Corn

Botanical name: Zea mays

Zea mays, corn or maize, is annual grass in the Poaceae (grass family) that originated in Central America. The leafy stalk produces ears which contain the grain, which are seeds called kernels. Maize kernels are used in cooking as a starch. It is rich in vitamins like Thiamin (Vitamin B1), vitamin C, pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5). It is good source of fiber. Corn contains abundant phosphorus apart from magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron and copper. It also contains trace minerals like selenium.

Benefits and uses:

Cooked corn has significant antioxidant activity, which reduces the chance of heart disease and cancer.

It contains high fiber, which helps to fight digestive problems like constipation.

Corn starch is used in the production of many cosmetics and may also be applied to soothe skin rashes and irritations.

Corn products can be used to replace carcinogenic petroleum products which form major components of cosmetic preparations.

It makes an outstanding feed ingredient for livestock and poultry.