Some people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance may experience short-term difficulty with dairy products during the early stages of going gluten-free, due to the damage which gluten has caused to the small intestine. Others may have a long-term need to be gluten-free. Whether your gluten restriction is short or long-term, the following information and tips will guide you to a healthy and satisfying gluten-free diet.
Appropriately planned, balanced meals can meet the needs of most people on a gluten-free diet. Choosing nutrient dense foods such as Martino’s Al Naturale organic corn couscous and preparing it with meat, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, or fish can provide the nutrients you need. When combined, these food groups can create a delicious and well-balanced meal plan. At each meal, try to make half of your plate fruits and vegetables, about a quarter gluten-free whole grains or starches, and about a quarter vegetable or animal protein.
Health Benefits of Corn Couscous
A 1-cup serving of corn provides 5 grams of protein, which is about 10 percent of the recommended daily allowance. The protein you’ll get from corn contains all of the essential amino acids, but does not have a sufficient amount of lysine to be considered a complete protein. You can fill in the lysine you need by consuming beans, eggs, poultry and lean meat. You don’t need to eat complete proteins at every meal, as long as you eat a variety of foods over the course of one day and get your recommended daily allowance. Women should consume 46 grams of protein daily, while men need 56 grams.
Martino’s Organic line, called “Al Naturale” is 100% organically-cultivated, highly digestible and low-fat. Our corn couscous is specifically thought for people with gluten intolerance, yet perfect if you are looking for a light change in your everyday life.
Your body depends on folate to metabolize DNA and protein. This B vitamin is especially important for women who may become pregnant, because it prevents birth defects that occur in the first few weeks after conception. It also helps convert an amino acid — homocysteine — into S-adenosylmethionine, or SAMe. As a result, homocysteine is removed from your bloodstream, which may protect your heart because high levels of homocysteine can damage your blood vessels. Additionally, SAMe is vital for other metabolic processes, such as producing neurotransmitters. A 1-cup serving of cooked corn contains 34 micrograms of folate, or 9 percent of your recommended daily allowance.
Martino’s corn couscous is a great alternative to regular couscous if you’re watching your weight
Corn possesses several characteristics that support weight management, but also has one potential downside. One benefit is that it’s low in calories, with 1 cup providing just 143 calories. About 73 percent of corn consists of water. This helps manage weight because water adds bulk without contributing any calories. As a result, you can eat a reasonable portion, get full and still stay within daily calorie goals. Another benefit comes from the protein and fiber, both of which make you feel full and help maintain satiety for a longer period of time. However, corn is also high enough in carbohydrates that it moderately boosts blood sugar. A 1-cup serving has 31 grams of carbs, which is almost one-fourth of an entire day’s recommended carb intake.
On top of that, corn is also rich in soluble fiber, whch has many health benefits. It binds with cholesterol and carries it out of your system, which helps lower levels in your blood and reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease. The Institute of Medicine established the recommended intake for fiber based on the amount needed to protect your heart. You’ll get 4 grams of fiber from 1 cup of cooked corn, which is 16 percent of women’s and 11 percent of men’s daily intake.
There are many reasons to try Martino’s organic corn couscous
Corn contains B vitamins thiamine, B-6, niacin, riboflavin and folate, as well as trace amounts of vitamins A and E, according to the Organic Facts website. It also contains minerals, including copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium and zinc, as well as traces of potassium. Most people get corn calories from cereal products. Although corn provides vitamin and mineral nutrition, it loses its nutritional value once it’s highly processed. However, you needn’t worry about that with Martino’s Al Naturale range as we only use 100% organically-cultivated, highly digestible and low-fat corn farmed in Italy.
Organic corn couscous is a good source of vitamin C, magnesium, and certain B vitamins and potassium. It also supplies a good dose of two antioxidants linked to eye and skin health called zeaxanthin and lutein. Eating fresh corn on the cob also gives you a good amount of the daily dietary fiber you need, along with some complex carbohydrates that are a good energy source.
Real “Made in Italy”
Over a century, at Martino we have managed to cultivate collaborations with local farmers in Italy who steer clear of GMO corn and don’t use any harmful pesticides in the treatment of their crops. This, coupled with our tradition in couscous making, has allowed us to develop the organic Al Naturale range, which is free from any toxins and ideal for people with gluten allergy.
Corn is also high in starch, which is a type of complex carbohydrate that supports steady energy levels. Unlike refined carbohydrates, which zap us of energy and aren’t filling for long, foods high in starch and fiber are beneficial for controlling blood sugar levels because the fiber slows down the rate at which glucose (sugar) is released into the bloodstream.
We’d love to hear your favourite recipes with Martino’s corn couscous.
Discover now all our tasty recipes to prepare couscous in many original ways
Go to recipes