THE NUTRITIONAL VALUE AND HEALTH BENEFITS OF SWEET CORN KERNELS (ZEA MAYS SSP. SACCHARATA)

The aim of this paper was to review scientific studies concerning the nutritional value and healthy properties of sweet corn kernels. Sweet corn (Zea mays ssp. saccharata) is a popular vegetable in America and many European countries. It is also increasingly recognized in Poland. The practical benefits of sugar corn result, among others, from the nutritional value of caryopses and their taste. The review of the literature of the research subject presented in this paper allows us to state that sugar corn caryopses are a source of carbohydrates (simple sugars, starch), protein, vitamins, mineral ingredients, phenolic acids, carotenoids and dietary fiber. The results of chemical analyses prove that sugar corn kernels do not contain gluten; therefore, this plant plays a particularly important role in the nutrition of people with coeliac disease, and corn flour is a valuable product in the food industry. An increasing number of research evidence shows that the regular consumption of wholemeal corn reduces the risk of developing many chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, eye diseases, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and digestive diseases. The analysis of the literature of the research subject allows us to conclude that sugar corn should be a permanent element of everyday diet, particularly because it can be consumed both in a fresh and processed form all year round.