Maize-A potential source of human nutrition and health: A review

Maize or corn (Zea mays L.) is an important cereal crop of the world. It is a source of nutrition as well as phytochemical compounds. Phytochemicals play an important role in preventing chronic diseases. It contains various major phytochemicals such as carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and phytostero...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cogent food & agriculture 2016-12, Vol.2 (1)
Main Authors: Rouf Shah, Tajamul, Prasad, Kamlesh, Kumar, Pradyuman
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Antiviral activity
Arteriosclerosis
Atherosclerosis
Bladder
Carotenoids
Cecum
Cereal crops
Complications
Corn
Corn oil
Endosperm
Fatty acids
Functional foods & nutraceuticals
GNA-maize
Health risks
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus
Nausea
Nutrition
Phenolic compounds
Phenols
Phytochemicals
Phytosterols
Prolamines
Silk
Starch
Vomiting
Zea mays L
Zein
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Maize or corn (Zea mays L.) is an important cereal crop of the world. It is a source of nutrition as well as phytochemical compounds. Phytochemicals play an important role in preventing chronic diseases. It contains various major phytochemicals such as carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and phytosterols. It is believed to have potential anti-HIV activity due to the presence of Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA) lectin or GNA-maize. A tablespoon of maize oil satisfies the requirements for essential fatty acids for a healthy child or adult. Decoction of maize silk, roots, leaves, and cob are used for bladder problems, nausea, vomiting, and stomach complaints. Zein an alcohol-soluble prolamine found in maize endosperm has unique novel applications in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical areas. Resistant starch (RS) from maize reduces the risk of cecal cancer, atherosclerosis, and obesity-related complications. This review presents a detailed view on the nutritional and potential health benefits of maize.
ISSN:2331-1932
2331-1932
DOI:10.1080/23311932.2016.1166995