Cornmeal is a delicious gluten-free grain that has been around for centuries. There are so many recipes from grits and polenta to porridge and tortillas. A common superfood breakfast in Louisiana always includes a dish of grits. When I was down there I have to say I enjoyed my grits for lunch.
It is made from ground dried corn; when it’s finely ground it is corn flour. The coarser ground corn is cornmeal; it has a little of the husk and germ of the corn kernel.
Cornmeal Has Cancer-Fighting Properties
Cornmeal is an excellent source of carotenoids (vitamin A) and is easily absorbed because it has some fat in it which it needs for easier digestion.
“It is easier to digest the carotenoids from milled corn foods than those in carrots and spinach.” ~ Dr. Mario Ferruzzi, Purdue University. Carotenoids act as antioxidants with helping to fight cancer.
The American Diabetes Association recommends cornmeal as a way to increase whole grains in the diet.
Good Source of Fiber
One cup will give you 36% DV of fiber.
“Dietary fiber that occurs naturally in foods may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.” ~ U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Cornmeal Nutrition
It has iron, zinc, niacin, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and even has protein and no cholesterol. See full details at Nutrition Data.
Cornmeal Trivia
- Corn was used as money in the early days in America.
- There is white, yellow, and blue cornmeal.
- Remove slugs from your garden: place a handful of cornmeal in a jar, and lay it on its side in the garden. Slugs will like the scent, slither in, and die.
- Dry, it can be used for poultices and cooked it can be used for treating diarrhea.
- Native Americans began to domesticate cornmeal because it was a staple in their diet starting in 5000 BC.
“Corn Meal! Corn Meal! It Blesses the Body with Healthy Zeal!”
~ Roylin Ld Picou, International Poet
Now Let’s Eat Cornmeal in These Tasty Recipes
Cornmeal Porridge – This is my favourite porridge. Some call it grits, others polenta or mush. Here is the basic version which can be dressed up however you please.
Date Walnut Cornmeal Muffins -Gluten free-Vegan – These simple, yummy muffins are full of healthy ingredients. They are also gluten-free. You will be amazed at how sweet they are since there is no added sugar!
Gluten Free and Vegan Cornmeal Pancakes – This recipe is my version of pancakes without the milk or eggs.
Dandelion Flower Cornmeal Pancakes
Yummy Traditional Native Cornmeal Pudding – Coming soon
All the tasty recipes at Real Food For Life are vegetarian, gluten-free and white sugar-free. I invite you to check more of them out by browsing the Recipes.
100+ Superfoods
Learn more about some of the healthiest vegetarian foods you will always want to have in your pantry or growing on your deck.
READ: Superfoods – Over 100 of the Healthiest Foods You Should Have in Your Diet and learn more about the variety of Superfoods we think you should have in your diet.
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