Calorie content, benefits and harms of corn porridge
Porridge helps to strengthen both the health of adults and babies. This article will tell you more about the calorie content, benefits and dangers of corn porridge.
Compound
Corn porridge is loved by many. This dish is not only quite nutritious, but also very tasty. This cereal contains many active ingredients that can improve the functioning of internal organs.
Fragrant porridge made from corn contains a real vitamin and mineral complex. Yes, it contains:
- vitamin C;
- B vitamins;
- tocopherol;
- biotin;
- a nicotinic acid;
- phosphorus;
- potassium;
- iron;
- sodium;
- copper;
- nickel;
- calcium.
This cereal is also useful because it contains quite a lot of organic proteins. Many of the amino acids that make up the molecules of such vegetable proteins are truly unique. So, in the composition of this cereal there are histidine and tryptophan. These components have a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system, which leads to an improvement in human well-being.
Cereals are an important food in the diet of a person who monitors his health. However, not everyone, unfortunately, can eat them. In some diseases, cereals can cause serious harm to the body. So, for example, some cereals containing gliadin in their composition are not suitable for people suffering from celiac disease.This substance is not present in corn porridge, therefore it is allowed for consumption by people suffering from this insidious disease.
The composition of corn grits contains not only carbohydrates and proteins. It also contains fats. It should be noted that some of the fatty acids that form lipid molecules that are part of corn porridge are very beneficial for the human body. So, in the yellow grains of cereals there are linolenic, arachidonic and linoleic acids. These components have a positive effect on the metabolism of fats in the body, and also help to reduce the concentration of cholesterol in the blood.
Corn grits can be different. It differs in the quality of grinding, as well as in the size of the grains. Food manufacturers often indicate the grinding of grains on the packaging. For those who like cereals made from larger grains, it is better to give preference to products with a grinding degree of 1 to 3. For those who prefer to enjoy more delicate cereals in texture, it is better to choose a finer grind - from 4 to 5.
The color of grains of cereals may be different. This largely depends on the original corn variety that was used by the manufacturer in the production. When buying, it is better to give preference to cereals that have a beautiful yellow tint. It is better that there are no foreign inclusions in the product. A good cereal should have a delicious, slightly nutty flavor.
The taste properties of the product depend on how well the cereal is stored. So, it is best to store this product in a well-ventilated place at a low temperature. The humidity in the room should be medium.
On average, the shelf life of such cereals is up to 20 months from the date of manufacture. Manufacturers must indicate the expiration date of the product on the packaging.
Calorie content and nutritional value
Porridge made from corn is quite nutritious. After its use, satiety is maintained, as a rule, for several hours. The calorie content of porridge can be different. The total number of calories contained in the finished dish is largely determined by the products that were used to prepare it. So, the calorie content of corn porridge cooked in milk will be higher than that of a similar dish, but cooked in water.
Adding butter, sugar or cream also changes the calorie content. This should be remembered by people who carefully monitor their weight. Adding full-fat milk, cream or butter can increase the calorie content of cereal, which will lead to weight gain. It helps to increase the calorie content of the finished dish and the addition of dried fruits, honey or nuts to it.
The calorie content of porridge cooked without adding milk is approximately 90 kcal per 100 grams. At the same time, the finished dish contains quite a lot of food nutrients that provide the body with the energy it needs to work. A dish prepared with milk already contains about 120-150 kcal per 100 grams. An average serving of porridge will contain about 250 kilocalories. If you add additional honey or other sweet fillers to the porridge, then a small portion of such a dish in terms of its calorie content can even be 350 kcal.
Many people who carefully monitor their weight take into account the calorie content of dry cereals when compiling the menu.This makes it easier for them to estimate and calculate how many calories are in one serving of a dish. So, 100 grams of dry corn grits contains 336 kcal. At the same time, a similar amount of cereal contains 8.4 g of proteins, 1.3 g of fat and 76 g of carbohydrates.
