9 Best Benefits Of Zea Mays
Zea mays, also known as corn, is a type of cereal grain that belongs to the Poaceae family.
The bioactive compounds present in Zea mays, such as ferulic acid and phytic acid, have been found to possess numerous health benefits.
Consuming Zea mays has been linked to preventing cancer due to its antioxidant properties, supporting digestive health by regulating gut bacteria, and preventing anemia by increasing iron absorption.
The presence of these bioactive compounds in Zea mays makes it a valuable food source for maintaining overall health and well-being.
This page lists the most important health benefits of Zea mays.
Table of Contents
1. Prevents cancer
Zea mays prevents cancer by exhibiting anticarcinogenic properties, which refer to its ability to inhibit the growth and development of cancer cells.
This benefit is crucial as cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with various forms such as breast, lung, and colon cancer affecting millions of people.
Zea mays contains bioactive constituents like ferulic acid, kaempferol, and quercetin, which have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that contribute to its anticarcinogenic effects.
To harness the cancer-preventing properties of Zea mays, individuals can use herbal preparations such as tea, extracts, or capsules made from the plant's leaves, stalks, or kernels, although it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Tea
- Tincture
- Infusion
- Decoction
The following table displays the major constituents of Zea mays and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Prevents cancer.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Kaempferol | Prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer |
| Zea lagerenol | Leukemia, lung cancer, skin cancer |
| Luteolin | Pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, brain cancer |
2. Supports digestive health
Zea mays supports digestive health by promoting the proper functioning of the digestive system, including the breakdown and absorption of nutrients, and the elimination of waste products.
This benefit is important as a healthy digestive system is essential for maintaining energy levels, preventing conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases like inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer.
Zea mays contains bioactive constituents such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and dietary fiber, which contribute to its digestive health benefits.
To utilize Zea mays for digestive health, it is best to consume it as an herbal tea, capsule, or extract, in moderation, as part of a balanced diet and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Infusion
- Tea
- Poultice
- Suppository
The following table displays the major constituents of Zea mays and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Supports digestive health.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Ferulic acid | Irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease |
| Zeaerylase | Peptic ulcers, diverticulitis, small intestine bacterial overgrowth |
| Zeaanthraquinone | Constipation, bloating, abdominal cramps |
| Avenanthramides | Gastroenteritis, food intolerance, digestive inflammation |
3. Prevents anemia
Zea mays prevents anemia, a condition characterized by a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the body, which can lead to fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
This benefit is important because anemia can have serious consequences, such as impaired cognitive function, increased risk of infections, and even heart problems, as seen in individuals with iron-deficiency anemia.
The anemia-preventing properties of Zea mays are attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including ferulic acid, zeaxanthin, and lutein, which have been shown to enhance iron absorption and utilization.
To harness the anemia-preventing benefits of Zea mays, it is best to consume it in herbal preparations such as tea, decoctions, or infusions made from its leaves, stalks, or grains.
Top Preparations:
- Juice
- Tea
- Infusion
The following table displays the major constituents of Zea mays and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Prevents anemia.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Folate | Iron deficiency anemia, pregnancy-related anemia, megaloblastic anemia |
| Vitamin b6 | Megaloblastic anemia, anemia due to zinc deficiency, anemia of chronic disease |
| Vitamin b12 | Megaloblastic anemia, anemia due to vitamin b12 deficiency, anemia of chronic disease |
| Copper | Anemia due to copper deficiency, anemia of chronic disease, sideroblastic anemia |
4. Supports bone health
Zea mays supports bone health by providing essential nutrients that promote bone mineralization and density.
This benefit is crucial as it helps prevent conditions such as osteoporosis and osteopenia, which can lead to fractures and mobility issues, particularly in older adults.
The bioactive constituents present in Zea mays, including phytic acid, ferulic acid, and lignans, contribute to its bone-protective properties by regulating calcium and magnesium absorption, as well as inhibiting bone resorption.
To harness the bone-protective benefits of Zea mays, it is best to consume it in herbal preparations such as tea, capsules, or tinctures, often in combination with other herbs like ginger and turmeric, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Infusion
- Extract
- Oil
- Decoction
The following table displays the major constituents of Zea mays and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Supports bone health.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Apigenin | Osteoporosis, rickets, osteopenia |
| Ferulic acid | Osteoporosis, bone fractures, osteopenia |
| Kaempferol | Osteoporosis, rickets, bone fractures |
5. Supports immune system
Zea mays supports immune system by stimulating the body's natural defense mechanisms, which help to protect against infections and diseases caused by foreign pathogens.
This benefit is crucial because a healthy immune system is essential for preventing illnesses such as the common cold, flu, and other infections, and it can also help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer.
Zea mays contains bioactive constituents like ferulic acid, which has been shown to have immunomodulatory properties that help to regulate the immune response and prevent excessive inflammation.
