Does Eating Corn Increase Belly Fat?

The type of corn you eat can make a major difference when it comes to your waistline. Nutritionists agree that eating corn as a vegetable is good for you. It becomes a problem when it is altered and processed from its natural state. You can avoid putting on the pounds by eating corn appropriately.

Basic Digestion

• The digestion process begins in your mouth where the act of chewing along with saliva start to break down your food. It then proceeds to the throat where it moves to the esophagus or swallowing tube. Next, it moves to your stomach where it is further broken down by acids and powerful enzymes. It then moves to the intestines, which continue the process by using bile and enzymes from the liver and pancreas to fragment the food even more. Nutrients are then absorbed into the body and the leftover waste proceeds through the large intestine to the rectum and out of the body.

Good

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  Soda contains high-fructose corn syrup.

  
  

  Corn has many health benefits, as it is rich in fiber, which keeps your digestive system regular. It bulks up your stool by absorbing water and speeds the movement in your digestive track helping minimize constipation and hemorrhoids. Corn is a complex carbohydrate meaning that is also high in vitamins and minerals, like vitamin C, folic acid and niacin. These nutrients are good for preventing heart disease. Since corn is a complex carbohydrate, it takes your body longer to break down the sugar glucose, keeping your blood sugar levels stable and helping you feel full and satisfied. Eating a healthy diet with appropriate portion sizes, including fresh, frozen or canned corn, should not contribute to weight gain around your belly or anywhere else in your body.
• Bad

• Corn becomes bad for you in large amounts and when it is altered from its natural state into processed food products. Unfortunately corn-derived ingredients are found in most processed foods listed as high-fructose corn syrup, dextrose, xylitol and many other names. This is when corn becomes bad for you and can potentially pack on the pounds. Corn in these forms is a simple carbohydrate meaning that it contains no nutritional value, and when not used for energy in your body, it can be stored as fat. These corn derivatives are processed and metabolized differently than natural corn in your body, absorbing more quickly, increasing triglycerides and boosting glucose levels, which can lead to belly fat, diabetes and heart disease.

Recommendations

• If you are eating fresh corn or corn on the cob, eat it in moderation. Most adults who eat a healthy diet can eat 1/2 cup to 1 cup a day without worry about weight gain. In addition to portion control, watch what you add to corn on the cob by not overdoing it with butter. Avoid or limit products with high-fructose corn syrup and other corn-derived ingredients, as corn should come from the earth and not from a box or wrapper.