Yellowish corn flour, prepared from ground corn kernels, is a useful and tasty addition to a healthy diet. Because it does not contain gluten , it is one of the healthiest alternatives to wheat flour and can completely replace it. It also contains some vitamins and minerals that are useful in the treatment and prevention of a number of health conditions.
This forgotten type of flour serves as an excellent source of zinc - an important mineral for enzyme function. Zinc activates enzymes that regulate the genetic activity of cells, strengthens the immune system and helps to extract energy from food. It protects DNA and cell membranes from free radical damage by its antioxidant action . 100 g of flour offers more than 2 mg of zinc or 25% of the Indicative Daily Intake (RDA) for women and 18% of the RDA for men.
Corn flour is also rich in iron . 100 g of it contains 2.8 mg of iron - 35% of ODP for men and 17% for women. Iron is incorporated into hemoglobin , a protein in red blood cells that is responsible for circulating oxygen throughout the body and boosts the function of white blood cells , a component of the immune system that fights infections .
The golden-yellow color of the flour is due to the carotenoids it contains - yellow, orange and red plant pigments. Lutein and zeaxanthin , two of the most abundant carotenoids in this flour, help filter light from the eyes, enhance vision and protect against the development of age-related diseases such as macular degeneration . Other carotenoids, such as beta-carotene , help absorb vitamin A , support immunity, accelerate cell growth and red blood cell production. 100 g of flour contains 15% of ODP for women and 11% for men.
Cornmeal pastries are more filling because they are rich in fiber . They absorb water and swell in the digestive tract - a property that results in better bodily control over blood sugar and insulin , as well as over blood cholesterol . This combined effect significantly reduces the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease . 100 g of corn flour contains 8.5 g of fiber - 35% of ODP for women and 22% for men.
Corn flour is especially popular for making delicious and diet breads, cakes, pancakes, muffins and more.