ABSTRACT
Maize meal is made into a thick porridge in many cultures. Maize meal is also used as a replacement for wheat flour to make corn bread and other baked products. The Brazilian dessert canjica is made by boiling maize kernels in sweetened milk. Maize can also be harvested and consumed in the unripe state, when the kernels are fully grown but still soft. The high amount of fiber present in maize helps lower cholesterol levels and also reduces the risk of colon cancer. Maize if consumed in moderate quantities, has been seen to be beneficial for those suffering from diabetes. Starch from maize can also be made into plastics, fabrics, adhesives and many other chemical products. Stigmas from female maize flowers, known popularly as corn silk are sold as herbal supplements. Grain alcohol from maize is traditionally the source of bourbon whiskey. Maize is sometimes used as the starch source for beer.
