You may have heard that cornmeal is a good source of nutrition, but what exactly makes it healthy and why should you be eating it? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the potential health benefits of adding cornmeal to your diet.
Nutritional Profile of Cornmeal
Cornmeal is a course flour made from dried, ground corn kernels. It is nutrient-dense and contains essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber that can help keep your body functioning optimally. It is also low in fat and cholesterol-free.
One cup of cornmeal contains around 107 calories, 0 grams of fat, 2.2 grams of dietary fiber and 3 grams of protein. Vitamins found in cornmeal include niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, pantothenic acid and vitamins A, B6 and E. Minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium are also present in significant amounts.
Health Benefits of Eating Cornmeal
Eating cornmeal has many potential health benefits due to its nutritional profile. Studies have shown that consuming foods with high levels of dietary fiber can help lower cholesterol levels in the body by binding to fatty acids in the gut before they are absorbed into the bloodstream. This can reduce the risk of developing heart disease or stroke over time.
Additionally, due to its high content of vitamin B6 and folate, consuming cornmeal on a regular basis could help reduce levels of homocysteine in the bloodstream which can lead to an increased risk for heart disease or stroke if too high. The antioxidants present in cornmeal may also help protect against certain types of cancer by neutralizing free radicals within the body which can cause cell damage leading to cancerous growths over time if left unchecked.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while there is no one food that will make or break your health goals alone; incorporating nutritious foods like corn meal into your diet regularly can have positive effects on your overall health over time.
Eating a balanced diet including whole grains like corn meal provides essential vitamins and minerals needed for proper bodily functions as well as dietary fiber which helps promote healthy digestion and absorption of nutrients throughout the body. So next time you’re trying to decide what side dish to make for dinner consider adding some delicious homemade cornbread!
FAQ
Q: Is eating cornmeal healthy?
A: Yes, cornmeal is a nutrient-dense food that contains many essential vitamins and minerals that can help promote overall health and wellbeing. It is also low in fat and cholesterol-free, making it a great choice for anyone looking to improve their diet or maintain good health.
Q: How can eating cornmeal help lower my risk of developing heart disease or stroke?
A: Cornmeal is high in dietary fiber, which has been shown to help lower levels of cholesterol in the body by binding fats and preventing them from being absorbed into the bloodstream. This, combined with other nutrients found in cornmeal, can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease or stroke over time.
Q: What other health benefits can I expect from eating cornmeal on a regular basis?
A: Cornmeal is rich in antioxidants that may help protect against certain types of cancer by neutralizing harmful free radicals within the body. It also contains high levels of B vitamins and folate, which can support proper functioning of the body and help reduce the risk of conditions like homocysteine. In addition, cornmeal is a great source of dietary fiber, protein, and other essential nutrients that can help promote overall health and well-being.