Maize

The word maize means “one that sustains life”. Also known as Corn (Zea mays), Maize is one of the most popular cereal grains in the world. It is also known as Bhutta/Makkai/Challi in Hindi, ‘Mokka Jonnalu‘ in Telugu, ‘Makkacholam‘ in Tamil, ‘Cholam‘ in Malayalam, ‘Musukina Jola’ in Kannada, ‘Makkai‘ in Gujarati, ‘Makai‘ in Marathi and Punjabi and ‘Butta‘ in Bengali.

Though viewed as a vegetable, it is actually a food grain. It is the seed (grain) of a plant from the grass family, a cereal crop that is grown widely throughout the world in a range of agro-ecological environments. The leafy stalk of the plant produces ears, which contain the grains known as kernels. For every kernel on the cob, there is a strand of silk. The shape of the kernel can be divided into two main groups: Dent maize (tooth shaped) and Flint maize (round shape)

More than 50 varieties of the Maize exist consisting of different colors, textures, shapes and sizes. Varieties of Maize that are commonly eaten include Sweet corn, Dent corn, Flint corn, Popcorn, Flour corn, Sweet corn and Pod corn, but refined corn products are also widely consumed, frequently as ingredients in foods such as chips, cornmeal, corn flour, corn syrup, and corn oil, to name a few.

It can even be eaten straight out of the maize ears. In India, vendors are often seen selling corn on their carts which is known as ‘bhutta’. Corn is not only delicious but it is also rich in Vitamins, minerals and fiber, thus offering several health benefits. It has the distinction of being produced in the highest quantity than any of the grains in the world.

Uses of Maize:

Maize has a wide variety of uses that ranges from both human to industrial. Maize is used as a livestock, forage or silage for animals. Humans eat maize or corn in the form of popcorn, porridge, beverage, etc. In terms of industrial usage, the grains of the maize are used in the transformation of plastics and fabrics. Ethanol, produced from maize, is being used as an additive in gas to prevent pollution levels and reduce the use of petroleum.

Typical Composition:

The germ has a fat content of up to 30 - 35%

Nutrition Facts
Whole-grain corn is as healthy as any cereal grain, rich in fiber and many Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Maize grains are rich in Vitamins A, C and E, carbohydrates, essential minerals, proteins and are also rich in dietary fiber & calories which are a good source of energy. The antioxidants present in corn also act as anti-carcinogenic agents and prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
The kernels of corn are what hold the majority of corn’s nutrients, and are the most commonly consumed parts of the vegetable. The kernels can come in multiple colors; depending on the species or variety and the particular area of production.
One large ear of corn on the cob has about:

• 123 calories
• 5 grams protein
• 2 grams fat
• 4 grams fiber
• 27 grams of carbohydrates
• 0.1 milligram thiamine (7 percent DV)
• 0.1 milligram Vitamin B6 (7 percent DV)
• 19.5 milligrams folate (5 percent DV)
• 3 milligrams Vitamin C (5 percent DV)
• 158 milligrams potassium (5 percent DV)
• 18.3 milligrams magnesium (5 percent DV)
• 47.2 milligrams phosphorus (5 percent DV)

The table below contains detailed information on all the nutrients in corn

(Variety: Yellow boiled, 100 grams)

Health Benefits of Corn
Corn provides many health benefits due to the presence of quality nutrients within. Besides being a delicious addition to any meal, it is also rich in phytochemicals, and it provides protection against a number of chronic diseases.  It helps in controlling diabetes, prevention of heart ailments, lowering hypertension and prevention of neural-tube defects at birth. Some of the notable health benefits of Maize are mentioned below:    

Rich source of requisite calories:
Corn, a staple among dietary habits in many regions, is considered a rich source of calories. The calorific content is among the highest for cereals and stands at 342 calories per 100 grams. Owing to this property, Maize is often resorted to for quick weight gain. Further, the ease and flexibility of growing conditions combined with the high calorie content, makes it a vital component of the food ecosystem of many predominantly agricultural countries.

