There has been much recent debate regarding genetically modified food and its affect on human health. Often when a natural food is modified our digestive system and enzymes do not recognize it as the same food because the molecular structure and/or the genes are altered so the end product is sometimes totally different. Corn is one of the most genetically modified foods. Because there are not many long term studies to show possible associated health problems, there are people on both side of the discussion.
What we do know is that corn is fed to livestock to fatten them up. When consumed in excessive proportions, corn can fatten humans too. However, eating a large share of corn on the cob during summer corn season is not the problem.
One of the problems is that a great number of processed foods are made from corn, as filler, or a corn syrup. Without reading the labels, you would never know. Therefore, it can be difficult to control or monitor the amount of corn in our diet.
Corn products and especially corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup are blamed for much of the obesity problem plaguing the country today. High fructose corn syrup is also known to be a neuro-toxin, affecting and possibly damaging the nervous system.
It is also known that corn fed livestock produce meat with a less healthy omega 3 fatty acid ratio. Grass is the natural food for cattle. Grass fed beef is not only leaner but also has less of the LDL cholesterol, which everyone is trying to avoid.
Most people think of corn as a vegetable but it is actually a grain. People often think corn chips are healthier than potato chips, but are they? For years people have been looking for sugar-free alternatives, but food products sweetened with high fructose corn syrup are known to be hazardous to your health.
Corn does not have to be eliminated from your diet but it should not be over eaten. Corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup should be avoided at all cost.