Corn On The Cob Carbs And Calories
When it comes to summer barbecues, nothing quite compares to biting into a delicious and juicy ear of corn on the cob. But if you're watching your carb and calorie intake, you may be wondering how corn on the cob fits into your diet. In this article, we'll explore the nutritional value of corn on the cob, including its carb and calorie content, and discuss how to enjoy it while staying healthy.
The Nutritional Value Of Corn On The Cob
Corn on the cob is a tasty and nutritious vegetable that is a great source of vitamins and minerals. One medium ear of corn contains:
- Calories: 99
- Carbohydrates: 22 grams
- Fiber: 2.5 grams
- Protein: 3.5 grams
- Fat: 1.5 grams
- Vitamin C: 10% of the recommended daily intake
- Vitamin B6: 15% of the recommended daily intake
- Potassium: 10% of the recommended daily intake
As you can see, corn on the cob is a good source of fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. However, it is also relatively high in carbohydrates and calories, which is why it is important to enjoy it in moderation.
The Carb Content Of Corn On The Cob
One medium ear of corn on the cob contains around 22 grams of carbohydrates. This includes both complex carbohydrates, which take longer for your body to digest and provide sustained energy, and simple carbohydrates, which are quickly digested and can cause blood sugar spikes.
If you're following a low-carb or keto diet, you may want to limit your intake of corn on the cob or avoid it altogether. However, if you're on a moderate or high-carb diet, you can enjoy corn on the cob as part of a healthy and balanced diet.
The Calorie Content Of Corn On The Cob
Corn on the cob is relatively high in calories, with one medium ear containing around 99 calories. While this may not seem like a lot, it's important to remember that if you're watching your calorie intake, those calories can add up quickly.
However, there are ways to enjoy corn on the cob while keeping the calorie count under control. For example, you can opt for smaller ears of corn or cut your ear of corn in half to reduce the portion size. You can also use herbs and spices instead of butter or oil to flavor your corn, which can help reduce the calorie content.
Tips For Enjoying Corn On The Cob In A Healthy Way
If you're a fan of corn on the cob, there's no need to give it up entirely. Here are some tips for enjoying corn on the cob in a healthy way:
- Choose smaller ears of corn to reduce the calorie and carb content.
- Cut your ear of corn in half to reduce the portion size.
- Use herbs and spices instead of butter or oil to reduce the calorie content.
- Pair your corn on the cob with a healthy protein, such as grilled chicken or fish, to balance out the carb content.
- Avoid adding extra salt to your corn on the cob, which can increase your sodium intake.
- Choose fresh corn on the cob over canned or frozen corn, which can be higher in sodium and preservatives.
Conclusion
Corn on the cob is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy and balanced diet. While it is relatively high in carbs and calories, there are ways to enjoy it in moderation while meeting your nutritional goals. By choosing smaller ears of corn, using herbs and spices instead of butter, and pairing it with a healthy protein, you can savor the sweet and juicy flavor of corn on the cob without sacrificing your health.