Good for Digestion:
Corn is high in dietary fiber which comprises of both soluble and insoluble fiber. The fiber content of one cup of corn amounts to 18.4% of the daily recommended amount. Soluble fiber helps in blocking cholesterol absorption whereas insoluble fiber prevents constipation and intestinal problems. Fiber helps to bulk up bowel movements, which stimulates peristaltic motion and stimulates the production of gastric juice and bile, thus benefiting the overall digestive system.

Reduces risk of hemorrhoids and colorectal cancer:
Being a whole-grain it lowers the risk of colon cancer and also aids in preventing various digestion related problems including hemorrhoids as well as colon cancer. It is a good source of the phenolic compound, ferulic acid which is effective in fighting tumors in the breast & liver.

Rich source of necessary Vitamins: 

Corn is rich in Vitamin B constituents, especially Thiamin and Niacin, essential for maintaining nerve health and cognitive function. Maize is also a good source of Pantothenic acid, which is an essential Vitamin for carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism in the body. It also provides a large percentage of the daily folate requirement, while the kernels of corn are rich in Vitamin E, a natural antioxidant that is essential for growth and protection of the body from illness and disease.

Rich source of necessary minerals:
Corn contains various types of minerals like phosphorous (for regulating normal growth, bone health and optimal kidney functioning), along with magnesium (for maintaining a normal heart rate and for increasing bone strength), manganese, zinc, iron and copper; which positively benefit the bodies in a number of ways. It also contains trace minerals like selenium, which are difficult to find in most normal diets.

Prevents Anemia:
Maize helps to prevent the occurrence of anemia caused by deficiency of Vtamins and minerals. It also contains significant levels of iron, essential to form new red blood cells (RBCs); and the deficiency of iron is one of the main causes of anemia.

Helps in maintaining optimal level of ‘Vitamin-A’:

Yellow corn is a rich source of beta-carotene, which forms Vitamin A in the body and is essential for the maintenance of good vision and skin. Beta-carotene is a great source of ‘Vitamin-A’ as it gets converted within the body only in the amounts that the body requires. Vitamin-A can be toxic if too much is consumed, so deriving Vitamin-A through beta-carotene transformation is ideal. 

Provides requisite Antioxidants: 

Corn is a rich source of antioxidants which fight cancer-causing free radicals and unlike many other foods, cooking actually increases the amount of usable antioxidants in ‘Sweet Corn’. Corn is a rich source of a phenolic compound called ferulic acid, an anti-carcinogenic agent. Anthocyanins, found in purple corn, also act as scavengers and eliminators of cancer-causing free radicals. Antioxidants evidently reduce many of the most dangerous forms of cancer and this is particularly relevant when phytochemicals are the source of the antioxidants, which is another type of chemical found in high volumes in corn.

Lowers LDL Cholesterol:
According to the ‘Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry’, consumption of corn husk oil lowers LDL cholesterol by reducing cholesterol absorption in the body; however, it does not adversely effects the levels of HDL cholesterol which has a variety of beneficial effects on the human body.

Protects against cardiovascular diseases:
Research has shown that corn oil reduces the risk of various cardiovascular diseases as it has anti-atherogenic effect on cholesterol levels. It is close to an optimal fatty acid combination and therefore is one of the best ways to maintain wellbeing of the heart as it reduces the chances of arteries becoming clogged and decrease the chances of heart attack & stroke.
The amount of beta-carotene in the body that is not converted into Vitamin-A acts as a very strong antioxidant and helps to ward off cancer and heart diseases.

Controls diabetes and hypertension:
Research has shown that the consumption of corn kernels assists in the management of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and is effective against hypertension due to the presence of Phenolic Phytochemicals in whole corn. Phytochemicals can regulate the absorption and release of insulin in the body, thereby helping in maintaining a more normal lifestyle for diabetic patients.

Provides healthy Cosmetic alternative:
Maize starch is used in the manufacturing of many cosmetic products and may also be applied topically to soothe skin rashes and irritation. Corn products can be used to replace carcinogenic petroleum products which are major components of many cosmetic preparations.

Facilitates Weight Gain:
Hard Gainers or the underweight people need to increase their caloric intake so as to increase their weight. Maize contains prolific amounts of calories and carbohydrates which help such persons to gain weight.

