Are corn nuts bad for you?
In this short article, we will answer the question, “Are corn nuts bad for you?” with an in-depth analysis of corn nuts. The article explains reasons why corn nuts are bad for health as well as the process by which they are prepared. We have also discussed the nutritional profile of corn nuts and the amounts that are safe for consumption. Let’s start by answering the first question.
Are corn Nuts Bad for you?
Yes, corn nuts are bad for you. Corn nuts are prepared by deep-frying corn kernels in oil. Although they are produced from corn that belong to a vegetable group they are not a healthy option for snacking.
Deep frying causes the loss of nutrients in corn and increases the fat content which makes them bad for health. A pack of corn nuts typically contains 18 grams of fat and large amounts of sodium. This could be a concern for blood pressure and heart health.
What are corn nuts?
Roasted or deep-fried corn kernels are known as corn nuts. Corn nuts are not actually nuts. The name implies their crunchy and nutty flavor. They are a popular snack in America and Colombia. In Peru, corn nuts are called cancha.
How are corn nuts made?
Whole white corn kernels are soaked in water or lime solution for three days. Soaking helps soften the outer husk of corn. After three days these kernels are washed to remove the lime and husk. These kernels are then roasted or deep-fried in oil to make them hard and crunchy. Salt is added while frying.
Why are corn nuts bad for you?
Packaged corn nuts are high in calories, salt, and lack vitamins and minerals. They are lack nutrients which is why they are not very good for you. The excessive consumption of corn nuts on regular basis can give rise to the following concerns:
Increase cholesterol levels:
Naturally, corn nuts contain both saturated and as well as unsaturated fat. Unsaturated fat plays an important role in maintaining blood cholesterol levels in the body. Saturated fat is the bad guy here.
Corn nuts are deep-fried in oil to make them crunchy. This further increases the content of saturated fats in corn nuts. Although there is no harm in occasional consumption of fat-containing snacks regular intake of large amounts of corn nuts may lead to a buildup of fat in the arteries.
This ultimately results in plaque formation. Which increases the risk of heart diseases, atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke.
Risk of high blood pressure:
Corn nuts contain noticeably high amounts of sodium. Sodium is the risk factor for hypertension or high blood pressure. High levels of sodium in the blood can increase blood volume and blood pressure.
Other than that elevated levels of sodium in the bloodstream can cause headache, dehydration and in extreme cases stroke and kidney dysfunction.
Effect on the immune system:
Packaged corn nuts come in a variety of flavors and colors. They contain preservatives and chemicals to enhance their shelf life and increase their palatability. All these artificial colors and chemicals are bad for the digestive as well as the immune system.
Unpopped corn nuts are bad for teeth:
Small bits of corn kernels can get stuck in the cavities between your teeth. While frying, not all kernels pop. The unpopped kernel present at the bottom of the pack may crack your teeth if bit down hard on it.
Lack nutrients:
Vitamins and minerals are the essential nutrients that the body requires to carry out body functions on daily basis. Vitamins and minerals are crucial for a number of processes including growth and development.
They keep the heart, lungs, liver, and other organs functioning. Any snack or food that is devoid of these nutrients is unhealthy. Corn nuts contain minimal amounts of some nutrients like iron and high amounts of sodium. Which is not the ideal combination.
Cause digestive problems:
Corn kernels belong to the vegetable food group. As they are plant-based food they contain an amount of cellulose. Cellulose is a kind of carbohydrate present in the walls of plants. Humans cannot digest cellulose.
The enzyme required to digest cellulose is absent in humans. So, if not chewed properly, corn nuts can remain undigested. Corn nuts that are not broken down properly pass down the digestive tract and can cause gastrointestinal problems.
The undigested cellulose can lead to bloating, cramps, abdominal pain, and gas.
Conclusion:
There is no harm in consuming a single serving of corn nuts once in a while. But packaged corn nuts contain four servings per pack. Consuming these many servings at a time leads to a buildup of sodium and saturated fat in the blood.
Which is what you need to steer clear of. Packaged corn nuts lack essential nutrients, there’s no reason why you should be consuming the food that just provides calories. Instead opt for healthy, organic, and natural snacks.
