Is corn paleo? This is one of the most common questions that gets asked about the paleo diet. This post will answer that question and explain why.
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As someone who followed a paleo diet for 10 years I am quite familiar with what foods are considered paleo, and which ones are not. And by far one of the most common questions I get asked is, whether corn is paleo or not. And so I thought I should finally write a post answering this question.
The simple answer is no, corn is not paleo. If that's all you needed to know then you have your answer. If you want to know why, keep reading for all the info!
However, always remember my biggest piece of advice when it comes to food: there is no one-size-fits-all diet. What works well for you may not work well for someone else, so if you do well with corn of course continue eating it!
What is corn?
Corn or maize, is a cereal grain that was first domesticated by indigenous peoples in southern Mexico approximately 10,000 years ago. It is a common misconception that corn is a vegetable, but it is actually a grain.
Corn nutritional information:
Raw, yellow corn kernels are composed of 76% water, 19% carbohydrates, 3% protein and 1% fat. In a 100 gram serving, corn provides 86 calories and is a good source of B vitamins. Corn is also a source of dietary fiber as well as magnesium and phosphorus.
What is the paleo diet?
To understand if corn is paleo, first you have to understand what the paleo diet actually is. The paleo diet is a way of eating that mimics how our ancestors ate. It emphasizes the foods that humans evolved on and allowed us to thrive. Foods like meat, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. It empathizes anti-inflammatory foods and foods that support gut health and foods that are meant to help prevent chronic disease.
The paleo diet does not allow certain foods that are know to be hard on the gut, or foods that are high in anti-nutrients. Grains are one of the foods not allowed on the paleo diet for these reasons (you can learn even more in my post, why grains are not healthy). Grains, including corn, can be hard on the digestive tract and contain anti-nutrients called lectins and phytic acid that interfere with the absorption of vitamins and minerals.
Is corn paleo?
Since corn is a grain and grains are not allowed on the paleo diet, the answer is no, corn is not paleo.
Should you eat corn?
My number one rule when it comes to food is to do what works best for you and your health. If you do well with corn, of course keep eating it. It is high in fiber and contains vitamins and minerals so it can definitely be part of a healthy diet if your body tolerates it.
Frequently asked questions:
None! The paleo diet doesn't allow any grains.
None! All vegetables are allowed on the paleo diet and their intake is emphasized and encouraged.
No, popcorn is not permitted on the paleo diet.
Other health information you will be interested in:
Our expertise:
Dr. Erin Carter, MD, FRCPC, is a physician with board certifications in internal medicine and rheumatology. She is passionate about preventative healthcare including nutrition, environmental health and low toxicity living. She is also a self-trained chef and has been creating and publishing healthy recipes since 2015. She has followed a paleo diet for over 14 years.
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