Economic And Health Benefits Of Maize In Nigeria

Among all the states in the West African region, Nigeria happens to be one of the top producers of maize or corn whichever term you choose to regard the crop with is perfect as they mean the same thing.

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Oftentimes, the confusion as to whether corn is a vegetable or a carb never seems to rid people’s minds. Mainly, corn is a cereal packed with many beneficial nutrients that are good not only for one’s health but also for a country’s economy.

These seeming benefits divulge the reason developed countries such as USA, China, and Mexico are hellbent on mass-producing corn. Moreover, Nigeria is equally no exception.

The revenue milked from exporting some degree of these grains is just enough to open your eyes to the high benefits of cultivating maize.  Maize is a good source of minerals and vitamins such as vitamins, A, B, E, wholly required for good health. Aside from being a good source of vitamins and Minerals, maize helps to alleviate skin rashes, sore throat, and urinary disorders such as Cystitis, Dysuria.

In that same vein, corn or maize helps as an anti-allergic, emollient, and analgesic, to mention a few. Although maize works in lots of ways to improve good health, portion size should also be a matter of concern as too much consumption can worsen your health conditions instead of playing otherwise.

Undeniably, maize has various varieties which equally contain as much needed nutrients. However, among these varieties of maize in Nigeria is the yellow-colored maize.

In this article, you’ll get to understand the economic and health benefits combined, in maize crops.

1. Serves  As Feeds For Livestock And Consumption.

Small-scale farmers don’t cultivate maize only for consumption. Knowing that most Nigerians rear livestock which mainly feeds on maize seeds, farmers thus indulge in cultivating the crop which they distribute to animal rearers.

Half of the harvested maize seeds are distributed across the country as animal feeds which in turn boosts the economy.

Another percentage of these maize seeds are dispersed for consumption, mostly through traders to the consumers. Generally, the price of maize is cheap in Nigeria compared to other cereals like rice.  As a result of this, consumers are willing to break their banks just to purchase a bag of maize seeds.

These can be roasted or transformed to pap (Ogi or Akamu) as it’s usually called or cooked with other staples such as beans.

Used For Manufacturing

Nigeria might not be much of a producing country but it doesn’t concern local products such as soap.

Research has it that the oil gotten from maize seeds is used for the production of soap. Maize seeds are also used to produce edibles such as Golden morn( a snack popular amongst Nigerian students, baby formulas, etc.

Most baked edibles such as bread, pancakes, etc are made from maize grains as well.

Use In Producing Drinkables And Other equipment.

Well, very few companies in Nigeria specializing in wine production. However, the very few that does uses maize seeds for manufacturing their wines sometimes. Of course, this helps to generate more revenue for the country in the least ways possible.

There are some other beverages consumed nationwide which are made from maize products.  Maize or corn is as well used to produce some plastics for use in items like pens, ice scrapers, mugs, etc.

In various pharmaceutical industries, maize is used as the diluent and it’s also utilized in the production of cosmetics. All of which increase the country’s economy.

Before walking you through the health benefits of maize; here are the literal downsides of Maize.

Mytocins

Maize, though deemed good for health can be infected by fungi which produce a series of toxins, in general, regarded as mycotoxins.

These toxins have different classes which include;

• Trichothecenes
• Fumonisins.
• Aflatoxins, etc.

Excess consumption of maize according to experts is liable to trigger cancer diseases, mostly, cancer of the esophagus and a host of other diseases, which is why it shouldn’t be a constant dietary staple both to adults and kids.

Phytic Acid

This is another potential downside of maize. It contains this phytic acid just like a few other kinds of cereal out there. This acid negates your system’s absorption of minerals such as zinc and iron from meals.

However, this phytic acid can be wiped from the corn when it’s soaked or fermented. Though, for someone that maintains an adequate balanced diet, it might not be a problem. Thus, in cases where this is basically used as a food staple, it becomes a problem for the consumer’s health.

To circumvent the high availability of phytic acid in your system, consuming maize cereals should have a specified time and amount of consumables.

Health Benefits Of Maize

As you already know, Maize is downright a good source of vitamin A.

By consuming this cereal, your body gets more chances of getting resources that support the immune system.

The vitamin A that you will attain by taking in maize cereals will help in the formation of healthy teeth, especially in kids, soft and skeletal tissues.

Not to mention, it also helps to facilitate your eyesight and halt night blindness.  Additionally, maize contains potassium that stabilizes the blood pressure in seniors, the functioning of the heart, and the contractions of muscles.

1. It Improves Eye Sight

Consuming colorful corn – purple, red, blue, etc., is proven by research results to be highly beneficial in preventing eye problems. This is because they contain lutein and Zeaxanthin which are the main pigment found in maize.

Through consumption, chances of developing cataracts or macular degeneration will be low.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin are downright the main antioxidants contained in maize except for white maize which tends to accelerate your eye health.

2. It helps to prevent mental illnesses

Research has proven that purple corn contains traces of quercetin which prevents inflammation and mental illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease.

It also helps to snuff out cancer cells, regulates blood sugar levels, and prevents heart disease, etc.

3.  Prevents Diverticulitis

Initially, corn was tagged to also trigger diverticulitis (diverticulosis) a disease that is spurred by the presence of pouches in the colon.

However, after 18-year-long research in men, it suggests that corn helps in the prevention of diverticulitis. That is, 28% of men that consumes enough corn meals are less likely to develop diverticulitis which overall improves one’s health.

4. It improves the digestive system

Being rich in dietary fiber, maize consumption helps to mitigate the chances of developing digestive problems and eliminates constipation and hemorrhoids.

It discards constant belching after meals and eases the digestion processes of the body, all thanks to the availability of fiber in maize.

Conclusion on Economic And Health Benefits Of Maize In Nigeria

The economic and health benefits of maize (corn) can’t be overemphasized. It’s among the rare crops that are not only cultivated only for human consumption but also used to manufacture other essential products. In that case, you can equally regard maize as a derived demand, considering its use to produce other important commodities.

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