The Corn Effect

I have been contemplating the effects of corn on the human body.  Many people think we can't digest corn and therefore would make an excellent diet food.  Not entirely correct.  It is true that we cannot digest the outer shell which is comprised of cellulose.  This material requires more enzymes to break it down than our bodies produce.  However, the inside of the kernel is mostly starch which our body turns into glucose.  This is why many health professionals suggest a low carbohydrate diet if you want to lose weight.  Carbohydrates are simply carbon with water (carbo-hydrate).  And our Western diet is loaded with them!

Corn has many uses both for food production and manufacturing.  Amazing the things that are made from corn and corn by-products.  Toothpaste, Aspirin, varnish, cosmetics, carbonated beverages and even instant coffee; to name a few.  What I am interested in is what effects the starches are having on our bodies?  And what would happen if you eliminated only corn and corn by-products from your diet?

So I propose a 30 day experiment.  I will weigh myself tomorrow morning upon waking and begin a corn-free 30 days.  I will post my daily meals and also any information I collect along the way.  I will not be eliminating all starches or carbohydrates, just those containing corn and it's by-products.

Here is a list of things to look for on grocery store labels;
-Dextrose
-Glucose
-Dextrin
-Maltodextrin
-Lecithin
-Fructose
-High Fructose (or HFCS)
-Vegetable Starch
-"thickeners"
-"sweeteners"
-Corn Syrup
-Vegetable Oil
-Maize
-Sorbitol

Long list.  Now comes the hard part... finding food to eat for the next 30 days.  Time to go shopping!