The benefits of corn porridge, especially storage and selection

In the era of Khrushchev, she became the "queen of the fields", replacing the crops of rye and millet. Corn was cultivated by force, but planting a typical American cereal was not unfounded. Porridge from it is useful and nutritious, valuable in its rich spectrum of vitamins. It is ideal for dietary nutrition, because its calorie content, prepared on water, is minimal.

The nuances of consumption

Of course, the wary use of corn porridge in our diet is associated with its “strangeness”. It was not used in Russian cooking until the twentieth century, and when it appeared, there were neither traditions, nor culture of its use, nor normal recipes for cooking. Moms did not know whether to include her in the baby’s nutrition, how it affects the baby’s stool, whether it will cause constipation, or vice versa, whether it will weaken ...

But at the same time, nutritionists immediately recognized the product, unanimously answering the question whether corn porridge is useful. Yes, useful, and people of different ages!

• For children. It can be included in the complementary foods of the first year of life, as a valuable supplier of fiber and minerals. Corn does not contain gluten, cereal protein, which is dangerous for babies. It stimulates food allergies, a violation of the digestion of food. These reactions are individual, but because of the risk of their serious consequences, gluten-containing products are not used in baby food. And corn is not one of them.
• Elderly. The beneficial properties of cereals are due to the high potassium content. This microelement is necessary for the proper functioning of the heart, ensures the purity and tone of blood vessels. The use of porridge is recommended for pressure disorders, arrhythmias.
• Overweight. The use of corn porridge is ideal for weight loss, with obesity. The product has a low calorie content, but very satisfying. It is possible to use it in small portions without getting extra calories and without experiencing hunger. This advantage is provided by the content in it of the correct, “long” carbohydrates. They break down gradually, because of which the feeling of fullness persists for several hours.

The presence of coarse fiber in the product works by the principle of "brush" for the intestines. It is not proven that it removes toxins, but toxins are more than effective. In this regard, to the question, corn porridge strengthens or weakens, we can answer this way: it improves the discharge of slag masses from the body. And depending on their volume in the intestine, the intensity of the “effect” is determined.

Doctors agree on the issue of contraindications that the use of the product in the diet for gastrointestinal diseases requires caution. Negative processes can cause corn with an ulcer, but with pancreatitis, its use in the form of liquid porridge is allowed.

Calorie content and nutritional value

Selection and storage

At first glance, corn grits go on sale exactly the same. But this is not so. Preliminary product preparation is really similar. In the production of polished cereals, the upper shell is removed from the grains and crushed.The particles are ground to homogeneity, smoothness. It goes on sale in 5 "calibres", from coarse to fine grinding, which determines the choice of corn grits.

• Coarse grinding. The most effective for cleaning the intestines, but such cereals are cooked longer than other types. A similar product has been used since ancient times by the Indians of America, and in the Middle Ages in the culinary arts of Italy and Moldova. It is from it that a classic Italian polenta is made.
• Medium grinding. Suitable for everyday use, as it contains a maximum of valuable components and is convenient to prepare. Bringing to readiness is 30 minutes over low heat.
• Fine grinding. It is used in instant cereals and baby food. The latter is enough to steep with boiling water and insist a couple of minutes. The product for instant cooking is boiled for 15 minutes over low heat.

Storage is allowed in glass containers, tightly closed. It is important to prevent light from entering, and the optimum temperature is within −5 ... + 5 ° C. Since it is impossible to comply with such conditions at home, it is not advisable to buy this cereal for the future. After the purchase, pour it from the package into the jar, put it in the closet. So you can store it for up to 1 month without loss of taste.

Recipe

We offer you a recipe for making corn porridge for a child. It is suitable for babies from 6 months. When the baby grows up, milk can be used instead of water. From 8 months it is allowed to cook porridge in milk without diluting it with water.

You will need:

• corn grits - 4 tsp;
• water - 250 ml;
• butter - 5 g;
• sugar - a pinch.

Cooking

1. Grind the grits into flour using a coffee grinder.
2. Pour water into a saucepan, boil.
3. Pour in cereal, sugar, mix.
4. Stew on low heat for 15 minutes.
5. Add oil, mix.

Instead of sugar, a child’s recipe may include a grated apple or banana. Add these products if the baby is already familiar with them. Improving the taste and perception of the product by the baby’s body will allow the addition of breast milk or a mixture.

As with other products for corn porridge, the benefits and harms are determined by the individual reactions of the body. But the benefits in it, of course, are much more potential dangers. Therefore, use it boldly yourself and offer it to children!