Canned corn: useful properties and contraindications.

Corn is one of the most nutritious and biologically valuable cereal crops. The spread of the herbaceous plant has touched every continent except Antarctica. The cereal has found use both in the culinary industry and in the production of feed and even in medicine.

Composition and calories

The composition of the product includes the following macronutrients:

• 2.3 g proteins;
• 1.2 g fats;
• 14.3 g carbohydrates (of which 4.3 g sucrose, 2.0 g fiber and 8.0 g starchy substances);
• 81.4 g water;
• 0.8 g ash.

There are 58 kcal in 100 g of the product.

In addition to macronutrients, canned corn contains the following micronutrients:

Vitamins

1. Beta-carotene - is a powerful antioxidant and protects the body from free radicals and radiation.
2. Retinol - improves optic nerve function.
3. Alpha-tocopherol - antioxidant, improves skin, nails and hair.
4. Ascorbic acid - immunostimulant, increases the body's defenses.
5. Thiamine - regulates metabolic processes, strengthens the nervous system.
6. Riboflavin - is involved in the formation of hemoglobin, improves hair and nails.
7. Nicotinic acid - is involved in the synthesis of proteins and triglycerides, and also helps to reduce blood cholesterol levels.
8. Choline - optimizes blood glucose levels and calms the nervous system.
9. Pantothenic acid - has a healing effect, activates the process of creating antibodies in the blood.
10. Pyridoxine - optimizes the composition of human blood and can regulate the process of sweating.
11. Folic acid - controls the process of the correct formation of the neural tube in pregnant women, promotes growth and development of the child's body.

Trace elements

1. Sodium - in conjunction with potassium is part of the "pump", which regulates the process of contraction and relaxation of muscles, conducts nerve impulses.
2. Potassium acts as a stimulator of muscle contraction and relaxation.
3. Phosphorus is the main structural component of cell membranes and has a structural function along with magnesium and calcium.
4. Magnesium is a structural element of bones and teeth, and acts as an activator of enzymatic reactions in the body.
5. Calcium is the main structural material of bone tissue and tooth enamel.
6. Selenium is an antioxidant, suspends the growth and development of cancer cells.
7. Zinc - has an anti-inflammatory effect, takes part in the metabolic processes of the body.
8. Iron - normalizes the process of hematopoiesis, is a major component of the hemoglobin molecule.

How is canned corn useful?

Maize has established itself as a low-calorie product with a low glycemic index and high biological value. Due to the sufficient content of protein and essential amino acids it is recommended to include it in the diet of athletes and vegetarians.

Consider separately the benefits for different groups

For women

This product is of particular value during menstruation because it helps to reduce painful sensations. Due to its high magnesium content, corn can normalize the cardiovascular system.

For men

The product improves the work of the heart muscles, help to increase and maintain potency.

When pregnant.

Restrictions in the diet of pregnant women do not apply to this product due to its rich chemical composition. However, you should not abuse it, because it can cause an allergic reaction. Maize has properties to reduce edema and toxicosis of the first trimester, nourishing the weakened body with biologically active substances, normalizes the general condition.

When breastfeeding

This product is not prohibited for use, but it is worth introducing it into the diet gradually and in small portions. The best age for the introduction of the product in the diet of the mother - from 3 months, as in the earlier period of maize can contribute to increased gas formation in the intestines of the child. After the baby is 6 months old, it is necessary to include this product in the diet of the mother, as corn has the property of improving lactation and saturates the breast milk with the necessary microelements for the baby.

For children

Due to the active content of fiber, the product is not recommended to introduce in the diet of children under 3 years. However, after this age threshold, corn is an excellent source of fast carbohydrates and micronutrients for the child's body.

Is it possible to eat canned corn when losing weight

Dietitians do not recommend including this product in the diet of a person who is in the process of losing excess weight. As an exception, it can be introduced into the diet in small amounts, no more than 2 times a week. This is due to the high sugar content of canned liquid. However, a great alternative to canned corn would be boiled corn. It has similar flavors and less sucrose in its composition.

Canned corn in medicine

Corn is an excellent source of biologically active substances, but it is recommended to eat it in moderate amounts, even for a healthy person. If we take into account the peculiarities of the organism of a person suffering from this or that disease, we should consider the recommendations for its consumption.

