Who Does Not Love Corn?

Corn Offers More Than A Summer Vegetable Staple

No other vegetable brings up the memory of summer and warm weather fun like corn. An ear of corn buttered and seasoned to your liking is just the right thing to get you in the mood for a picnic. But, there is more to corn than that summer favorite. Let’s take a closer look at some of corn’s better qualities and characteristics.

What is it?

Corn is the well-recognized product of stalks growing tall in vast fields that reach the horizon.  The layers of broad leaves are the germinating environment for the ears themselves, and as the corn grows inside this cocoon, male and female flowers mature and release pollen as the entire plant matures.

In the United States, corn is the leading field crop by a two-to-one margin.  We know what corn on the cob looks like. But, this summer picnic staple has a bigger audience than that. Corn is used to produce everything from fuel alcohol for a cleaner burning gasoline, to butters, cereals, soft drinks, and snack foods. It is also grown as feed for livestock.

History

Corn or “maize” has been grown since prehistoric times by some of the earliest civilizations in our world’s history. Mayan and Olmec cultures were among the first to cultivate corn in the southern part of Mexico, and the crop began to spread through the Americas by the year 1700 B.C. 

When Europeans began to travel to and settle in the Americas, they traded corn with their mother country, and corn began to be a well-known staple of diets around the world. Today, corn is produced on every continent in the world except Antarctica.

Health Benefits

Corn’s most significant contributions for our health is as a source of vitamins B1, B5, and C, as well as folate, manganese, phosphorus, and dietary fiber. Folate helps reduce the risk of birth defects, heart attack and colon cancer. The B vitamins support memory function which can reduce the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease.

A diet rich in whole grains, such as the grain processed from dried corn, (cornmeal and cereals, for instance) is also generally assumed to have phytonutrients to ward off disease to our organs and vital tissues. Research has also shown that eating sweet corn can support the growth of friendly bacteria in the large intestine which can help lower the risk of colon cancer.  Eating corn has been long believed to add much needed fiber to our diet.  That fiber can come from eating sweet corn or cornmeal.

Fun Facts

You can get creative with corn.  Of course, dried cornstalks are often bundled and used to decorate homes and businesses during the fall.  Also, a corncob can be treated and hollowed out to make pipes for smoking. Some farmers plant varieties of corn that grow very tall in order to create mazes for the sake of entertainment.

Scientifically speaking, the name for corn is “zea mays” which leads us to the word “maize,” the traditional name by which the Native Americans called this crop.  However, many cultures throughout the world have cultivated corn and called it by a variation of the word.  The colors of corn may surprise you. We normally see sweet corn on the table in shades of yellow, but corn is grown in a variety of colors which include red, purple, blue, and even pink.  Some of this corn is strictly ornamental, but some is edible, too.

How to Eat

Choosing a fresh ear of corn means choosing ears that have green husks that are not dried out. You can check the freshness of individual kernels by pressing on them with a fingernail. The freshest corn will emit a milky, white fluid that indicates the corn is at its peak of sweetness and flavor. The husks protect the corn, so they should only be removed when you’re ready to eat the ears you’ve purchased.  I know many stores husk the corn, trim it, and wrap it in plastic.  If that’s your only option, that’s fine, but look for corn that is still in the husk for optimum freshness and sweetness.

The most common variety of corn is either the yellow sweet corn or the white and yellow combination colored sweet corn.  You may find a variety of colors in your region, including black, blue, and violet. These darker varieties generally contain more antioxidants and protein levels and less starch than lighter color specimens.  If you can’t find fresh ears of dark colored corn, check out the blue corn chips. These are increasingly popular and make a beautiful, and nutritious, snack.

Frozen whole kernel sweet corn is your next best choice after corn on the cob.  The corn is picked ripe, then quickly removed from the cob, blanched and flash frozen.  The quality may often surpass fresh corn toward the end of the season.  

There are a number of delicious cold salads you can make with corn. You’ll also find corn adds a wonderful filling taste and texture to many soups, chili, and casseroles. And don’t forget the corn products, like cornmeal, cornflour, cereals, and other dried corn ingredients we can cook with.

If you are a grilling fanatic, be sure to add corn to your menu.  Just remove the silk, keep the husks wrapped tightly and soak in cold water.  Remove and place on low grill on indirect heat until you can smell the sweet corn aroma.  Remove and baste with seasoned butter for even more savory goodness.

It’s no wonder corn is such a mainstay in our diet. With so much versatility, nutrition, and deliciousness, corn is going to be around for a long time.

Resources

Videos

1. http://www.imcooked.com/view_video.php?viewkey=bb2a95e79248486a5f6d
2. http://www.imcooked.com/view_video.php?viewkey=22145b3701b0184109ca

Recipe

Garden Corn Souffle

• 2 cups corn, fresh cut from cob
• 2 eggs
• 2 Tbsp butter, melted
• 2 cups milk, scalded
• 1 small red or green bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 Tbsp grated sweet onion
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Method

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Lightly grease a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish.  Set a larger baking dish out (that the casserole will fit in).  You will be baking the casserole in a water bath in the larger dish.

