh vegetable, possible contraindications

Corn – one of the products with which we associate hot summer. Its value lies in its rich chemical composition and preservation of taste after heat treatment. Many people know the benefits of boiled corn. What about raw cobs? In this article we will tell you whether it is possible to eat fresh corn and what effect it has on the body of children, women and men.

Is it possible to eat corn raw?

In recent years, interest in proper nutrition, including a raw food diet, has increased several times. Adherents of a healthy lifestyle unanimously claim that heat treatment kills nutrients, making the product useless for the human body.

As children, without knowing it, we were engaged in nothing more than a raw food diet, running to the corn fields for young ears and not thinking about how our stomachs would react to this.

According to nutritionists, they are suitable for safe consumption sugar varieties with low starch content. Raw corn is extremely filling and helps restore the balance of nutrients and vitamins.

Reference. Fresh grains contain a lot of ascorbic acid, which, unfortunately, is destroyed by more than 50% during heat treatment.

Young cobs with grains of so-called milk maturity are suitable for consumption. This product is easier to digest and practically does not cause a negative reaction from the gastrointestinal tract.

Mature cobs with hard grains are not advisable to eat raw. Coarse fiber is poorly digestible and causes bloating and diarrhea.

Benefits for the body

Raw corn, when consumed correctly, only brings benefits to the body:

1. Cleanses the intestines due to its high fiber content.
2. Helps improve gallbladder function and metabolism.
3. Eliminates flatulence and heaviness in the stomach.
4. Fills the skin with moisture at the cellular level.
5. Reduces cravings for sweets and normalizes blood sugar levels.
6. Removes harmful cholesterol.
7. Reduces the risk of developing atherosclerosis, diseases of the heart, blood vessels, intestines and liver.
8. Dissolves kidney stones and relieves inflammation.
9. Normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular system due to the content of unsaturated fatty acids.
10. Gives a boost of energy and relieves fatigue.
11. Relieves hangovers thanks to selenium, which helps remove alcohol breakdown products and digest heavy foods.
12. Strengthens the immune system.
13. Slows down the aging of the body.
14. Carotenoids improve visual function.
15. Relieves gum inflammation.
16. Reduces the risk of developing bowel cancer.

Reference. Most of the vitamins and minerals can be obtained from milk-ripe cobs. They contain glutamic acid, which is useful for people engaged in intellectual work. Glutamine has a positive effect on the brain, improves memory and activates thought processes.

Benefits for women, men and children

Fresh corn grains help alleviate symptoms of toxicosis in early pregnancy and increase breast milk production.

Vitamin E increases fertility (ability to conceive), alleviates discomfort during PMS, improves the condition of skin, hair and nails.

Males will appreciate the beneficial effects of raw corn on the genitourinary system. Active substances increase potency and relieve inflammation.

Doctors do not recommend giving raw corn to children because of the risk of causing harm fragile gastrointestinal tract. From six months, you can gradually introduce corn into the diet in the form of porridges and soups. From the age of two, you are allowed to eat one boiled cob per day. Corn is rich in vitamin D, which is necessary for a growing body to prevent rickets. Vitamin C helps fight viral infections.

Characteristics of Corn on the Cob

Raw corn cobs contain 14 g of water per 100 g. Thanks to this, young grains have a delicate taste and juiciness. Polysaccharides help cleanse the intestines of toxins, and the rich chemical composition saturates the body with useful substances.

Chemical composition and nutritional value

Corn cobs contain:

• vitamins (groups B, C, D, E, H, PP);
• amino acids (tyrosine, lysine, choline, glycine);
• macroelements (potassium, copper, fluorine, zinc, calcium, iodine, phosphorus);
• trace elements (selenium, manganese, iron, barium, boron, gold, aluminum).

100 g of product contains nutrients:

• proteins – 10.3 g;
• fats – 4.9 g;
• carbohydrates – 60 g.

Calorie content of raw corn is 86 kcal per 100 g.

When and how to eat

Nutritionists recommend eating raw corn for lunch. The low protein content makes it unsuitable for breakfast, and the high percentage of carbohydrates makes it impossible to eat it for dinner.

This principle is advised to be followed by people trying to lose excess weight, and excess carbohydrates in the evening will certainly end up on the stomach and thighs.

Possible harm and hazardous properties

People suffering from diseases of the digestive tract, especially at the acute stage, should consult a doctor before starting to feast on raw cobs. Such grains take longer and are harder to digest, which leads to increased gas formation and discomfort in the intestines.

Important! Genetically modified corn has a negative impact on human health and often causes allergies.

Contraindications

Raw corn is prohibited when:

• blood clotting disorders;
• obesity;
• anorexia (the product contains appetite suppressants);
• exacerbation of gastritis and stomach ulcers;
• allergies.

Storage conditions and periods

To store corn on the cob for the winter, use the freezing method. Fresh cobs are stored in the refrigerator for no more than three days, and frozen ones - 3-4 months.

Select young corn, tear off the leaves, remove the fibers. Wrap each cob in cling film and place in the freezer. After defrosting, the product is edible both raw and cooked. There are many recipes for dishes with corn, so everyone will find the most suitable cooking option for themselves.

Conclusion

Raw corn, when consumed correctly, has a positive effect on the human body. Due to its high energy value, it perfectly saturates, and its rich component composition allows you to replenish your supply of vitamins and minerals.

The product is perfectly preserved when frozen and does not lose its beneficial properties after thawing. You can talk about the benefits and harm to health for a long time, the main thing is to observe moderation in consumption and listen to the body’s reactions.