Nigeria: Expert Says Consumption of Maize Good for Management of Diabetes, Obesity
A Nutritional Biochemist, Dr Ochuko Erukainure, said on Sunday that consumption of maize was good for the management of diabetes and obesity in both children and adult. Erukainure,
a Senior Research Officer at the Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO), Oshodi, told the Pressmen in Lagos that maize was one of the seasonal foods good for healthy living. He said maize was rich in micro-nutrients like manganese, zinc, iron, copper and selenium, adding that its consumption could address the micro-nutrient deficiencies. “Maize is part of the food items being enjoyed by people in various forms such as whole corn, corn flour, cornstarch, corn gluten, corn syrup, cornmeal, corn oil, popcorn, cornflakes, among others. “Apart from satisfying the taste buds of its users, maize is also a good source of vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre. “Maize is rich in ferulic acid, a phenolic compound with anti-cancer activity, and anthocyanins found in purple corn are also a good antioxidant phytochemicals with reported anti-cancer activity. Erukainure said that maize was nourishing snacks with no cholesterol, but contained high fibre which was ideal for body building and weight-watch when eaten in moderation. He, however, advised that maize should be eaten moderately to enhance its effectiveness in strengthening the immune system for healthy life.
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