To take advantage of this benefit, zea mays can be consumed as a tea, tincture, or supplement, and it is often combined with other herbs like echinacea and ginseng to enhance its immune-boosting effects.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Infusion
- Salve
The following table displays the major constituents of Zea mays and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Supports immune system.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Apigenin | Common cold, influenza, tuberculosis |
| Luteolin | Fever, malaria, pneumonia |
| Kaempferol | Asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis |
| Zea ricinoleic acid | Infections, inflammation, autoimmune diseases |
6. Reduces inflammation
Zea mays reduces inflammation, which is a natural process where the body's immune response to injury or infection leads to the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals, resulting in pain, swelling, and tissue damage.
This benefit is crucial as chronic inflammation is linked to various diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, and can lead to conditions like cancer, Alzheimer's, and even depression.
Zea mays contains bioactive constituents like ferulic acid, lignans, and phenolic acids, which are responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential natural remedy for inflammation-related conditions.
To harness the anti-inflammatory benefits of Zea mays, it is best to consume it in the form of herbal preparations such as tea, tincture, or supplements, after consulting with a healthcare professional, especially for those with underlying medical conditions.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Infused oil
- Salve
- Poultice
The following table displays the major constituents of Zea mays and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces inflammation.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Zeaolysin | Arthritis, gout, rheumatism |
| Maysin | Inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis |
| Zea-xanthin | Macular degeneration, asthma, allergies |
| Lutein | Cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy |
| Apigenin | Anxiety, depression, inflammatory skin conditions |
7. Enhances cognitive function
Zeae mays enhances cognitive function, which refers to the improvement in mental processes such as memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities.
This benefit is crucial as it can improve daily life, work performance, and even help prevent or manage conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia; for instance, enhanced cognitive function can allow individuals to stay mentally sharp, learn new skills, and make better decisions.
The cognitive-enhancing properties of Zea mays are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and saponins, which have been shown to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that may contribute to its neuroprotective effects.
To harness the cognitive-enhancing benefits of Zea mays, it is recommended to consume it in the form of herbal preparations, such as tea or capsules, made from the leaves or seeds of the plant, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Tea extract
- Infused oil
The following table displays the major constituents of Zea mays and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Enhances cognitive function.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Apigenin | Alzheimer's disease, dementia, cerebral ischemia |
| Kaempferol | Stroke, cerebral vasospasm, cerebral edema |
| Quercetin | Traumatic brain injury, encephalopathy, cerebral malaria |
| Ferulic acid | Cerebral ischemia, cerebral vasculature dysfunction, neurodegenerative disease |
8. Prevents kidney stones
Zea mays prevents kidney stones, which refers to the plant's ability to help dissolve and prevent the formation of kidney stones by inhibiting the growth of calcium oxalate crystals that can cause them.
This benefit is crucial as kidney stones can cause severe pain, nausea, and vomiting, and in severe cases, can lead to complications such as kidney damage and infections, which can be life-threatening.
Zea mays contains bioactive constituents like zeaxanthin, lutein, and ferulic acid, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to its ability to prevent kidney stones.
To harness this benefit, zea mays can be consumed as a herbal tea or supplement, or added to food and drinks in the form of corn flour or juice, providing a natural and effective way to support kidney health.
Top Preparations:
- Decoction
- Infusion
- Tincture
The following table displays the major constituents of Zea mays and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Prevents kidney stones.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Zea mays saponin | Kidney stone prevention, urinary tract infection, bladder inflammation |
| Zea mays fiber | Constipation prevention, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis |
| Zea mays antioxidants | Oxidative stress reduction, inflammation prevention, cell damage protection |
| Zea mays silicic acid | Kidney stone prevention, urinary tract infection, bladder inflammation |
| Zea mays phytic acid | Calcium oxalate reduction, oxalate stone prevention, kidney stone prevention |
9. Prevents osteoporosis
Zea mays prevents osteoporosis, a condition characterized by the progressive loss of bone density and strength, increasing the risk of fractures and other bone-related disorders.
This benefit is crucial as osteoporosis affects millions of people worldwide, leading to significant morbidity, mortality, and economic burdens, particularly among the elderly and postmenopausal women who are at higher risk of fractures and related complications.
The Zea mays plant contains bioactive constituents, such as ferulic acid, coumarins, and phenolic acids, which have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and bone-protective properties, contributing to its potential osteoporosis-preventing effects.
To harness the osteoporosis-preventing benefits of Zea mays, individuals can consider incorporating herbal preparations, such as Zea mays extracts or infusions, into their diet, although it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy, especially if taking medications or having underlying health conditions.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Tea
- Extract oil
- Infusium
- Glycerite
The following table displays the major constituents of Zea mays and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Prevents osteoporosis.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Ferulic acid | Osteoporosis, bone fractures, rickets |
| Kaempferol | Bone loss, osteopenia, hypovitaminosis d |
| Zeaerin | Bone mineral density loss, osteoporosis prevention, metabolic bone disease |
| Luteolin | Bone turnover regulation, bone density maintenance, menopausal osteoporosis |