Corn in Pregnancy: Benefits & Side Effects

Corn is a staple food item that is consumed by people all over the world. It is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. During pregnancy, it becomes even more important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Corn can be a nutritious addition to a pregnant woman's diet, but it is also essential to understand the potential benefits and side effects associated with consuming corn during pregnancy.

In this article, we will explore the benefits and side effects of consuming corn in pregnancy and provide some tips to help expecting mothers make informed choices about their diet. Moreover, we will delve into the question of whether it's safe to consume sweet corn during pregnancy and examine any corn-based products that should be avoided during pregnancy.

Is eating corn safe during pregnancy?

There is a lot of conflicting information out there about whether or not it's safe to eat corn while being pregnant. Some sources say that it's perfectly fine, while others caution against it. So if you are wondering, if it's safe to eat sweet corn in pregnancy, here's the answer.

Eating corn while pregnant can be safe and even beneficial if consumed in moderation and prepared properly. Corn is a rich source of dietary fiber and folic acid, which are important for maintaining a healthy pregnancy. However, excessive consumption of corn can lead to heart ailments and indigestion, and canned or frozen corn should be avoided.

Pregnant women should also be aware of potential allergic reactions, thyroid gland interference, and high-glycemic levels. Corn is a common food allergen, so avoid it if you're allergic to it. Additionally, it contains a compound called fumonisin, which can potentially cause birth defects. However, the fumonisin levels in corn are generally low and not thought to be harmful. It's best to get an approval from your doctor once before you eat corns.

What is the nutritional value of corn?

Corn is a nutritious food that can be a part of a healthy pregnancy diet. It is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Corn is also low in fat and calories. It also contains vitamins C and B6.

Per 100-gram serving following are the nutritional value:

• Calories: 86 grams
• Carbohydrates: 19 grams
• Protein: 3.2 grams
• Fiber: 2.7 grams
• Vitamin C: 11%
• Vitamin B6: 5%

Women should aim to eat at least six servings of grains per day, including sweet corn during pregnancy. Grains should be cooked or processed so that they are easy to digest.

Benefits of corn during pregnancy

Corn does have certain health benefits that make it beneficial for pregnant women:

1. Prevents constipation

Corn is a great source of dietary fiber. Fiber helps to regulate digestion and can prevent constipation, a common problem during pregnancy.

2. Boosts immunity

Corn is rich in antioxidants, which help to protect cells from damage and can boost the immune system. Thereby, consuming corns can help keep infections during pregnancy at bay.

3. Provides folic acid

Corn is also a good source of folic acid. The folic acid in corn can help reduce the risk of certain birth defects, such as neural tube defects. Folic acid can also help to prevent birth defects of the brain and spine.

4. Improves memory

Forgetfulness is a part and parcel of pregnancy. But consuming corn during pregnancy can help provide vitamin B6, which can help improve memory power, aiding pregnant women to stay sharp and focused.

Including corn or sweet corn in pregnancy can help you meet your nutrient needs and may provide some health benefits for you and your baby. But remember, it is important to consume corn in moderation and prepare it properly to avoid any potential health risks.

Side effects of corn while pregnant

Here are some of side effects that one may experience while consuming corn in pregnancy:

• Corn is a common allergen, and pregnant women who are allergic to corn may experience severe reactions if they eat it.
• Additionally, corn contains goitrogens, which are substances that can interfere with the proper functioning of the thyroid gland.
• Another potential concern is that corn is a high-glycemic food, which means it can cause blood sugar levels to spike. This can be dangerous for pregnant women who have diabetes or gestational diabetes.
• Finally, some experts believe that the pesticides used on commercially grown corn may be harmful to developing fetus.

What to eat and what to avoid with corn products?

If you are pregnant and thinking about adding corn to your diet, there are some things you should keep in mind.

Processed corn products to avoid when pregnant:

• Corn chips
• Microwavable popcorn
• Corn syrup

Processed corn products, such as processed corn chips may not offer significant nutritional value. During the production process, these products tend to lose beneficial fiber and other essential nutrients. Additionally, many processed corn products are often enriched with high amounts of added salt, sugar, or fat, which can have negative health implications.

Sweet corn products to have when pregnant:

• Fresh corn nob
• Frozen corn
• Organic or GMO-labelled corn

Sweet corn, like fresh corn nob, is generally considered a healthy food choice during pregnancy. It is a good source of essential nutrients such as folate, which is important for fetal development. Sweet corn also provides dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation—a common issue during pregnancy.

You may also like: What Is the Best Diet Plan That You Must Consume During Pregnancy?

FAQs

1. Can you eat sweet corn in pregnancy first trimester?

Yes, you can safely eat sweet corn during pregnancy, even in the first trimester. It can help improve digestion, support immunity, prevent constipation, and aid in the prevention of birth defects and macular degeneration.

2. Is it okay to eat corn flakes during pregnancy?

Yes, it is generally safe to eat corn flakes during pregnancy, as long as they are consumed in moderation and without any artificial ingredients like sweeteners or flavors.

3. Can we eat corn flour during pregnancy?

Yes, corn flour can be consumed in small quantities during pregnancy. It is safe to use as an ingredient for taste, but it should not be eaten consistently in large amounts.

Conclusion

Eating corn in pregnancy can help provide many essential nutrients and vitamins. However, due to its high sugar content and potential digestive difficulties, it is important for women who are pregnant to talk with their healthcare provider before adding corn to their daily meal plan. By understanding the benefits as well as possible side effects of consuming corn during pregnancy, expectant mothers can make an informed decision. Visit Mylo Family to learn about whether or not certain foods should be part of the prenatal nutrition routine.

References

1. Al-Qudsi F, Alsudairi D. (2021). Effect of Corn Silk Aqueous Extract on Brown Adipose Tissue of Embryos and Neonates of Diabetic Pregnant Mice: A Histological Study. J Microsc Ultrastruct. NCBI

2. Prasanthi PS, Naveena N, Vishnuvardhana Rao M, Bhaskarachary K. (2017). Compositional variability of nutrients and phytochemicals in corn after processing. J Food Sci Technol. NCBI

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