Common misconceptions about sweet corn

(Baonghean.vn) - Sweet corn is one of the simple yet refreshing foods for summer. However, recently some information has easily led to misconceptions about sweet corn. Here are some common misunderstandings about this type of corn.

Sweet corn is one of the simple, clean, and refreshing foods for summer.

1. The majority of sweet corn is genetically modified:

Many people confuse "sweet corn," the kind we buy to eat, with "field corn"—the kind we rarely eat, used for animal feed or ethanol production. Much of the latter is genetically modified, but sweet corn is not. Last year, only about 3-4 percent of sweet corn grown in the U.S. was genetically modified.

One way to avoid buying genetically modified corn is to buy organic corn, as organic food standards prohibit genetic modification.

2. Corn contains a lot of sugar and makes you gain weight.

An ear of corn has the same number of calories as an apple and less than a quarter of the sugar content of an apple. This means that sweet corn is a healthy choice. However, don't assume that a corn cob that has been buttered and salted is still healthy.

Sweet corn is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, two bioactive compounds that are very good for the eyes.

3. Processing corn destroys nutrients.

In fact, antioxidant activity, which helps protect the body from diseases such as heart disease and cancer, is enhanced when corn is processed.

4. Corn is not good for your health.

Sweet corn is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, two bioactive compounds that are very good for the eyes. A medium-sized ear of corn also adds 3g of fiber to your daily diet.

5. The best way to choose good corn is by the color of the kernels.

Although people who enjoy eating corn often choose their favorite varieties, the more important thing is that the corn is fresh. Color isn't that important. Just avoid ears of corn with dry leaves and silk near the cob. Fresh corn is only fresh if you poke a kernel and white sap oozes out. To choose the freshest corn, avoid ears that have been picked more than a day ago.

Following false rumors, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development officially confirmed that Vietnam does not grow genetically modified sweet corn.

Sweet corn is grown in An Hoa, Quynh Luu. Photo: Thanh Nhan

Recently, some misinformation has circulated claiming that sweet corn sold on the market is genetically modified and poses a cancer risk. The Department of Crop Production states that Vietnam currently has approximately 50 varieties of corn, including 16 genetically modified varieties that have been officially recognized. All genetically modified corn is yellow corn, used for animal feed.

Meanwhile, sweet corn is quite commonly grown in the North Central regions. However, none of it is genetically modified.

According to the Vietnam Institute of Agricultural Genetics, recently, not only sweet corn but also a series of unusual products such as purple guava, purple longan, black tomatoes, etc., have been labeled as genetically modified. In reality, these fruits with unusual colors are simply products of breeding technology, selecting superior characteristics to stimulate the senses of consumers. Therefore, people can rest assured when using them.

Thu Tra

(Synthetic)