With a sharp knife, cut corn kernels from cob (stand corn cob on its tip, holding by large stem end, and run knife blade from top to bottom, removing kernels.)
In a cold mixing bowl, beat eggs until frothy, then whisk in milk and melted butter until blended.

Put corn, bell pepper, onion, salt, and black pepper in bowl with egg mixture and stir to combine.

Pour the mixture into the casserole and set it in the larger baking dish and set in oven, then fill a pitcher with hot water from faucet and pour carefully into larger baking dish so casserole is sitting in a water bath inside the oven.  Slide all the way into the preheated oven and bake at 325 degrees for 55 to 65 minutes.

Test to see if done by inserting a thin knife blade into center; it should come out clean if the eggs are set.

Remove and let stand at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

This will serve about 4 to 6 people as a side dish.

See Better When You Lose Weight

I was speaking to a friend of mine who lost some weight, and we started talking about how much better you can see when you lose weight.  Now you may be thinking – what do your eyes have to do with losing weight?  As we sat down and talked, I thought this has to be captured and shared. 

Here are a few things that you’ll see better as you lose weight (and perhaps somethings you will not see).

1. Won’t see that b-u-l-g-i-n-g stomach!
2. Won’t see that fat ass.
3. Won’t see man breasts.
4. Won’t see flabby arms, and thighs.
5. You just might be able to wear corduroy without that swish-swish sound of your legs rubbing together!
6. Will see your feet, probably for the first time in ages without the use of any fancy contraption!
7. Guys – your penis may look a whole lot bigger!
8. Guys – forget about it looking bigger, you just may notice it for the first time in ages!
9. Glasses may fit better since they won’t be resting on your chubby cheeks.
10. Lower BMI.
11. Lower blood pressure.
12. Better control over your blood sugars (if you are Type 2 diabetic).
13. Lowers your risk of heart disease.
14. Lowers your cholesterol.
15. Potentially improve sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.
16. Energy (and flexibility) to try out those wicked kama sutra moves that looked all but impossible before.

Got one to share?  Simply comment!

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New Years Resolutions – Lose Weight

OK, ok, ok – so it is the start of summer, and I’m talking about New Years Resolutions – but this is actually the right time to talk about them.

So let me ask you.  Have you kept your New Years Resolution to lose weight?  What?  I can’t hear you… I see a lot of smiles and hear a few giggles.  You didn’t, did you?  Not to worry, neither did the millions of Americans or Canadians that kept a New Years Resolution to lose weight.

But can I tell you a secret?  I kept a resolution to lose weight.  You know what else?  I was successful.

Those that have been following my other weight loss site (http://www.lose-weight-n-feel-great.com) know that my family and I moved out to BC several years ago.  At the time, I was a 48-waist and around 280lbs.  I spent some time at home, but over the years the weight crept up and in 6-years time I ended up gaining 30lbs.

Just before 2011 I promised myself that I will lose weight.  But I didn’t make any New Years Resolution, I resolved to myself that I must lose weight.  I didn’t make any promises to anyone — not even my wife or 7-year old (an only child, who loves soccer and expects that I will play with him).

I did it for me.  The side effect was that I had more energy to play with my son and do more around the house.  It was a win-win situation.

Today I am 284.5 lbs – not quite 280, but I can no longer wear my size 54 pants.  In fact even my size 50′s are too loose and I have to get them ALL taken in!  I love it!

When you are wanting to lose weight, you cannot wait (or is that weight) for New Years Resolutions, promises to your wife, son/daughter, significant other or anyone.  You need to lose weight because YOU want to.  Yes you may be doing it for other reasons — and that’s not bad, but you should be doing it primarily for you.

Will you keep making resolutions to lose weight?  Or will you do it for you?

Technorati Tags: dieting, lose weight fast, new years resolutions, Weight Loss

Spring Clean Your Fridge

OK so spring has sprung in most places in the US and Canada. We’re getting out of our shells, and braving the bright sun, warm days and WEIGHT GAIN. Aaaaack. What happened?

Food. That’s what happened. It’s time to spring clean your fridge, pantry and wherever else you may be “hiding” goodies.

Seriously.  When you talk about spring cleaning, make sure FOOD is on the list of things to get rid of.

Listen, it’s easy to pile on the pounds but it takes a lot of guts (snicker – and we’ve ALL got that) to brave up, and toss out the cookies, candies and whatever else you may have brought into the house under the veil of darkness.

Toss out the brownies, and Twinkies.  Toss out the potato chips and chocolate chip cookies.  Toss out the double-churned Maple Walnut ice cream.