What is useful?
The bright sunny corn kernels contain quite a lot of plant fibers. These components help to improve the functioning of the digestive system of the body, leading to the normalization of appetite and digestion. Scientists have proven that with the regular use of such plant fibers, intestinal function is significantly improved, which leads to the normalization of the stool. It is no coincidence that cereals, which have vegetable fiber in their composition, are necessarily introduced into the diet of people who have difficulty with normal bowel movements.
The vitamin complex of group B, present in grains, helps to normalize the functioning of the nervous system. It is believed that people who regularly consume corn porridge get less tired and better adapt to various stresses. Also in the "sunny" grains of corn there are active ingredients that help improve mood.
A serving of corn porridge is a natural remedy that helps fight autumn blues or depression. People who consume this dish in the morning note that such a healthy breakfast helps them feel better throughout the day, and also energizes them for productive work.
Corn porridge also contains substances that have a beneficial effect on the composition of the blood. Thus, this dish benefits not only children, but also adults. Corn porridge is also useful for the elderly.The active components contained in it contribute to the normalization of lipid metabolism in the blood, which leads to a decrease in cholesterol levels. In adulthood, the risk of developing hypercholesterolemia (a condition characterized by an increase in cholesterol levels) increases significantly.
Corn porridge is also able to influence the coagulation properties of blood. So, it contains vitamin K and other active components that affect the blood coagulation system. These lipophilic substances normalize coagulation. This effect contributes to the fact that the risk of the formation of pathological blood clots is reduced significantly.
The benefits of corn porridge cooked in milk for the body are enormous. This nutritious meal contains a lot of energy. This porridge is a great breakfast option. This tasty dish can also be prepared for lunch if desired. The nutritional nutrients contained in it will enrich the body with the energy that it needs for active work.
Fragrant porridge also contains substances that have an antioxidant effect. They provide support for the physiological functioning of cells. Scientists note that with the regular use of food products containing active components with an antioxidant effect, aging is slowed down, and the body's high resistance to stress is maintained.
Corn porridge can be included not only in the diet of an adult, but also in the menu of kids. This dish contains active substances that contribute to the normalization of the transmission of information through nerve cells. Toddlers who regularly consume this dish are better able to cope with intense mental stress.It is no coincidence that corn porridge is a dish that is often included in the menu of school canteens.
This "sunny" porridge also contains active ingredients that help strengthen the strength of the teeth. So, corn grains contain silicon - an important mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel.
Porridge made from corn rarely causes allergies. Cases of the development of an allergic pathology to this food product are extremely rare in medical practice. Corn grits are allowed even for infants.
Corn porridge is a dish that is quite easily digested in the body. Even in people with chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, after eating this dish, there is no pain in the abdomen or dyspeptic symptoms. Porridge made from corn belongs to the dishes of the medical menu. It is allowed even for people with some stomach diseases.
Corn porridge can affect the functioning of the intestines. However, when using this dish, you should monitor its quantity. So, a large amount of porridge from corn, as a rule, strengthens the stool. Porridge cooked in milk with the addition of butter usually weakens. This should be remembered by people suffering from chronic bowel diseases, accompanied by impaired functioning.
Corn porridge boiled in water is one of the dishes that people who want to lose weight can include in their menu. A small serving of porridge contains very few calories. At the same time, if you eat corn porridge for breakfast, then you should not be afraid for the appearance of extra pounds.
In order not to provoke the appearance of additional centimeters at the waist, when preparing porridge, do not add fatty milk or cream to it. A fragrant dish for weight loss is best cooked on water. In this case, be sure to monitor the amount of added butter.
Porridge made from corn also contains components that help remove metabolites and toxic substances from the body. Also, regular consumption of this dish helps to cleanse the body of various radionuclide substances. Residents of industrial cities have a rather high risk of accumulation of such components. Eating corn porridge will help prevent the adverse effects of such toxic substances on the body.
