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Does Corn Get Broken Down?

James H. Sterling • • 7 min read
Does Corn Get Broken Down?

The body cannot digest corn
Corn is high in cellulose, which is an insoluble fiber
insoluble fiber
Too much fiber in the diet can cause bloating, gas, and constipation. A person can relieve this discomfort by increasing their fluid intake, exercising, and making dietary changes. These uncomfortable side effects of excessive fiber can occur when someone eats more than 70 grams (g) of fiber a day.
that the body cannot digest. However, the body breaks down the other components of corn.

What is corn broken down into?

or more than 150 years, corn refiners have been perfecting the process of separating corn into its component parts to create a myriad of value added products. The corn wet milling process separates corn into its four basic components: starch, germ, fiber, and protein.

Does sweet corn break down?

Sweet corn is digested, otherwise there would be little point in eating it. The inside of each kernel is almost pure starch and is digested very readily. But it is surrounded by a cellulose husk and humans have no way to break down cellulose molecules.

James H. Sterling
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James H. Sterling

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.