With the warm weather, it’s time to get outside and enjoy, play and have fun.  Time to work on getting your lifestyle changes back on track.

Forget about quick fixes and trying to lose 10 pounds in 3 days or some other nonsense – it ain’t happening unless you’re willing to starve yourself to lose weight!  And honestly, do you really need an overweight calculator to tell you you are overweight?

Come on – are you with me?  It’s easy.  If I can do it, so can you.

Technorati Tags: lose 10 pounds in 3 days, lose weight weight loss, overweight calculator, spring clean fridge

Lose Weight With Slim9 Weight Loss Pills

Weight loss is a challenge for many, for some diets like the Mediterranean Diet, South Beach Diet, and other popular “fad” diets have done the trick.  They have been focused enough to stick to the plan, follow the recommendations and have managed to lose the weight.

Losing the weight is half the battle, the other half is maintaining that weight loss.

Others have gone to extreme methods such as bariatric surgery to lose weight, but typically doctors only recommend these to individuals that are considered severely obese with a very high BMI (body mass index).

These methods work, and individuals lose weight very quickly – however there can be severe side effects as well.  Also once you have lost the weight what to do with all that loose skin?  Most people end up having to go for some type of reduction surgery to remove excess hanging skin.

Then there is a third way to lose weight, and that is through weight loss pills.  There have been many advances in medications to control fat intake, or to stimulate your fat burning furnace.  Among these medications is one over-the-counter pill called Slim9.

Slim9 is made up of several different herbal extracts, like Green Tea, Acai Berry and Ginseng — all of which have been talked about in the media about their weight loss and anti-oxidant properties.  This pill puts the benefits of all three extracts into one pill.

Now you may be thinking that weight loss pills are a dime-a-dozen, and I won’t lie – they are, but Slim9 is different.  Few (if any) other weight loss pills include three powerful herbal extracts which are also powerful antioxidants that aim to improve your metabolism and help reducing calories.  

If you have lost weight through traditional weight loss methods, and now need to stick to a maintenance plan – Slim9 can help as it can also be used to manage your weight not just help you lose weight.  Slim9 offers benefits such as:

• Help reduce your calorie intake
• Give you more energy to do the things you love, and keep you active
• Increase your metabolism
• Help improve your digestive health

Most people that try to lose weight never succeed.  Why?  In order to lose weight you need to be in the right frame of mind, you need the will power to do it.  Lack of will power results in the overweight person feeling rejected, which puts them into the downward spiral of “I’ll start tomorrow” – but tomorrow doesn’t come.

Once you start losing weight, you gain energy which prompts you to take more action which helps fuel your body to lose even more weight because it feels good – and the cycle doesn’t stop.

But it’s that kickstart that most overweight people need and that is what Slim9 gives you.

The natural formula of Slim9 works by boosting your energy levels (which in turn forces you to get active).  It helps with digestions, and increases your metabolism.

As your metabolism increases and your energy levels peak you will find it easier to have the motivation to exercise and burn additional calories!  As your digestion gets better, and your body gets rid of waste more efficiently, you will need less calories to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle, which in turn gives your body the energy it needs to keep staying active.

It’s a cycle that will not stop!  You will start to lose weight.

How can Slim9 help you lose 3-5 pounds per week (which by the way in a healthy amount to lose)?  It is very simple.  The unique mix of caffeine and green tea provide a powerful energy boost that powers your body for hours.  Other natural ingredients found in Slim9 help raise alertness and mood, making it an ideal morning pill.  Add to this a nutritious breakfast and you’ve kick started your day.

If exercise has never been fun, because you feel exhausted too quickly the green tea in Slim9 will help keep your endurance up.  In fact studies have shown that green tea boosts exercise endurance by 8 – 24%.

Slim9 will help you reduce caloric intake, and speed up your metabolism.  With over one million sold, many overweight people have trusted Slim9 to help them lose weight.  Learn more about this weight loss pill by visiting Slim9 by clicking on the link.

Technorati Tags: how weight loss works, weight loss australia, weight loss canada, weight loss comparison, weight loss ingredients, weight loss pills, weight loss results, weight loss testimonaisl, weight loss us

Liposuction: Solution or Problem?

The following is a guest post from the fine folks over at Liposuction Cost – visit them at http://www.liposuctioncost.com for more information on tumescent liposuction.

Liposuction: Solution or Problem?

Throughout the 1900′s people tried all sorts of gimmicks and gadgets to lose (or at least hide) unwanted pounds. Some questionable and potentially hazardous approaches to slimming quickly and easily included: obesity soaps, subliminal message tapes, corsets or other restrictive garments, and even tape worms. While diverse in technique, the common bond between all of these tactics was their promise of a slimmer consumer with little or no effort.

