Zesty Grilled Corn

Shocked? Okay, maybe not, but most people don't realize that corn is actually a grain. It gets tossed onto the picnic plate along side of the macaroni salad and considered a veggie. In actuality, corn is a starchy, sugary grain that is not very nutritious. 

Disappointed? Corn does have some redeeming qualities. It contains about 4 grams of fiber in 1 large ear. It also has both lutein and zeaxanthin, which are nutrients found in actual yellow and green veggies. Both nutrients have been shown to help the body fight off free radicals, as well as protect against age-related, degenerative eye disease. 

Corn's biggest bummer is its high sugar content. It is high-glycemic and can have a dramatically negative effect on blood sugar. You can limit this impact by eating it with a little bit of heart-healthy fat. Fats help to slow down the absorption of dietary sugars, allowing an even release of glucose into the bloodstream. Stable blood sugar allows for stable energy levels throughout the day – especially in between meals. 

We recommend using avocado oil for 2 reasons. First, avocado oil is high in monounsaturated fat - the same heart-healthy fat found in olive oil. Avocado oil is just as high (if not higher) in antioxidants. The second reason is its high smoke point. Avocado oil has a smoke point of 500 degrees, whereas virgin olive oil comes in around 350 degrees. The higher smoke point helps to protect the health benefits of avocado oil and prevents the break down of the oils fatty acids.