The Healthiest Way To Cook Corn (2024)

Should you boil, grill, or nuke?

by Jo Robinson
The Healthiest Way To Cook Corn (1)

[sidebar] Boiling dissolves most of corn's (and other veggies') nutrients into the cooking water. Instead, microwave or grill corn to retain all of its health benefits.

To microwave:
1. Cut off the silks that extend outside the husks, because they burn easily.
2. Do not cut or open the husk itself.
3. Arrange corn evenly in the microwave and cook on high, 3 to 4 minutes for one ear.
4. Allow to cool 5 minutes before husking and removing the silk.

To grill:
After steps 1 and 2, grill the corn in the husks 5 minutes, turning several times, and then husk and grill to color.

More from Prevention: 4 Healthy Grilling Secrets

Excerpted from the book Eating on the Wild Side, by Jo Robinson. Copyright © 2013 by Jo Robinson. Reprinted with permission of Little, Brown and Company.

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The Healthiest Way To Cook Corn (2)

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The Healthiest Way To Cook Corn (2024)

FAQs

The Healthiest Way To Cook Corn? ›

[sidebar] Boiling dissolves most of corn's (and other veggies') nutrients into the cooking water. Instead, microwave or grill corn to retain all of its health benefits.

What is the most nutritious way to eat corn? ›

It's also somewhat low in calories, making it a good way to get some of these important nutrients into your diet without overloading your calorie intake. Corn is healthiest when it is eaten as close to its natural growing form as possible, either on the cob, as cooked kernels, or freshly milled.

Which is healthier roasted or boiled corn? ›

Roasted Corn is Better than Boiled: The Evidence

Complex carbs in their natural state tend to be lower on the glycemic index than foods containing simple carbohydrates, thus tasting less sweet.

Is corn better steamed or boiled? ›

It's the fastest way to cook and serve corn on the cob. But the most important reason you should try steaming corn? Steaming preserves more nutrients compared to boiling or grilling, allowing you to reap all of corn's nutritional benefits while still getting a fantastic flavor.

What is the healthiest form of corn? ›

As a good source of antioxidant carotenoids, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, yellow corn may promote eye health. It's also a rich source of many vitamins and minerals. For this reason, moderate consumption of whole-grain corn, such as popcorn or sweet corn, can be an excellent addition to a healthy diet.

What is the healthiest way to cook corn? ›

Steamed Corn

This method is quick, and healthy, too. That's because steaming preserves the corn's nutrients better than other methods (like boiling). These healthy corn recipes would be a good way to put your steamed corn to use.

Is it healthier to boil or microwave corn on the cob? ›

[sidebar] Boiling dissolves most of corn's (and other veggies') nutrients into the cooking water. Instead, microwave or grill corn to retain all of its health benefits.

What does boiled corn do to the body? ›

Corn contains antioxidants and may help to lower cholesterol levels. Corn contains compounds like folate, potassium, and plant sterols that are beneficial for heart health. Folate helps lower hom*ocysteine levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Is 20 minutes too long to boil corn? ›

Avoid cooking corn for too long. "If you have super fresh corn — which can even be eaten raw — it's a waste of time to cook for the common recommended time of 20 [or more] minutes," says Jones. Overcooking can also result in chewy and firm kernels. You can steam for 8-10 minutes or less, or even use the microwave.

Why do people boil corn in milk? ›

Corn on the cob simmered in milk brings out corn's natural sweetness.

Is corn better for you than Rice? ›

Whole-grain corn is healthier than white rice — it has more riboflavin, vitamin B6, fiber, and potassium and fewer carbs.

Is corn an inflammatory food? ›

By identifying and avoiding the top inflammatory foods such as refined sugar, vegetable oil, and processed corn, and incorporating anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, blueberries, dark leafy greens, and avocado, we can actively combat inflammation and promote overall well-being.

How to eat sweet corn for weight loss? ›

To get the most weight loss benefits from consuming corn, try to avoid processed forms and instead choose whole food sources. Choose corn on the cob or whole kernel frozen or canned corn that is drained and rinsed. Limit processed forms of corn like corn syrup and corn oil.

How do you get the most nutrients out of corn? ›

Corn is high in cellulose, which is an insoluble fiber that the body cannot digest. However, the body breaks down the other components of corn. Chewing corn for longer can also help the digestive system break down cellulose walls to access more of the nutrients.

Is corn more nutritious cooked or raw? ›

Is cooked corn healthier than raw? Raw corn preserves more of the corn's natural ingredients, making it slightly healthier than cooked corn. What does uncooked corn taste like? Raw corn is very sweet and the juice is almost milky-like without any hints of starchiness.

How do you make corn more nutritious? ›

This process is what made corn a nutritious staple to many indigenous cultures. Nixtamalization occurs when you cook corn in an alkaline solution such as ashes, calcium lime, pickling lime, etc. We boil our corn with 2 tablespoons of pickling lime for 30 minutes and then cover and turn the heat off.

How is corn nutritious if it doesn't digest? ›

Fiber, also known as bulk, includes the parts of plant-based foods that your body doesn't digest and passes out. Although it's indigestible, the fiber in corn offers many other advantages, such as regulating bowel movements and managing blood sugar levels.

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