In Rwanda, baby corn is mostly grown in Rwamagana District, and most of the time, one can find them in buffets at some restaurants. Baby corn is just regular corn that is picked before maturing. In terms of nutrition, nutritionists say baby corn varies slightly. It is known for its lesser starch content compared to regular corn. Nutrition Nathan Machara, a nutrition consultant, says baby corn is extremely nutrient-dense, and that in addition to essential fibres and protein, baby corn is packed with vital antioxidants too. In fact, he says it has been established that a half-cup serving of baby corn meets four percent of the daily body requirement of vitamin A and iron, and two percent of the daily requirement of vitamin C. The nutritionist says baby corn is very low in calories, and that, 100 grams of baby corn has only 26 calories. For this reason, Machara says, adding this grain to your weight reduction diet may help you shed some kilograms off, especially for those looking to lose weight. While corn is famous for its high starch and carb content, Erick Musengimana, a nutritionist at Rwanda Diabetes Association, says baby corn is less starchy, making it a low-card vegetable. He says baby corn has 0.9 grams per one serving (28 grams). It also has negligible fat content, which makes it a better bet for weight loss. In addition to this, he says this corn is also known for its fibre, and explains that soluble fibre helps control blood sugar levels, and is also good for the heart. “Fibre adds bulk to the stool and aids in bowel regularity. Fibre takes the longest to digest, thereby inducing a feeling of fullness. This feeling prevents one from consuming too much food,” Musengimana says. Machara says baby corn also helps in stimulating digestion as it’s packed with both soluble and insoluble fibres. According to him, fibres help stimulate healthy digestion. A healthy digestive system may also help in healthy and effective weight loss. Nutritionists also note that baby corn is also rich in folate. The folic acid is said to play an important role in preventing neural-tube birth defects in the foetus. For pregnant women, baby corn should be consumed regularly as it’s important for the growth of the foetus. Studies also show that baby corn is a storehouse of health benefits. They also have carotenoids or tetraterpenoids compounds present in them that are good for eye health and improve vision. Carotenoids are also good for reducing the risk of cataracts. Therefore, it is beneficial to include this vegetable in your diet to keep the eyes healthy.