Increased Energy:

Corn contains a high amount of carbohydrates, the source of energy, and necessary for proper functioning of the brain and the nervous system. It is particularly beneficial for athletes as they require more carbohydrates to optimize exercise performance.
Moreover, corn contains complex carbohydrates so it gets digested at a slow pace, thus providing with balanced energy levels.
Helps in maintaining ‘Stronger Connective Tissue’
Connective tissue is comprised of bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles and cartilage. Corn contains the trace mineral manganese that strengthens the connective tissue. Corn also contains a large proportion of minerals like magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorus that are needed for healthy bones.

Improves Vision:
The yellow kernels of corn contain substances called carotenoids that reduce the risk of macular degeneration i.e. impairment of vision at the center of line of sight. Beta-carotene helps in producing Vitamin A, thus supporting better vision.

Beneficial During Pregnancy:
Being a rich source of folic acid, corn is particularly beneficial for pregnant women. The deficiency of folic acid in pregnant women can cause the birth of underweight infants and also cause neural tube defects at birth.

Prevents Alzheimer’s disease:
Corn is a good source of thymine, which is an integral participant in enzymatic reactions central to energy production as well as brain cell/cognitive function. It is also needed for the synthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for memory and whose deficiency can cause age-related impairment in mental function (senility) and Alzheimer’s disease.

Maintains Skin Health:
Maize is a good source of several Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that play an important role in skin care. Maize is a rich source of beta-carotene (which forms Vitamin A) that is vital for the maintenance of a healthy skin. Vitamin C and lycopene are potential antioxidants that prevent the UV generated free radicals from damaging the skin and increase the production of collagen that assists in the maintenance of smooth skin. Corn can also be applied topically as corn oil which is a rich source of linoleic acid.
Corn starch is used as an ingredient in many cosmetic products and can even be applied topically to soothe skin rashes and irritation.

Maintains Hair health:
Regular consumption of one cup of corn strengthens the hair follicles as it contains potent antioxidants like Vitamin C and lycopene, which assist in collagen production, thus maintaining smooth hair.
The topical application of corn oil (containing the optimal combination of fatty acids and nutrients such as Vitamin E) helps to keep the hair follicles hydrated, well-nourished and prevents premature aging.  The antioxidants in this oil prevent cell damage by trapping the free radicals and hence, it is combat dryness and hair fall due to free radical action. It also contains Vitamin K that helps in the absorption of calcium and thus prevents hair loss.
Corn oil has the apt balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that controls inflammation and prevents the scalp from becoming dry & flaky. These fatty acids are prominent elements constituting the cell structure and thwart the incidences of brittle hair or hair fall.

Interesting facts about Maize or Corn :

• Corn is a domesticated grass.
• Corn does not exist in the wild.
• An ear or cob of corn is actually part of the flower and an individual kernel is a seed.
• On average an ear of corn has 800 kernels in 16 rows.
• Corn will always have an even number of rows on each cob.
• With the exception of Antarctica, corn is produced on every continent in the world.
• There are over 3,500 different uses of corn and its products and it is used in all sorts of products from peanut butter to batteries.
• As well as being eaten by the cob, corn is also processed and used as a major component in many food items like cereals, peanut butter, potato chips, soups, marshmallows, ice cream, baby food, cooking oil, margarine, mayonnaise, salad dressing, and chewing gum.
• Corn and its by products are also found in many non-food items such as fireworks, rust preventatives, glue, paint, dyes, laundry detergent, soap, aspirin, antibiotics, paint, shoe polish, ink, cosmetics, the manufacturing of photographic film, and in the production of plastics.
• United States is the highest producer of corn in the world and produces more than 40% of the world’s total harvest.

        "Shivam Soya is recognized as an acclaimed player supplying top quality Maize to the customers. Top notch in terms of quality and nutritional content, the different varieties of product made available by Shivam Soya is used for varied purposes viz. preparation of various food items, Animal Feed and for industrial uses. Essentially we provide both feed grade maize and different varieties of high quality maize for human consumption.

At Shivam Soya the product is delivered only after passing through the strict quality control measures so that only the fresh and best reaches the customers. We ensure that the Maize that we supply is processed under hygienic conditions and is free from polluting substances.
At Shivam Soya we have excelled in providing up to the mark product in the most reasonable duration of time, with customized packing at most affordable of the prices in whole of the marketplace."