Following is an informative article on Bhutta or Maize from the website : http://www.theweightmonitor.com/weightmonitor/Article/Simply%20Bhutta.do
"Cooking
whole grains is better than taking refined ones. It is reported that
cooking corn significantly boosts the grain’s health-giving anti-oxidant
activity. In fact, cooking increases the anti-oxidants in corn by about
53%. In addition, to its anti-oxidant benefits, cooked corn releases
ferulic acid, a unique phytochemical (plant compound) which provides
health benefits such as battling cancer. These benefits are even more
pronounced in sweet corn.
Although,
corn is yellow due to carotene, it has small amounts of beta-carotene.
The role of carotenes in the prevention of oxidative reactions and
cancers is noteworthy.
Rich in carbohydrates,
corn provides minerals and vitamins like potassium, phosphorus, iron
and thiamine. Corn oil is rich in poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)
(55%). Mono-unsaturated Fatty acids (MUFA) (32%) and saturates are 12%.
The former two fatty acids lower LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol). Corn
Oil, therefore, is a cholesterol fighter, hence , a good choice for
heart patients. The principal protein is Zein. The proteins in
maize as is in most cereals are incomplete proteins. These proteins
lack some of the essential amino acids if eaten alone. To get complete
proteins all that you need to do is add legumes (daals and pulses),
nuts, dairy products or animal protein, which contain the missing amino
acid (lyseine).
Fibre
is of two types namely the soluble and the insoluble type. The soluble
type is known to lower blood cholesterol and blood glucose. The
insoluble fiber is known to be beneficial for bowel function. Deficiency
of dietary fiber has been linked to constipation, cancer, high
cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and hypertension. Corn meal provides a
total of 15% fiber out of which 9% is soluble.
Processing
and refining in the manufacture of cornflakes, removes the fiber rich
pericarp and germ. This depletes the grain of most of its proteins, fat,
fiber, vitamins and minerals. ‘Corn flakes’ manufacturers fortify and
enrich the cereal with vitamins and minerals to compensate for some of
these losses.
The
glycemic index (ability of food to raise blood sugar) of corn is fairly
high and therefore, must be taken in moderation by weight watchers and
diabetics. Being gluten free, it is suitable for people with gluten
intolerance or celiac disease"
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