For diabetes mellitus

Depending on the type of diabetes, it is advisable to either completely exclude the product from the diet, or add it in small amounts. In the first insulin-dependent type, dieticians completely exclude this product from the patient's diet because of its high sugar content. If the doctor's recommendations are not followed, there is a sharp release of glucose into the blood, which the human body with this disease simply cannot regulate due to the lack of its own insulin. If the situation is ignored, blood sugar levels will rise, which can lead to diabetic shock and coma. As for the second type of this disease, the introduction of corn into the diet should be under the strict supervision of doctors, so as to maintain blood sugar levels in a zone that does not pose a danger to human health.

Important: The glycemic index of canned corn is 59 units.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a manifestation of a chronic inflammatory process of the pancreas and does not allow the organ to function fully. Products prepared by smoking, pickling and preserving are strictly prohibited in this disease. Canned corn should be completely excluded from consumption to avoid cases of exacerbation of the disease.

With gastritis

Gastritis, as well as pancreatitis, refers to diseases of an inflammatory nature, but in this case the area of damage is the walls of the stomach. With an exacerbation of the disease, doctors recommend abandoning foods with a coarse structure and an acidic reaction of the environment. Due to the preservative liquid, corn can be classified as an acidic food. In addition, maize is rich in dietary fiber, which contributes to irritation of the intestinal walls. Therefore, its consumption should be minimized or completely excluded from the diet at exacerbation of the pathology.

With constipation

Canned corn is an excellent source of dietary fiber. These substances help to activate intestinal peristalsis, eliminate putrefactive processes and can facilitate the process of defecation. Corn for constipation is not only useful, but also recommended for systematic use.

With gout

Gout is a consequence of impaired protein metabolism in the body. The main cause is the detrimental effect of purine bases, which are contained in processed meat products (broths, cold cuts). Severe restrictions on the use of canned corn in the diet are not provided, but as with any balanced diet, you need to control the optimality of portions, not exceeding the daily rate.

Harms and contraindications

Maize, like any other food product, can cause individual intolerance and allergic reactions of the body. When introducing it into the diet for the first time, you should use it carefully, in small quantities, gradually increasing the portion size. If at the consumption of a small portion of the eaten product manifested allergic reactions of the body (red skin, rash, itching, difficulty in breathing), you should immediately contact specialists and completely exclude it from the diet.

You should completely exclude the consumption of corn in the following conditions of the body:

1. Thrombosis. In its chemical composition, maize contains a large amount of vitamin K, which has an active blood-clotting function. This can be dangerous for people suffering from this pathology.
2. Gastrointestinal diseases in acute form. The cereal has a coarse structure due to its high polysaccharide content, which can have a traumatic effect on the inflamed walls of the stomach and intestines.
3. Underweight. Due to the low caloric content and active biological composition, the product can be classified as dietary. When emaciated, it can be dangerous because it activates intestinal peristalsis and reduces appetite.

Also, products made from genetically modified raw materials have a negative impact on the body, which completely negates all its useful biological properties.

How to choose and store canned corn

In order to avoid buying low-quality products and possible nutritional disorders, it is necessary to follow certain recommendations:

1. First of all, it is worth looking for information on the packaging about the shelf life and storage conditions of products. It is better to give preference to canned food with a shelf life of not more than two years and carefully study the final date of consumption. After the expiration of the specified period it is strictly prohibited to eat the products!
2. It is better to give preference to products in glass packaging due to the possibility of primary organoleptic evaluation of quality. Corn kernels should have a milky hue. If a more intense color is observed, it means that the cobs of the fruit were overripe at the time of canning production. The brine may be slightly cloudy, but it must be free of separate inclusions.
3. If the product is in a can, inspect it for damage or bloating, otherwise pathogenic organisms could enter the can and possibly cause food poisoning. When shaking the container the burst of liquid should be muffled, otherwise a loud noise indicates the presence of excess air in the container, which could cause premature spoilage of the product.
4. Preference should be given to products manufactured in accordance with GOST, because in this case the composition of the product is clearly regulated in the state document indicated on the package.

Storage conditions
Prior to opening, products should be stored by following the instructions on the package, taking into account the shelf life, temperature and relative humidity.

As for storage after opening:

1. If the container is glass, the leftovers after use can be sent to the refrigerator for storage for no more than three days.
2. If the container is tin, you need to move the product with the brine in an airtight container and also store in the refrigerator no more than 3 days.

