Thicker than cornmeal, cornmeal is an affordable food that can be used in a variety of bread, cake, farofa and couscous recipes, among a multitude of flavorful preparations and a brighter color.
Known to mankind for over 7,000 years, corn is one of the most nutritious grains available for our diet because it offers a host of vitamins and minerals, as well as carbohydrates and fiber. Its importance to our development was such that the name given to this cereal by the Caribbean Indians means "sustenance of life".
Benefits of Cornmeal
The benefits of corn remain after flour processing and are good reasons for you to look more carefully at this ingredient. Know the main ones:
1. Promotes energy production
As a source of zinc (a cup has 2 mg, which represents 25% of women's daily needs), cornmeal helps our bodies make better use of food by facilitating the transformation of carbohydrates into energy. In addition, zinc participates in protein metabolism, allowing muscle building.
This benefit is also due to the iron content of cornmeal (2.8 mg or 16% of women's daily needs per cup), as this mineral is critical for oxygen transport to cells.
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In the absence of these elements, we may feel tired, unwell, and even sadness and irritability due to the low energy to perform daily tasks.
2. Stimulates the immune system
This is another benefit of cornmeal conferred by the minerals zinc and iron, which participate in the production of defense cells and their action to combat invading microorganisms.
Without proper consumption of these minerals, we are more prone to colds, flu and infections in general, and our body takes longer to recover from illness.
3. Fight against anemia
The iron content of cornmeal also helps us to prevent iron deficiency anemia, which leads to a decrease in the number of red cells (red blood cells) in the blood as a result of the reduction in hemoglobin (protein in red cells).
Because red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen to other cells, allowing energy generation, the lack of iron causes tiredness, weakness and indisposition, which can harm us at work and in studies.
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4. Help with eye health
Corn is a grain rich in carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which have antioxidant properties and protect the retina from light damage, preventing diseases such as cataract and macular degeneration.
In addition, cornmeal contains beta carotene, which is transformed into vitamin A by our body and prevents night blindness.
5. Lowers LDL Cholesterol
Due to its fiber content (8.5 mg or 34% of women's daily needs in a cup), cornmeal helps control LDL cholesterol levels, considered to be bad cholesterol, by decreasing the absorption of fat in the gut. and favor its elimination by feces.
As a result, this food contributes to cardiovascular health by reducing the risk of fat plaque formation in the blood vessels.
6. Has no gluten
Since corn is a gluten-free cereal, unlike wheat, rye and barley, flour produced from this grain can be consumed by people with celiac disease or with intolerance to this protein.
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Thus, cornmeal can be used as a substitute for other flours in various preparations such as cakes, pies and pastas, which can be consumed by these patients or those who wish to avoid gluten for other reasons.
Cornmeal Recipes
Here are some recipes that take cornmeal and can be prepared easily in your daily life:
1. Cornmeal Cake
Besides being a delight to accompany a freshly brewed coffee, this cake is very easy to make as all ingredients are mixed in a blender. The touch of Parmesan makes the flavor even more special.
2. Cornmeal egg crumbs
This butter-fried corn crumbs are great for accompanying the barbecue, stuffing the chicken or adding rice to beans on a daily basis.
3. Mexican Tacos
Does cornmeal make these tacos super crispy and beautifully golden in color? And this recipe is much cheaper than buying the tacos at the supermarket!
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4. Gluten-free bread with chia
This gluten-free bread takes a mixture of cornmeal and rice to replace wheat flour and has the addition of chia seeds, which increase the feeling of satiety.
Although cornmeal is a versatile ingredient and allows you to prepare very tasty dishes, it is worth remembering that it has about 370 calories in 100 grams and has a high glycemic index, which means that this flour is quickly transformed into glucose and causes an insulin spike.
As a result, we tend to be hungry again shortly after eating this food. In addition, if consumed in excess, cornmeal favors fat accumulation, especially in the abdominal region. Therefore, moderation is the best way to enjoy all its benefits.
Uses for Cornmeal (May 2024)
- food
- 1,230
