Is Corn Healthy for you?

by Meri Raffetto RD, LDN

There is nothing like corn on the cob to complete that summer meal. Unfortunately, corn has gotten a bad name especially in the weight loss world. Corn is in fact good for you containing a high amount of fiber, folate, and vitamin C. It also contains phytochemicals that help prevent certain kinds of cancers.

One of the problems is that people consider corn a vegetable when in fact it is a grain. This means that corn has more calories than vegetable servings so it should be used as a grain serving and not as a vegetable serving. Also, corn syrup which is used in many processed foods is linked to higher amounts of obesity.

The lesson is to enjoy your corn on the cob as one of your weekly grain servings and avoid the packaged foods made with corn syrup. A little is healthy, a lot will add to your waistline. Good nutrition is always about balance.

Check out our recipe of the month for our grilled corn recipe. Yum!

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