Corn porridge helps to improve the appearance. So, after regular use of this dish, skin tone improves, as well as its elasticity. There are also components in corn grits that help improve the appearance of nails. With regular use of this dish, the nail plates become denser and break less.
Biotin, which is found in corn kernels, also helps to improve the appearance of hair. This component is necessary in order for the hair to become more silky. The complex of vitamins of group B helps to accelerate hair growth.
Corn porridge should be included in your menu for people with diseases of the heart, blood vessels or nervous system. This dish contains many useful components that help improve well-being. Also, the use of this dish helps to reduce the risk of the formation of various complications of such pathologies.
Contraindications and harm
Caution when using this dish should be observed by people with peptic ulcer disease. Doctors recommend introducing corn grits into the diet for this pathology only during remission. At the same time, it is better to cook the dish on water, avoiding the addition of foods that can provoke the appearance of soreness in the abdomen and other uncomfortable symptoms.
You can not use this dish for people with individual intolerance to corn. Unfavorable symptoms of this pathology appear, as a rule, after the first use of the provocative product. People who, after eating corn, feel soreness in the abdomen or note stool disorders, should stop eating corn porridge in the future.
Another contraindication is an allergy to corn. This pathology is quite rare in medical practice, however, isolated cases of this disease are still recorded. Suspecting the development of an allergic pathology is quite simple. So, if after eating corn porridge, itchy skin rashes or redness appeared on the skin, then it is likely that allergies became the cause of their development. In this case, you should definitely consult with an allergist.
Caution when eating porridge made from corn should also be observed by people suffering from blood diseases. Before eating corn porridge, they should definitely consult a doctor.
Features of use
Corn porridge refers to dishes that can be consumed in various diseases.This dish contains many useful components that help improve a person's well-being, as well as reduce the risk of developing various complications of these pathologies.
With diabetes
People suffering from persistent hyperglycemia should definitely monitor the amount of carbohydrates consumed. When introducing corn porridge, diabetics should remember that this dish contains quite a lot of carbohydrates, as well as active ingredients that can affect the development of the disease.
People with type 2 diabetes, when compiling a nutrition menu, evaluate an important clinical indicator - the glycemic index. Each food item has its own glycemic index. In corn grits, this figure is 75 units. This value can be called relatively high.
Foods with this indicator should not be abused in type 2 diabetes. In order not to provoke the development of bad consequences of the disease, corn porridge should not be eaten more than once a week. Too frequent use of this dish can provoke the appearance of adverse symptoms, as well as cause the development of hyperglycemia.
Corn porridge can contain quite a lot of carbohydrates. So, adding honey, sugar or dried fruits to a dish significantly increases its glycemic index. People with type 2 diabetes should boil porridge with water, avoiding adding additional sugary additives.
With gastritis
Porridges are allowed to be included in the diet of people suffering from chronic diseases of the stomach. This dish contains many active ingredients that contribute to the healing of the gastric mucosa.Also, the use of cereals helps to reduce the occurrence of new exacerbations of pathology.
During the acute period of this disease, corn porridge should not be introduced into the diet. Doctors recommend introducing this dish on the menu after the acute inflammatory process in the stomach subsides. You can eat cereals from corn during the remission of this disease. This dish contains a complex of active substances that contribute to better digestion of food, and also help to normalize digestion processes.
People suffering from chronic gastritis, when eating corn porridge, should definitely monitor its amount. After excessive consumption of this dish, a person with this disease may develop adverse symptoms.
If after it pain or a strong feeling of heaviness appeared in the abdomen, then the serving size and frequency of consumption of this dish should be reduced.
With pancreatitis
Diet therapy for inflammatory diseases of the pancreas is important. During the acute period of the disease, any dishes that can provoke the appearance of adverse symptoms are excluded. In the very first days after the onset of the attack, all cereals that can cause pain in the abdomen are excluded. Should not be included in the menu for exacerbation of pancreatitis and corn porridge.
