Tag: Corn digestion

For centuries, Native Americans consumed corn as a dietary staple without suffering from the nutritional deficiencies that plagued European populations who adopted the crop without traditional preparation methods. So, can Native Americans digest corn properly? The key lies in nixtamalization, an ancient process developed by Mesoamerican cultures that unlocks the grain's full nutritional potential.

The human body does not naturally produce the enzyme required to break down cellulose, explaining why we often see corn kernels pass through our digestive system undigested. The idea that some people can digest corn cellulose better than others is a common misconception rooted in varying digestive efficiency, not an enzymatic ability that we possess.

Over 160 pounds of corn is consumed per person in the US every year, yet many wonder if the human digestive system can fully break it down. The answer is complex, as while we cannot digest the tough outer hull of the kernel, human beings can digest corn's inner, nutrient-rich contents.

Approximately 95% of a corn kernel's contents are digested, but a small, fibrous outer layer passes through the body intact. So, can we digest any part of corn? The short answer is yes, most of it, but the indigestible outer casing is why you may see seemingly whole kernels in your stool.

Over 90% of the corn we consume is digested by the human body, but one part famously remains untouched. This visual evidence in your stool might make you wonder, "Why can't our stomach acid dissolve corn?" The answer lies in the kernel's tough outer casing and the lack of specific enzymes in our digestive system.

While it's a common observation to see corn kernels pass through the digestive system seemingly untouched, this is mainly due to the tough outer cellulose husk. So, is pureed corn hard to digest? Processing corn into a puree significantly alters its digestibility by breaking down this fibrous exterior, making the inner starches and nutrients more accessible to the body.

Most of a corn kernel's interior is digested by the body, providing valuable nutrients. So, why can't stomach acid melt corn? The reason lies in a fascinating biological reality involving the corn kernel's hardy outer layer, which is made of a type of fiber that humans cannot break down.

Over 6,000 calls related to feces exposure were received by US Poison Control in 2010, highlighting the serious health risks involved. This makes it clear why you absolutely cannot eat corn after pooping it out; the appearance of undigested kernels is explained by the indigestible outer shell, not a lack of digestion.

Approximately 75% of a corn kernel's dry weight is composed of starch and fiber, which leads many to question its digestibility. While your body easily breaks down the starchy, interior part of cooked corn, the tough outer shell, made of a specific type of fiber, can remain undigested. This results in the visual evidence you might notice later, but it doesn't mean you aren't getting any nutrients from the corn you consumed.

Many are surprised to learn that young, fresh sweet corn is perfectly safe to eat raw. So, is it safe to consume raw corn? The answer is yes, with some important distinctions, especially regarding the type of corn and proper preparation.