Is it possible to freeze canned maize
It is possible to freeze canned corn kernels, but it should be noted that the biological value of the product after defrosting will be much lower than the original. This is due to the transition of water, which is present in the composition of the product, from the liquid to the solid aggregate state. When freezing in a freezer at temperatures down to -20 ° C, there is a breakdown of cell walls, so that all the water-soluble substances (B vitamins, ascorbic acid, macro-and micronutrients) contained in the product go into the brine, which reduces the biological value of the product and reduces its useful properties.

How to can corn in home conditions

The most suitable for canning are fruits of medium maturity. They can be identified by a medium yellow hue and the absence of leaking liquid when pressing on the grain.

For canning you will need:

• 1 kilogram of corn;
• 6 tablespoons sugar;
• 2 tablespoons salt;
• water.

Method of preparation:

1. Clean the cobs of leaves and hairs.
2. Cut off the damaged areas and rinse thoroughly with water.
3. Boil in boiling water for 20 minutes.
4. Cool and cut the kernels off the cob at the base of the cob to avoid damage.
5. Put the kernels into the boiling water and simmer over a low heat for one hour.
6. Pour the boiling liquid over the cobs into a separate container.
7. Pour the boiled corn into the prepared container, filling it up to 75%.
8. Mix 1.5 liters of broth with salt and sugar.
9. Fill the jars up to the top with the broth.
10. Carry out sterilization and seal with lids.

What can be made with canned corn

Recipes based on canned corn are quite a lot. Most often it is used to make cold salads and soups. Below are a few interesting options for recipes based on corn.

Assorted salad with corn.

The necessary ingredients:

• eggs - 3 pcs;
• onion - 1 pc;
• cod liver - 115 g;
• Hard cheese - 100 gr;
• Canned corn - 100 grams;
• mayonnaise - 1 tbsp;
• green onions - 10 gr;
• Salt and spices - to taste.

Method of preparation:

1. Eggs are pre-washed and boiled until fully cooked. Peel and dice.
2. Shred the onion.
3. Grind the liver with a fork.
4. Shred the cheese on a grater with a minimum diameter of holes.
5. Add corn and onion to all ingredients, dress with mayonnaise. Stir it up.
6. Put into the fridge until completely cooled.

Salad with corn, tomatoes and parmesan cheese dressing

Ingredients:

• sweet bell pepper - 1 pc;
• cherry tomatoes - 200 gr;
• corn (canned) - 450 g;
• green onions - 20g
• basil - 20 gr; garlic - 5-10 gr
• garlic - 5-10 grams; mayonnaise - 80g
• mayonnaise - 80 gr
• sour cream - 15 % - 120 g; Parmesan - 25 g; mayonnaise - 10 g;;
• parmesan - 25 gr;
• salt and spices - as you need.

Cooking recommendations:

1. Wash the vegetables under running water.
2. Remove the seeds from the pepper and cut into large cubes.
3. Cut the tomatoes into wedges.
4. Chop the green onions.
5. Add the corn to the ingredients.
6. Chop the garlic.
7. Chop the basil leaves.
8. In a separate bowl prepare the dressing by mixing mayonnaise, sour cream, basil, cheese and garlic.
9. Add ground black pepper and salt to taste.
10. Stir the prepared sauce into the mixed vegetables.
11. Leave in the fridge for 1-2 hours.

Salad with carrots, mushrooms, chicken fillet and corn

The necessary products for the recipe:

• mushrooms - 150 g;
• chicken filet - 350 g;
• carrots - 1 pc;
• onion - 1 pc;
• Tinned corn - 150 g;
• mayonnaise - 1-2 tbsp;
• sunflower oil - 1-2 tbsp;
• salt and spices - at personal discretion.

Methods of making:

1. Boil chicken fillet in boiling water until fully cooked.
2. Cut the mushrooms into medium slices.
3. Heat a frying pan, add vegetable oil and fry mushrooms until golden brown.
4. Grate carrots on a grater with a minimum diameter of holes.
5. Cut the boiled filet into medium cubes.
6. Add the corn and sauteed mushrooms, season with mayonnaise and season with salt and spices to taste.
7. Leave in the fridge for about an hour until completely cooled.