During an unstable remission of this pathology, corn porridge should also not be consumed. Its grains contain quite a lot of plant fibers and other components that affect the functioning of the pancreas.
Chronic pancreatitis is a rather insidious pathology. Even the use of corn porridge can lead to the appearance of adverse symptoms of this disease.People suffering from this disease should not eat corn porridge.
During pregnancy
Porridge made from corn grits also contains quite a lot of folic acid. This substance is necessary for the good development and growth of cells. The need for folic acid throughout life is constantly changing.
Folic acid is an important substance that the body of a pregnant woman needs. It contributes to the good intrauterine development of the fetus. If the expectant mother consumes a sufficient amount of food containing folic acid in its composition, then the risk of developing many diseases in her baby is significantly reduced.
At first feeding
Care should be taken when introducing cereals made from corn into the diet of an infant. The first portion of porridge should be small.
After the introduction of such complementary foods, caring parents should definitely evaluate the well-being of the baby. So, if a child has a swollen stomach or a broken stool after eating such a dish, then the baby should definitely be shown to the pediatrician. The cause of these symptoms could be an individual intolerance to the product. If this pathology has been identified in the crumbs, then the use of corn grits should be abandoned in the future.
Fragrant porridge made from corn is very useful for the child's body. The lipids contained in it contribute to the normalization of the nervous system. So, children who regularly consume corn porridge develop better and cope with any stress. The child after eating this dish feels full for a long time. It also increases its tolerance to various physical activities.
It is believed that babies who periodically eat corn porridge get sick less. This cereal contains active ingredients that enhance immunity. Corn porridge helps reduce the risk of various diseases, including those of infectious origin.
Many babies love corn porridge because of its unique flavor properties. Many babies love the taste of cornmeal porridge so much that they ask their parents to cook it every morning. Parents of crumbs should make sure that only high-quality products are used in the preparation of this dish. In this case, the benefits for the growing body will be much greater.
Usually mothers of babies use various recipes for making delicious porridge from corn. In order to reduce the likelihood of the formation of various adverse symptoms in the crumbs after the introduction of such complementary foods, doctors recommend preparing cereals for babies on the water. In some babies, milk porridge can provoke the appearance of soreness in the abdomen, bloating and unpleasant symptoms.
The initial dose of porridge should be minimal. So, for the first "acquaintance" with a new product, a child needs only half a teaspoon of porridge. If after this amount the baby does not have any adverse symptoms, then the amount of porridge can be gradually increased.
Children's experts note that one should not rush to introduce corn porridge into the diet of a child in the first year of life. It is better to start giving this dish to the baby by 8-9 months after his birth.
If he has any chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or comorbidities, then in this case, corn porridge should be introduced into his diet only after prior consultation with the pediatrician.
When preparing porridge for an infant, remember that salt and sugar should not be added to it. Also, honey should not be added to the dish, as it can provoke the appearance of symptoms of an allergic pathology in the crumbs. If desired, a little breast milk can be added to the finished porridge. Sweet additives to porridge can only be added to babies older than one year.
Cornmeal porridge should be at a comfortable temperature. Before giving this dish to a child, it should be slightly cooled. Grains should be well sorted before cooking.
When losing weight
Corn porridge can be included in the diet menu. A small portion of this dish contains a moderate amount of calories. Reviews of people who eat corn porridge for weight loss indicate that this dish helped maintain long-term satiety.
Porridge made from corn is great for a nutritious breakfast. For people who monitor their weight, it is better to boil such porridge in water. Do not add high-fat milk or cream to the dish. Also, during weight loss, be sure to monitor the amount of added butter.
In order to improve the taste of the finished dish, you can use various sweeteners. During weight loss, natural supplements are great. So, adding a small amount of honey will add sweetness to the porridge, and also give the dish more useful properties. You can replace honey with a small amount of fruits or berries.
For more on the properties of corn grits, see the following video.