Corn is Umami and Good for the Heart

In addition to being versatile, used in both sweet and savory dishes, corn is umami and good for the heart. Discover this and other benefits of this cereal!

Corn, along with June festivities, becomes one of the most important protagonists of the month of June. On the tables of São João celebrations, delicacies made with it are never missing: cakes, pamonhas, stews… and so on. And the best part: the cereal, besides being very versatile and umami (one ear of corn has about 106 g of free glutamate), is also very healthy.

According to Cintya Bassi, nutritionist at Hospital and Maternity São Cristóvão, one of the main benefits of the grain is its fiber. “In the industrialization process it doesn’t lose the husk, which keeps the food’s fiber and helps intestinal function. In addition to being an important carbohydrate source to provide energy to the body, corn also contains antioxidants such as zeaxanthin and lutein, important in preventing eye diseases, as well as vitamins B1 and B2,” explains Cintya.

The fiber present in corn also helps with glycemic control. “They are involved in reducing bad cholesterol, which helps prevent cardiovascular diseases. In addition, corn also contains magnesium, which helps proper heart rhythm function and reduces the risk of sudden death,” highlights the nutritionist.

And even when used in the production of June festival sweets, corn doesn’t lose its nutrients. “In general, vitamins may undergo changes when exposed to heat, however, most nutrients are preserved,” says the professional at Hospital and Maternity São Cristóvão.