4 Sweet Facts on Corn

There is no better way to celebrate the end of summer then a backyard barbeque.  Pull out the chilled pasta salad, grill up those burgers, and cook up some corn because it’s time to celebrate!    

My friends and I just celebrated the end of summer with a classic barbeque featuring corn on the cob.   Corn was a hot topic, and the gang seemed to have plenty of questions about corn.  You might have the same questions, so let’s dive into the answers to back their questions up!   

Is corn a starch or a vegetable? 

It’s actually a combination of both and is considered a starchy vegetable!  That means that corn has more carbohydrates in it compared to other vegetables (non-starchy vegetables).  Some other starchy vegetables besides corn are acorn squash, peas and potatoes.  These starchy vegetables are beneficial to fueling our body, helping with blood sugar control and keeping us fuller, longer. 

Is corn good for you? 

Yes, there are some health benefits from corn.  Besides from being a starchy vegetable, it is rich in carotenoids, which act as an antioxidant.  Carotenoids help protect our cells, which can help prevent certain disease states and cancers.  

Corn also contains fiber, which helps aid with digestion and proper movement of our bowels.  So that being said… next question! 

Do we digest corn? 

So corn contains a type of dietary fiber called insoluble fiber, which means it does not dissolve in water.  Corn is high in the specific insoluble fiber called cellulose, which we find in the shell of the kernel.  This is what helps our stool bulk up.  

Our body breaks down the inside of the kernel and absorbs the nutrients it needs, but we do sometimes find that the shell of the kernel survives digestion.  

Is corn high in protein? 

So when it comes to vegetables, corn is high in protein, but if we compare it to other food groups, corn runs on the low side with the amount of protein it brings to the table.  1 ear of corn has about 3 g of protein.  If we compare corn to a piece of chicken though, corn falls quit short, since about 3 oz of chicken contains about 25 g protein. 

So next time you are chomping away on a sweet ear of corn, think about what it is going to provide to your body.  Maybe even share a fact or two with a friend at your next barbeque!    

Cheers to the end of summer, 

This blog was written by Amanda J. Stahl RD, LDN, co-founder of Simple Start Nutrition.  For more blog posts and nutrition information follow @simplestartnutrition on Instagram and Facebook.  Also feel free to contact us, by visiting our website (simplestartnutrition.com) to schedule an appointment to discuss your nutrition related needs.  We’re here to help.

References: 

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-can-you-see-corn-in-poop/

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/fiber/

https://www.eatright.org/food/vitamins-and-supplements/types-of-vitamins-and-nutrients/antioxidants-protecting-healthy-cells

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324199#health-concerns

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324199#risks