Eating Sweet Corn During Pregnancy -Health Benefits, Risks & Tips- Being The Parent

Q: Can Eating Sweet Corn During Pregnancy Lead to Heart Issues?

Sweet corn is rich in fatty acids. Over consumption of this can lead to heart related issues. Especially when you are pregnant and the heart is already stressed more than usual.

Q: Can I Eat Frozen Sweet Corn When Pregnant?

No, it is not advisable. Pregnant women are advised to opt for fresh sweet corn over frozen ones. Adding frozen sweet corn that is not cooked well can lead to food poisoning.

Congratulations! Once you discover that you are pregnant, you find yourself excited and happily looking forward to welcoming the new member into your family. Pregnancy is a period where you need extra nutrients and minerals to ensure you have a healthy diet. What about eating sweet corn during pregnancy?

Video of Sweet Corn During Pregnancy

Is it Safe to Eat Sweet Corn During Pregnancy?

Sweet corn is generally safe to eat during pregnancy when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced and varied diet. Corn is a good source of various nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, it’s essential to ensure that the corn is properly cooked to reduce the risk of food borne illnesses.

Nutritional Value of Sweet Corn

Sweetcorn is a nutritious vegetable that provides a good source of essential nutrients. It is rich in carbohydrates, primarily in the form of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut. Additionally, sweetcorn contains vitamins and minerals such as manganese and phosphorus, contributing to overall health and well-being.

A single cup of sweet corn has the following: (1)

Nutrients	Value
Energy	132 Kcal
Water	117 gm
Fat	1.82 gm
Carbohydrate	29.3 gm
Choline	29.1 mg
Fiber	4.16 gm
Calcium	3.08 mg
Iron	0.801 mg
Magnesium	57 mg
Phosphorous	137 mg
Potassium	416 mg
Sodium	23.1 mg
Vitamin C	10.5 mg
Vitamin K	0.4 µg
Folate	70.8 µg

Top 12 Benefits of Sweet Corn During Pregnancy

When it comes to pregnancy, sweet corn is a nutritional powerhouse that provides a plethora of advantages. There are many different vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients in it that are important for the mother’s health and the growth of her unborn child.

Following are the top 12 benefits of eating sweet corn during pregnancy.

1. Rich in Folate

Folate, also known as folic acid, is a B vitamin that is essential for the formation of the neural tube in the early stages of pregnancy (2). Eventually, the neural tube gives rise to the baby’s brain and spinal cord. Adequate folate must be consumed to avoid neural tube abnormalities and support the normal development of the fetus. Sweet corn contains a significant amount of folate, supporting the proper development of the baby’s nervous system.

2. Boosts the Immune System

While it may not be a direct powerhouse for immune health, it contains several essential nutrients that play roles in maintaining a healthy immune system. Boosting immunity is crucial during pregnancy. Sweet corn contains lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that are beneficial for eye health (3).

3. May Help to Alleviate Nausea

For pregnant women looking for a nutritious meal that is easy on the stomach—particularly those who experience nausea—sweet corn could be an excellent option due to its mildness and quick digestion. Staying hydrated throughout pregnancy is crucial, especially if morning sickness is an issue. Water-rich foods, such as sweet corn, can help with this, though they shouldn’t be relied upon as a replacement for water.

[Read: Morning Sickness During Pregnancy]

4. Reduces the Risk of Birth Defects

The overall nutrient composition of sweet corn is beneficial in lessening the likelihood of congenital defects. One such example is neural tube defects or NTD. Neural tube defects (NTDs) are complex congenital abnormalities that occur when the neural tube fails to close properly during embryogenesis (4). Sweet corn is a good source of folate. Folate is essential for DNA synthesis and cell division, especially during the early stages of fetal development. A deficiency in folate during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of neural tube defects, which are congenital abnormalities affecting the brain and spinal cord (4).

5. Helps Regulate Blood Sugar Levels

The soluble fiber content in sweet corn aids in regulating blood sugar levels, providing a steady release of glucose (5). Pregnant women may benefit most from this since it can help avoid gestational diabetes and maintain steady energy levels.

In addition, the natural sweetness of corn can be a healthier substitute for refined sugars. Using sweet corn in recipes can offer a sweet flavor without the need for excessive sugar, making it a beneficial option for women with gestational diabetes who want to minimize their sugar intake.

