Yellow Maize,yellow Corn

Maize is an annual cereal crop, belonging to the grass family of 'Gramineae'. It composes of kernels having long ears. These kernels are used in the form of grains as food for both humans and animals and also as a source of oil. Maize is also known by the name of 'corn' in many countries. Maize or corn is a rich source of carbohydrates, Vitamin B, proteins and minerals. Most of commercial maize grows at a maximum height of 2.5 ft. In India, maize is also known as 'bhutta' in Hindi.

Maize is a type of cereal grain. In countries like United states, Australia and Canada, it is known as corn. It has a nutritional value for both animals and humans. The word maize means “ one that sustains life”. Hybrid maize is one the variety of maize which generally have a high  yield level and that is why it is most favored by the farmers. Another varieties of  Maize are Sweet corn, Dent corn, Flint corn, Popcorn, Flour corn, Sweet corn and Pod corn.

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.

Maize is a rich source of Vitamin B1, Vitamin B5, Vitamin C, dietary fibers, etc. The presence of thiamin in maize helps in keeping the memory power intact, thereby preventing the dreaded "Alzheimer's" disease. Folate, a good source of Vitamin B helps in preventing birth defects and also helps in lowering the level of Homocysteine that has the potential of damaging the blood vessels. Consumption of corn also prevents the occurrence of lung cancer as it is rich in beta-cryptoxanthin, an orange-red carotenoid found in corn in large proportion.