Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Corn!

We all know about Cinco de Mayo, and we all make a point to drink margaritas and tequila to commemorate… wait do we know what it commemorates? Well I didn’t until just about now.
Unlike what many of us may assume, it doesn’t celebrate the independence of Mexico – which is September 16th. It simply commemorates the day when Mexico defeated the French army in a very unlikely battle (Battle of Puebla) in 1862. So I guess I’ll be partying it up for a battle my ancestors lost… hmmm…

Anyways, since today is a “Nutrition” day and I wanted to stay in the spirit of Cinco de Mayo, I will be talking about Corn! That vegetable has gotten a bad rep in the last few years but really it doesn’t deserve it. Granted it has more calories than let’s say broccoli, but it is packed with a great variety of nutrients!

Nutrition data for 1 cup (154g) – Percentages based on a 2000 cal. diet:

• 132 calories
• 5 g of protein
• 4 g dietary fibers (17%)
  Supports bowel regularity
  Helps maintain normal cholesterol & blood sugar levels
  Helps keep unwanted pounds off
• Vitamin C (17%)
  Helps strengthen the immune system
  Improves iron absorption
  Needed for formation of collagen
• Thiamin (21%) – vitamin B1
  Helps convert carbs into energy
  Essential for functionning of heart, muscles and nervous system
• Niacin (13%) – vitamin B3
  Essential for functioning of digestive system, skin and nerves
  Important in conversion of food to energy
• Folate (18%) – Folic Acid – vitamin B9
  Helps body break down and create new protein
  Helps tissue growth and cell work
  Helps prevent certain birth defects
• Magnesium (14%)
  Contraction and relaxation of muscles
  Production and transport of energy
  Helps production of protein
• Phosphorus (14%)
  Helps formation of bones and teeth
  Helps growth, maintenance, and repair of cells and tissues
  Works with B vitamins helping in functioning of kidneys, regularity of the heartbeat, and nerve conduction

Reasons why I LOVE it:

• It’s just so sweet and tasty! I add it to random dishes and it just does wonders for the flavor!
• It adds color. I’m very visual, and I like pretty things (who doesn’t!)
• It’s quick. I use frozen corn kernels (just as healthy- make sure no salt has been added)
• It’s ultra versatile. Use it in sweet breads, salads, warm dishes or on the cob!

Now that you believe me that corn is actually good for you, you still have to be careful! The reason why corn has gotten such a bad rep is because of the way it is usually served. So here are a couple Cinco de Mayo recipes that you won’t feel guilty about!

- Chilaquiles Casserole
- Green Tomato Salsa
- Mexican Corn Pudding

What are your plans for the day?

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