In 1974, an Italian Gynecologist, Giorgio Fischer, introduced liposuction. By the late 1970′s, two French physicians, Yves Illouz and Pierre Fournier further developed the procedure but in its earliest form, liposuction had negative responses due to excessive bleeding and rippling of the skin. This changed in 1984, when Jeffrey A. Klein, a Dermatologist in California, revolutionized the weight-loss industry by perfecting modern liposuction. Dr. Klein had invented the “Tumescent Technique” offering lower instances of these effects. Today, with the use of liposuction tumescent procedure, serious side effects are rare. Still, it is extremely important to be educated about the risks of liposuction and make an informed decision.

Infection is one of the most common risks associated with any surgical procedure, but infection risks are greatly decreased by proper sterilization of instruments and care of incision sites. Some other possible risks of liposuction include: cardiac arrest or arrhythmia, blood clots, brain damage, seizures, allergic reactions to anesthesia or medications, excessive fluid loss, friction burns, damage to skin and nerves or vital organs, and bruising or scarring.

With the remarkable changes that took place on the different liposuction procedures like liposuction breast, thigh, arm, tummy and even chin lipo procedure it’s popularity continues to grow.  Today, there’s a lot of men specially women who appreciate the idea as they have been so much benefited of its improvements. As many would say about liposuction, “result is an instant”.

During liposuction recovery, it is vital to have a caregiver or spouse assist patients. Simple tasks, such as walking to the bathroom or going to get something to drink, can prove extraordinarily difficult for the first 24 hours. Additionally, a caregiver can help administer medications and monitor the patient for adverse reactions or other urgent concerns.

Pain and tenderness are unfortunate realities of liposuction post op, though the discomfort generally decreases steadily within a few days of the procedure. Patients will be prescribed medication to minimize swelling and discomfort during the days following the procedure.

While a viable option for people unable to tone and tighten on their own or those for whom excessive skin poses other serious issues, liposuction is not a magic wand that can solve deeper problems. Before deciding if it’s a good choice, potential patients should determine if their dissatisfaction with themselves is purely based on aesthetics. If there are any doubts, other options should be explored.

Technorati Tags: chin lipo, infection, tumescent liposuction

Struggling To Lose Weight? Buy A Belt

Are you struggling to lose weight? Have you tried every diet out there, purchased every book (including this one that’s been on the Amazon Top 100 list for 30 days — The 17 Day Diet) and still nothing.

Well I have a solution for you. Buy a belt.

Yes, it is that simple. Buy yourself a good quality belt, and wear it. Keep it tight, so that when you sit down you feel as if you will burst if you don’t loosen it up a bit.

How does “The Belt” work? Simple, because the belt is tight and you feel like you will burst at the seams you will end up eating less. In fact if you start your meal with a couple of glasses of water you will even feel full!

Any belt will do. It can be the latest haut couture belt, or a plain-jane leather belt. If you are the PETA type, forgo leather and use something man made like rope (though rope is a little more difficult to work with). You could even try synthetic materials!

Basically the belt works by tightening your pants (or whatever you are wearing) and compressing your waist but because your stomach then bulges over top of the pants when you sit you don’t feel like eating because you feel as if you’ll explode.

Also when people see you can’t get into the chair, or if you can get it you can’t move because your stomach is pressed against the table so you can’t even reach your food it will embarrass you sufficiently enough to high-tail it right out of wherever you are.

The Belt. It could work, just try it. You’ve probably already spent a fortune on other diet programs, and books – so why not give The Belt a try?

You can get belts at most major clothing retailers, you might even be able to find some awesome belts on Amazon.

PS: The Belt is not only a great weight loss technique, but it could also count as a weight loss equipment.

Technorati Tags: best way to lose weight, how to lose weight quickly, struggling to lose weight

Forget Anti-Aging Creams – Buy A Treadmill

Most anti-aging creams cost a small fortune, so why bother with them? In an article that I read recently, the proverbial “fountain of youth” is the lowly treadmill.

In an article on The Vancouver Sun (click here to read it), researchers have found that the humble, lowly treadmill can actually reverse aging. In mice at least.

Here are some excerpts from that article:

In what could stand as the most powerful evidence yet that exercise prolongs life, a study by McMaster University researchers in Hamilton found that signs of premature aging were halted -and even reversed -in virtually every tissue and organ in the bodies of exercised mice.

The finding, which could be a turning point in anti-aging medicine, suggests the proverbial fountain of youth won’t come from a pill or from an exotic berry from the Amazon, but rather plain old exercise.

Mice genetically altered to age faster were forced to run on treadmills for 45 minutes, three times a week.

Five months later, the mice looked as young, healthy and active as wild-type mice -mice that didn’t have the genetic mutation -while their sedentary and same-aged siblings were balding, greying and shrinking.

Technorati Tags: anti-aging creams, lose weight with a treadmill, treadmills for weight loss, Weight Loss

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