6. Choline Content May Benefit Developing Fetus

Choline, which is found in sweet corn, is essential for fetal brain development (6). It aids in the development of the brain and spinal cord by contributing to the neural tube’s development. Choline is critical during fetal development, when it influences stem cell proliferation and apoptosis, thereby altering brain structure and function (6). Choline is also essential during the later stages of pregnancy, when the hippocampus, the brain’s memory center, is developing (6).

7. May Contribute to Blood Pressure Regulation

A comparatively low intake of potassium (K+) and a relatively high intake of salt (NaCl) defines the diets of the majority of the global population. A diet of this nature has been linked to hypertension and cardiovascular disease (7). Maintaining stable blood pressure is crucial during pregnancy. Sweet corn contributes to this by providing potassium. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, reducing the risk of hypertension and related complications (8).

[Read: Hypertension In Pregnancy]

8. Can Help with Bone Development

Sweet corn is a good source of vitamins and minerals, especially phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. The placenta actively facilitates the transport of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium throughout fetal development. Without these minerals, the fetal skeleton can’t develop properly during pregnancy (9).

9. Helps With Gut Health

Sweet corn contains resistant starch, a type of starch that acts like fiber in the body (10). Resistant starch has been linked to improved gut health as it promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system.

10. Facilitate Blood Clots

Sweet corn contains vitamin K, a nutrient essential for blood clotting. During pregnancy, when the body undergoes various physiological changes, maintaining proper blood clotting mechanisms is crucial for maternal health.

11. Helps Boost Energy

Pregnancy demands increased energy, and sweet corn provides a valuable source of complex carbohydrates. These carbohydrates are digested slowly, offering sustained energy levels and helping to manage the heightened energy requirements (11). This helps to maintain stamina during pregnancy.

12. Helps to Prevent Anemia

Anaemia is known to be prevalent among pregnant women, and this condition can significantly increase the risks for both the mother and the fetus (12). During pregnancy, there is an increased need for iron to support the higher blood volume and ensure adequate oxygen supply to the developing fetus. Low iron intake and insufficient absorption may lead to anemia in pregnant women.

Iron is crucial for the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells, supporting the increased blood volume necessary for the developing fetus. Even though sweet corn’s iron content is not high enough, it can address this issue. Vitamin C, besides enhancing immune responses, will aid in the absorption of iron (13).

How Can Sweet Corn Be Added to Your Pregnancy Diet?

Corn is a healthy food that can be substituted for the various junk foods that you normally snack on whenever you desire to snack on something. Although it is a plant, sweet corn is added to a lot of dishes these days.

You can add corn to your sandwich, salad, soup, or toast to enhance its taste.
It can be added to pasta, pizzas, and rice dishes.
A pregnant woman can also eat corn on the cob directly by just grilling or barbecuing it.
You can have boiled sweet corn with a seasoning of your choice.

Precautions While Consuming Sweet Corn in Pregnancy

Although sweet corn is loaded with various nutritional benefits during pregnancy, one needs to adhere to certain precautions and tips to ensure that it does not harm you or your baby in any manner.

Given below are some precautions that need to be taken while consuming sweet corn during pregnancy:

Never go for corn that is sold on the roadside, as they are always prone to high-temperature conditions that make sweet corn lose its flavor due to the sugar present in it being converted into starch.
Make sure you buy husks that have a fresh green color while purchasing sweet corn.
Do not store it for more than a couple of days, as it loses its freshness.
Corn has considerable quantities of fatty acids so avoid eating too much sweet corn if you have a risk of any heart issues.
Always go for fresh, sweet corn rather than canned ones.
Although corn does have numerous health benefits, eating excess corn can trigger unwanted adverse effects. So make sure you have sweet corn in moderation.
Refrain from removing the husk to keep the corn fresh.
Keep the corn in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator.
Avoid adding artificial sweeteners or flavors to the corn kernels.

Tips to Cook the Corn the Right Way

The following tips will help you cook the corn the right way so that you can reap all its benefits:

Boil some water with a generous amount of salt in a saucepan. Add corn. Cook for about 4 minutes, or until the kernels are soft but still crunchy.
Boiling corn in milk is an excellent tip that helps bring out its natural flavor.
Pressure-cooking the corn is the easiest and fastest way to cook it. Put the corn and water in the pressure cooker, cover the corn, and pressure cook for 3–4 whistles. Let the pressure release naturally.

