History of corn.
As a cultivated plant, corn began to be cultivated almost 12,000 years ago in Mexico. Corns of ancient corn were 12 times smaller than modern ones. The length of the fetus did not exceed 4 centimeters. Many Indian tribes used corn for food, long before America appeared on the mainland America. Images of corn were found on the walls of Indian temples. Some tribes offered bread to the God of the Sun, made from corn flour, to get a good harvest.
Corn became widely known among European countries thanks to Christopher Columbus. In the 15th century corn grains came to Europe, in Russia acquaintance with useful grass occurred in the XVII century. Cultivated it in warm areas - Crimea, the Caucasus, the south of Ukraine.
In the beginning, corn was grown as an ornamental plant, but later, Europeans appreciated the taste of corn and its useful properties.
In Mexico today, corn is cultivated in various colors: yellow, white, red, black and even blue. The culture is planted along with the pumpkin, so did the Indians. Pumpkin delays moisture in the ground, prevents weeds from growing, thereby increasing the yield of corn.
Mexicans, like their ancestors, use a huge amount of corn. Thus, an average Mexican citizen eats about 100 kg of this vegetable a year. For comparison, in our country this figure barely reaches 10 kg per year.
Use of corn.
In the cobs of corn contains a large number of vitamins, minerals. In its composition there are polyunsaturated acids that help fight against cancer. Regular consumption of corn helps reduce cholesterol, improves the digestive tract.
The energy value of corn per 100 g is only 97 calories. It contains starch, protein, sugar, fats, ascorbic acid, vitamins and mineral salts.
Corn contains useful vitamin K, which is necessary for the normal operation of the cardiovascular system. In areas where residents consume enough of this vegetable per year, the percentage of diseases associated with cardiac dysfunction is lower.
Vitamin E has a positive effect on the skin, hair, slows down the aging process, and is also found in corn. Vitamin B, part of the Mexican vegetable, helps to cope with insomnia, depression, beneficial effect on the work of the nervous system.
Known to all, vitamin C helps to strengthen immunity. Vitamin D keeps teeth healthy and bones strong. Iron is necessary for us for "good" blood and a pleasant pink complexion. Potassium and magnesium are involved in the metabolism.
Corn oil helps to reduce appetite, does not contain cholesterol. Ideal if you follow a diet. Corn can reduce the negative effects in the body after eating fatty foods and alcohol.
In folk medicine, corn takes an honorable place. It is recommended for the prevention of hepatitis and cholecystitis, since it has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the liver and gallbladder.
However, the main value is represented by fibers into which the cob is wrapped. They have immunostimulating and choleretic properties, normalize metabolism, calm the nervous system. Masks from corn kernels moisturize the skin, bleach it.
Corn is grown on all continents. Corncobs are used not only for food. They produce plaster, plastic, fuel alcohol, paste. Corn is the main ingredient in most animal feeds.