Purple Corn Offers Benefits Inside and Out (2024)

Posted by Korryn Shaw, Communications Staff Intern, National Institute of Food and Agriculture in Research and Science

Aug 01, 2019

Purple Corn Offers Benefits Inside and Out (1)

Purple corn is more than tasty and eye-catching. Scientists at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have discovered a game-changing element of purple corn – it may help reduce the risk of major health diseases.

While developing new types of purple corn, the researchers found some with elevated levels of a naturally occurring chemical that may fight obesity, inflammation, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. They also found that the outer layer of kernels might be used as natural food coloring.

USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture is supporting this research with funds through the Hatch Act. Hatch funds support agricultural research to solve problems that concern more than one state.

The research team, led by food science professor Elvira Gonzalez de Mejia and crop sciences professor John Juvik, created 20 varieties of the Apache Red maize strain, each with a different amount and type of anthocyanins, the element that gives the maize its distinct color. Studies have shown that eating anthocyanin-rich foods may reduce the risk of disease.

In one finding, the scientists tested purple corn’s phenolic compounds against insulin resistance. They induced insulin resistance in the mouse fat cells, treated the cells with the anthocyanin compounds, and monitored the glucose uptake. They found that insulin resistance decreased by 29-64 percent. Although more studies are needed, the research suggests that phenolic compounds might improve the insulin profile of people who are obese.

Juvik also described an extra benefit of purple corn. He noted that the natural color of purple corn could potentially be used as a food color replacement for red dye No. 40 – one of the major dyes used in the United States. People could then easily gain some health benefits through a natural, anthocyanin-rich pigment dye that is added to foods and beverages.

NIFA invests in and advances agricultural research, education, and extension and seeks to make transformative discoveries that solve societal challenges.

Category/Topic: Research and Science

Purple Corn Offers Benefits Inside and Out (2024)

FAQs

Purple Corn Offers Benefits Inside and Out? ›

Some studies show that the corn has anti-inflammatory effects. Anthocyanins in purple corn can help reduce inflammation in the body, potentially benefiting conditions like arthritis and certain inflammatory diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and arthritis.

What does purple corn do to your body? ›

Purple corn phenolic compounds have been shown in numerous studies to have potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, and anti-angiogenesis properties.

Is purple corn good for the kidneys? ›

Purple corn extract prevented the glomerular angiogenesis of diabetic kidneys by reducing VEGF and HIF-1a induction [22].

What are the benefits and side effects of yellow corn? ›

Corn is rich in fiber and plant compounds that may aid digestive and eye health. Yet, it's high in starch, can spike blood sugar and may prevent weight loss when consumed in excess. The safety of genetically modified corn may also be a concern. Still, in moderation, corn can be part of a healthy diet.

What are the positive benefits of corn? ›

It consists primarily of insoluble fiber, which makes it a low-glycemic index food. This means it is a food that is digested slowly and doesn't cause an unhealthy spike in blood sugar. It also contains many B vitamins, as well as essential minerals, including zinc, magnesium, copper, iron and manganese.

What color corn is healthiest? ›

Though some people believe that yellow corn is sweeter, that's not the case. The only difference is that the naturally occurring pigment that makes those kernels yellow, beta carotene, gives them a bit of a nutritional edge over white corn—beta carotene turns into vitamin A during digestion.

What happens if you eat corn everyday? ›

High intake can cause digestive upset, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea, in some people. Corn contains phytic acid, which may reduce mineral absorption. Mycotoxin contamination may also be a concern in developing countries. Finally, corn's soluble fiber (FODMAPs) may cause symptoms for some people.

Is purple corn good for high blood pressure? ›

The anthocyanins in Purple Corn reduced heart rate and blood pressure. Kidney Health: Antioxidant qualities in purple corn extract were able to stop the "glomerulosclerosis," or the hardening of the blood vessels in the kidneys, which is frequently linked to diabetes.

Is purple corn good for diabetics? ›

Purple corn may increase insulin secretion and glucose uptake. An in vitro study (meaning it was done in a test tube or petri dish) showed that anthocyanins–naturally occurring colored pigments –in purple corn promoted more insulin secretion in response to glucose intake. It also enhanced cellular uptake of glucose.

How to eat purple corn? ›

Playing with Purple Corn in Cornbread, Grits, and Chips!
  1. Purple Cornbread with a Side of Apple Braised Kale.
  2. Purple Corn Display at the AACCI Conference.
  3. Purple Grits!
  4. With an egg and some fried sage leaves…
  5. Purple Chips with Cranberry Salsa.
  6. Purple Cornbread with Blueberry Jam.
Nov 21, 2015

Is corn good for fatty liver? ›

Conclusion: Corn peptides improved cell injury and ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction and lipid accumulation via PINK1/Parkin-mediated autophagy in NAFLD. Thus, corn peptides could be a promising nutritional molecule with natural functions for preventing NAFLD.

Why is corn in my poop 5 days later? ›

Foods such as corn often remain partially undigested. Corn has an outer shell made of an indigestible material called cellulose. The body digests the material inside of the corn and expels the hard outer casing into the stool. High fiber foods are beneficial for most people.

How much corn should I eat a day? ›

Despite its nutritional value, it's still important to practice portion control even with foods like corn. While it is low in calories, it can still be consumed in excess leading to weight gain. Limit your corn intake to one medium-sized ear or one cup of kernels per day.

Why is corn good for the brain? ›

Corn is full of complex carbs that provide sustained energy for your body. It also contains all B vitamins, including folate, niacin and B6, which are good for the brain and heart health. And because it's full of insoluble fiber, corn is digested slowly and doesn't spike your blood sugar.

What happens to your body when you eat corn? ›

Corn has plenty of fiber, both soluble and insoluble. The soluble fiber in corn breaks down and forms a gel in the intestines and can play a role in controlling cholesterol. Soluble corn fiber is used in the manufacture of processed foods. The covering of each delicious kernel of corn is insoluble.

Does corn have medicinal properties? ›

Corn is also rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage and wards off diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Corn has smaller amounts of vitamins B, E, and K, along with minerals such as potassium.

Is purple corn safe to eat? ›

Purple corn can be used in many applications that call for conventional corn. As a result of its unique coloring preparations that show off its purple hue such as salads, tostadas, sautés, or simply grilled on the cob are ideal. Both the juice and the chopped kernels can be used to make sweet and savory baked goods.

Is purple corn drink good for you? ›

Purple corn is rich in anthocyanins, a powerful antioxidant with various health benefits such as anti-viral properties and fights off diabetes. It contains about 16.4mg/g of anthocyanins, much higher than blueberries. Anthocyanins are also studied to prevent skin damage from UV rays and lower the risk of cancer.

How does corn affect the human body? ›

Corn has plenty of fiber, both soluble and insoluble. The soluble fiber in corn breaks down and forms a gel in the intestines and can play a role in controlling cholesterol. Soluble corn fiber is used in the manufacture of processed foods. The covering of each delicious kernel of corn is insoluble.

What are the benefits of purple corn capsule? ›

Benefits
  • Antioxidant Powerhouse. Purple Corn expresses one of the deepest purple shades found in the plant kingdom, this vibrant purple hue being indicative of the kind of antioxidants it contains – anthocyanins. ...
  • Anti-Inflammatory. ...
  • Lowers Blood Pressure. ...
  • Kidney Health. ...
  • Eye Health.

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