Yummy Corn Recipes

You can incorporate sweet corn into your pregnancy diet in a tasty way. Following are two yummy recipes for sweet corn:

1. Corn Chat

Sweet corn chaat is a spicy and tangy snack prepared with steamed or boiled sweet corn and spices. No cooking expertise is required for this simple, easy-to-prepare chat.

2. Corn Soup

Sweet corn soup is a nutrient-dense dish that is palatable for pregnant women. It helps to curb hunger pangs healthily. It is easy to make and adding other vegetables will enhance its nutritive value further.

Which Type of Corn to be Avoided?

Corn is an entirely safe food. However, some corn products are unsafe and should be avoided during pregnancy:

1. Popcorn

Popcorn contains trans fat. Overconsumption of popcorn during pregnancy will hinder its healthy progression. Likewise, salted, buttered, and caramelized popcorn are not healthy options during pregnancy.

[Read: Benefits of Eating Popcorn During Pregnancy]

2. Corn Syrup

Corn syrup is a sweetener that is made from the starch of corn. It is used in various food products. Corn syrup has a high glycemic index (6), which means it can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. Pregnant women, especially those with gestational diabetes or insulin resistance, should be cautious about consuming foods with high glycemic indices to help manage blood sugar levels.

Infographic – Benefits of Sweet Corn During Pregnancy

FAQ’s

1. What Happens if We Eat Sweet Corn Daily During Pregnancy?

Corn is rich in carbohydrates and nutrients. Therefore, eating sweet corn every day might lead to weight gain during pregnancy.

2. Is Sweet Corn Hard to Digest During Pregnancy?

It is important to cook sweet corn well so that it turns tender. Also, it is important to chew the corn well before ingesting it. Otherwise, eating sweet corn during pregnancy may bring about issues associated with indigestion.

3. Is Sweet Corn Good for Babies?

Sweet corn is high in B vitamins, iron, potassium, and zinc, all of which are vital minerals. All of them are necessary for the baby’s healthy growth and development.

4. Can Eating Sweet Corn During Pregnancy Improve My Baby’s Immunity?

Sweet corn is rich in antioxidants. When you eat sweet corn when pregnant, these antioxidants can get passed on to your baby. The phytochemicals can improve your baby’s immunity too.

5. Can Eating Sweet Corn While Pregnant Improve Brain Functions?

Sweet corn is a rich source of thiamine. This is an important component for brain function. It can also promote your fetus’ brain development.

6. Can Eating Sweet Corn During Pregnancy Lead to Heart Issues?

Sweet corn is rich in fatty acids. Overconsumption of this can lead to heart-related issues. Especially when you are pregnant and the heart is already stressed more than usual.

7. Can I Eat Frozen Sweet Corn When Pregnant?

Frozen food is not advisable during pregnancy. Pregnant women are advised to opt for fresh sweet corn over frozen ones. Adding frozen sweet corn that is not cooked well can lead to food poisoning.

Reference

Corn, sweet, white, raw – [https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168538/nutrients]
Folic Acid Supplementation and Pregnancy: More Than Just Neural Tube Defect Prevention – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3218540/]
Dietary Sources of Lutein and Zeaxanthin Carotenoids and Their Role in Eye Health – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3705341/]
Neural Tube Defects, Folic Acid and Methylation – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3799525/]
The Effects of Soluble Dietary Fibers on Glycemic Response: An Overview and Futures Perspectives – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9736284/]
Choline: Critical Role During Fetal Development and Dietary Requirements in Adults – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2441939/]
Why Your Mother Was Right: How Potassium Intake Reduces Blood Pressure – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4530669/]
The importance of potassium in managing hypertension – [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21403995/]
Bone development in the fetus and neonate: role of the calciotropic hormones – [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21904825/]
Carbohydrates, Dietary Fiber, and Resistant Starch in White Vegetables: Links to Health Outcomes – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3650507/]
Carbohydrates as a source of energy – [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8116550/]
Prospective study on the prevalence of anemia of pregnant women and its outcome: A community-based study – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5848390/]
Interaction of vitamin C and iron – [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6940487/]
Glycemic Index Guide – [https://glycemic-index.net/corn-syrup-dark/]

Is It Safe To Eat Sweet Corn During Pregnancy?