Your health: Pros and cons of corn
Corn: good or bad?
With all the information out there about the starch/grain/vegetable being healthy or not, it can get a bit confusing at times. So website FabFitFun.com tells you what’s poppin’ and what’s not with this barbecue staple:
The good: Apart from providing 10 percent of your recommended daily fiber, corn is great for the digestive tract, can help prevent diabetes and is packed with antioxidants. And with 800 kernels on the average ear, it’s definitely a satisfying mouthful.
The bad: Turns out corn is a carb-filled grain, not a vegetable as so many people believe. What does this mean? As with everything, moderation is key. Toss some fresh kernels on your salad or a few ears on the grill, but keep it as a side meal and not a main course. Also, remember to buy during the summer months for the freshest crops and watch out for the slathering of butter that often comes with the cob.
The worst: According to the Environmental Working Group, sweet corn is generally low in pesticides, but more than 70 percent of all corn in the U.S. is genetically modified. Researchers aren’t sure what the long-term impact of the modifications are, but many recommend shelling out a few extra bucks for the organic variety. And of course, avoid high-fructose corn syrup, which studies say manipulates the chemicals in our body so we crave more of it.
Start mornings right
A balanced breakfast is key to staying on track for the rest of the day and providing you with proper energy, says website FabFitFun.com.
Try these nutritionally balanced breakfast choices to ensure that your body is fueled and that you can take on your day:
Ÿ Quinoa — it’s a great gluten-free, protein- and fiber-rich breakfast option.
Ÿ Whole-grain toast with almond butter — almond butter is a great source of essential fatty acids and contains 25 percent less saturated fat than peanut butter.
Ÿ Yogurt parfait — combine Greek yogurt, walnuts and oats for a breakfast blend. Greek yogurt and oats make a perfect protein-carbohydrate combination, and walnuts are a great source of antioxidants and heart-healthy omega-3s.