Can you eat corn raw? Corn is a vegetable that has become a staple food in our daily lives. Corn is a good source of fiber, protein, and minerals, and it contains vitamins such as B1, B2, C, D, E, K, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and more.
The question is: should you eat corn raw? Is it safe to do so, and does it have any health benefits, or is it just a disaster waiting to happen? Keep reading to find out.
What Is Corn?
Corn (Zea mays) is a member of the grass family that grows above ground as a stalk with leaves attached. The plant produces ears of grain that are covered by husks.
The husk protects the kernels from insects and moisture loss.
When harvested, the kernels are separated from the cob. The cobs can be used for livestock feed, while the kernels are processed into many different foods, including sweeteners, animal feeds, oils, and more.
Corn: The Health Benefits
There are many reasons why people choose to eat corn. Some like its taste, others enjoy eating it because they believe it helps them lose weight, and others think it’s healthy because it’s full of nutrients. Here are some facts about corn.
Healthy Fatty Acids
Corn is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that help maintain heart health. They also help lower cholesterol levels and prevent blood clots.
Fiber
Corn is an excellent source of dietary fiber. Fiber helps keep your digestive system running smoothly. It also reduces the risk of colon cancer and diabetes.
Protein
Corn is high in protein. A cup of cooked corn contains around 10 grams of protein. This means that a serving of corn provides almost 25% of the recommended daily allowance of protein.
Calcium
Corn is rich in calcium. One cup of cooked corn contains about 200 milligrams of calcium. Calcium is important for bone development and maintenance.
Iron
Corn is another great source of iron. One cup of cooked corn contains around 1.5 milligrams of iron. Iron is needed for red blood cell production and oxygen transport throughout the body.
Can You Eat Raw Corn?
Yes! You can eat corn raw. However, there are certain precautions you need to take when doing so. First, make sure that the corn is freshly picked. If not, then don’t eat it. You should also make sure you wash the corn thoroughly before eating it.
Risk Of Eating Raw Corn
Are there any risks associated with eating raw corn? Yes, there are. There are two main concerns. The first is that raw corn may contain harmful bacteria.
Second, raw corn may cause intestinal problems if eaten too frequently.
In fact, we humans often have trouble digesting cooked corn, so, as you can imagine, raw corn isn’t exactly easy on the old guts.
Bacteria
Raw corn may contain bacteria such as Salmonella. Salmonella is a type of bacteria that causes diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and headaches.
These symptoms usually go away within 24 hours.
Intestinal Problems
Raw corn may cause intestinal problems. Intestinal problems include gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. These problems may last up to 2 weeks.
Health Benefits Of Eating Raw Corn
Despite its risks, eating raw corn has many benefits. For example, corn is considered a good source of protein. It’s also packed with vitamins and minerals. In addition, corn is low in calories.
If you want to try eating raw corn, here are some tips on how to do so safely.
Wash Your Hands After Handling Raw Corn
First, wash your hands after handling raw corn. Wash your hands with soap and water. Make sure to scrub all surfaces where you touched the corn. Also, use clean utensils or containers to store the corn.
Eat Only Once Per Week
You should only eat raw corn once per week. Doing this will reduce the risk of intestinal problems.
Can You Eat Raw Corn On The Cob?
The good news is, yes, you can eat raw corn on the cob. Unless you have an allergy, raw corn in most forms is safe to eat, as long as you wash it thoroughly and don’t overindulge.
However, raw corn has been described as an acquired taste, and you may find that you prefer your corn cooked rather than raw.
What Recipes To Eat Raw Corn With
Want to know how to use raw corn in the kitchen? Well, if you need some inspiration, you could try the following meal ideas:
Chilled Vegetable Soup
A chilled vegetable soup is one of the best meals to use raw corn in. Simply add corn kernels to the soup and let them cook until they become tender.
This way, you get a delicious side dish without having to worry about cooking the corn.
Taco Salad
This salad recipe uses fresh corn kernels and avocado to create a tasty taco salad. Add grilled chicken breast and shredded lettuce to complete the meal.
Raw Corn And Zucchini Salad
This raw corn and zucchini salad is perfect for summertime. Just add diced tomatoes, red onion, and basil leaves to the mix for a truly flavorful meal.
Raw Corn And Cashew Chowder
Just combine canned cream-style corn with cashews and milk to make this creamy chowder. Cook the mixture until heated through. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot.
How To Store Raw Corn
Raw corn needs to be stored properly. If you buy raw corn from a grocery store, keep it refrigerated. However, if you grow your own corn, you can store it at room temperature.
As mentioned earlier, raw corn can contain harmful bacteria. Therefore, you should always wash it before consuming it. Also, you should not eat more than one serving of raw corn per week.
Final Thoughts
Whether you want to munch it straight off the cob or throw it into a fresh salad, raw corn is mostly safe to eat, and it tastes delicious! It’s a versatile food that you can chuck into almost any meal.
As long as you store and handle raw corn safely, and you eat it in moderation, it’s fine to consume. So why not try it for yourself?
Through Addicted To Veggies, I want to share with you my favorite raw recipes. From brownie recipes, to recipes containing pumpkin, my site is full of delicious and wonderful options to consider.
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