Vegetable soup with corn

Preparation Products:

• 2 tbsp green peas;
• 160g canned corn;
• 2 tbsp. olive oil;
• 1 stalk of celery;
• 1 garlic clove;
• 1 potato fruit;
• 1 onion;
• 0.5 L. milk;
• 1 tbsp. wheat flour;
• salt and spices to taste.

Cooking steps:

1. Chop the onion, celery stalk, garlic clove, potatoes and carrots.
2. Heat a saucepan over low heat, add oil and saute the prepared vegetables, except for the carrots and potatoes, until golden crust on the surface.
3. Add the carrots to the pan and continue frying for 3 minutes.
4. Add flour to the vegetable mixture and mix.
5. Pour milk over the roasted vegetables and simmer.
6. Add the potatoes to the mixture and simmer for 20 minutes.
7. Add the peas to the pot and simmer for 5 minutes.
8. Season with salt and spices of your choice.

Cream soup with canned corn

Ingredient Composition:

• A can of canned corn;
• 2 tbsp. wheat flour;
• 3 cups milk;
• 4 tbsp. sunflower oil;
• 3 cups water;
• Salt and spices to taste.

Technology of making:

1. Grind corn in a meat grinder.
2. Boil in a pot with the addition of 3 cups of water.
3. Sauté the wheat flour in a frying pan with the addition of vegetable oil.
4. Add hot milk to flour, bring mixture to boil.
5. Add crushed corn kernels to the boiling mixture, stir and cook for 15-20 minutes.
6. Pass the soup through a sieve to obtain a creamier consistency.
7. Finish to taste with vegetable oil and spices.

Soup with shrimp and corn

Products needed:

• A can of canned maize;
• 200 gr of shrimp;
• 2 cups milk;
• 2 cups water;
• 2 tbsp. wheat flour;
• 20 g of butter;
• Salt and spices as needed.

Recipe preparation:

1. Drain the brine from the can of corn, turn the grains into a mashed mass using a blender.
2. Put the pureed corn into a saucepan and pour 2 cups of water over it.
3. Boil the mass on a low heat, stirring systematically to avoid burning on the bottom of the pot.
4. In another saucepan boil milk.
5. Separately from the above ingredients, melt butter.
6. Add sifted flour to the butter, stirring vigorously. Watch the process, so that the mixture does not turn into a lumpy mass.
7. Stir in the hot milk.
8. If the flour and butter mixture is lumpy, use a blender to blend it, making sure it has cooled beforehand.
9. Combine the mixture of flour, butter and milk with mashed corn. Bring mixture to boil.
10. Separately, boil the shrimp until half-cooked and peel them from the shell.
11. In the previously prepared mixture, add peeled shrimp and bring to taste with salt and spices.
12. Cook the soup for 5-7 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked. However, do not neglect the recommendation about the time, because with a long boil, the shrimp will acquire rigidity.

Can I give canned corn to pets?

The diet of animals, like humans, must be balanced and contain enough carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Corn is an excellent source of plant proteins and carbohydrates, but canned product contains preservatives, to which the animal's body reacts more intensely.

If only natural ingredients are listed in the composition, then such a product can and even should be given to pets. However, if canned substances are found in the composition, you should limit the addition of this product to the pet's food.

An excellent alternative in this situation is boiled corn, which will prevent the manifestation of discord in the gastrointestinal tract of the animal without loss of taste.

Interesting facts about corn

1. Corn is first mentioned in documents dating back to the 12th millennium BC.
2. The ancient Mayan tribes revered the god Ah Moon, known as the "god of corn." The grain was believed to have been sent to earth as a gift from the ancient god.
3. There are over a thousand different varieties of corn, but only maize (or in other words, sugarcorn) is eaten.
4. A cob of corn contains about a thousand kernels. This number may vary up or down, but it always remains an even number.
5. Corn contains 24 chemical elements from the periodic table of D.I.Mendeleev.
6. The corn cob, depending on the variety, can be of different shades. There is even a special selection variety "Glass Jam", in the cob of which the kernels are multicolored.
7. Corn is used not only in the food industry, but also for making fuel, construction glue, plaster, plastics, and even rubber.
8. In many states of America, as well as in other countries around the world, a number of monuments have been erected in honor of the love for this grain.
9. Ukraine's famous agricultural park, Kukulabiya, has a maze of corn plantings.

Photo of canned corn