Unless you're planning a barbecue with fresh-picked corn on the cob, corn rarely gets people excited. It's not like we're discussing, say, green smoothies or acai berries. We're talking corn.
Yet our Mexican Street Corn Dip recipe has every right to get everyone excited, and not just because of the amazing taste. Not because you can slather this delectable dip all over Beanfields bean chips, either (although that is a huge perk!). But because corn is superb in its own right, thanks to the bounty of benefits it brings. Ready?
Corn Fends off Anemia
Vitamin B12, iron and folic acid are main components in corn, and all three help your red blood cells thrive. Your body gets enough of the nutrients it needs to keep creating fresh red blood cells in droves. With all those healthy red blood cells swirling about, your risk of anemia is dramatically reduced.
Corn Enhances Your Energy
Corn usually gets lumped in with vegetables, but it's actually a grain. It also contains complex carbohydrates, which digests more slowly than other types of carbs. The slower digestive process keeps your energy levels sustained for a longer period.
Corn Helps Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels
Another big benefit of corn is its high fiber content, which is particularly handy for lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels. The grain likewise increases blood flow while regulating insulin and decreasing cholesterol absorption.
Corn Keeps Skin Healthy
No, you don't have to swipe pureed corn all over your face to get the skin benefits. You simply have to include corn as a regular part of your diet. Corn comes packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, which can do wonderful things for your skin. Top benefits include boosting collagen production and stopping UV-generated free radicals from wreaking skin-related havoc.
And guess what? You can put it directly on your skin if you want. Corn starch and corn oil are actually used as ingredients in some skin products.
Benefits from Other Recipe Ingredients
Although corn has decidedly taken center stage here, it's not the only healthy thing going on in our Mexican Street Corn Dip recipe. The chili powder, jalapeno and garlic add spice that can help you lose weight and feel full on fewer calories. Ghee is the healthy alternative to plain old butter for those who have issues with dairy.
Greek yogurt brings on calcium for healthy bones and good bacteria for a healthy gut. Feta cheese is lower and calories and fat than most other cheeses. It also provides a perfectly dreamy texture that enhances everything it touches. And the Beanfields non-GMO bean chips that carry the dip? They are the ultimate king of healthy snacks.
Healthy Mexican Street Corn Dip
What You Need
- 16 oz frozen corn kernels, thawed
- 1 jalapeno, minced
- 3 tbsp plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp ghee
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
What You Do
- Melt ghee in a nonstick skillet over high heat. Once melted and hot, add jalapeno and corn.
- Sauté about 10 minutes, or until jalapeno and corn are slightly charred.
- Transfer jalapeno and corn into in a mixing bowl. Add remaining ingredients, mixing until thoroughly combined.
