Corn soothes intestinal walls – Dietician

A dietician, Yemisi Olowookere, has said that corn has soothing effects on the “mucosa” of the small intestines and is easily tolerated in sensitive digestive systems.
Olowookere, who works at the Garki Hospital, Abuja, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to her, corn, a popular Nigerian street food, which is usually enjoyed with local pear called Ube, is a good source of fibre.
The dietician explained that corn, also known as maize, is not only delicious but also stuffed with nutrients and high in fibre.
She said that corn’s nutritious nature makes it an excellent food choice and also a good source of nutrition.
Olowookere said: “Corn is a staple food in the nutrition of many people, but it is insufficient by itself and must be combined with other foods that compensate its nutritional deficiencies.”
She also said that corn combines well with beans and legumes.
She added: “One cup of fresh corn is 177 calories, five grammes of protein, 0 fat grammes and 41 grammes of carbohydrates.
“Corn is considered as a wholegrain food.
“Corn provides the necessary calories for daily metabolism, rich source of vitamins A, B1, E, moderate amount of vitamin C and other minerals.
“Yellow and white corn have similar nutritional profiles also in terms of carbohydrate.
“Its high fibre content ensures it plays a role in prevention of digestive ailments like constipation and hemorrhoids.”
According to her, the fibre content of one cup of corn amounts to 18.4 per cent of the daily recommended value.
Olowookere explained that the bran that covers each kernel of corn present on sweet corn as well as in corn meal was capable of reducing blood cholesterol level.
She said that corn had a slight retarding effect on the thyroid gland and on metabolism in general as its consumption was appropriate in cases of hyperthyroidism.
She said: “They are rich in phyto-chemicals, it provides protection against numerous chronic diseases and provides a large chunk of the daily foliate requirement.
“Yellow corn is a rich source of beta-carotene that forms vitamin A in the body, essential for maintenance of good vision and skin.
“The kernels of corn are rich in vitamin E, a natural antioxidant essential for growth and corn in any form is recommended for weight-gain diets.”