Corn

"When corn first arrives, you want it simply boiled with good butter. After five nights in a row, you start branching out"
—Lucia Watson, chef and owner, Lucia's, Minneapolis

health

ANTIOXIDANT POWER
Corn is not just another carbohydrate. Even though it's a grain, it provides the benefits of a vegetable: Not only is it a good source of fiber, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and phosphorous, but it's also rich in disease-fighting antioxidants. Recent studies by Rui Hai Liu, a food scientist at Cornell University, have shown that corn contains more antioxidants than wheat, oats or rice, and that the antioxidants in corn can survive longer in the digestive system than those of some fruits and vegetables, potentially offering greater protection against some cancers. Liu's research has also revealed that cooking corn for 25 minutes can increase its antioxidant powers by almost 50 percent.
—Carla Ranicki

beauty

SCRUBS AND MORE
Aveda Tourmaline Charged Radiance Mask exfoliates dry skin with mannose, a corn-derived sugar. DETAILS $26 for 4.2 oz; 800-328-0849.

Tony&Tina Herbal Eye Serum w/Blue Corn softens the delicate eye area with blue-corn extract. DETAILS $38 for 0.51 fl oz; 888-TONYTINA.

Elizabeth Arden Overnight Success Skin Renewal Serum contains corn-kernel extract, which helps skin stay soft. DETAILS $45 for 1 fl oz; 800-223-7440.

Murad Purifying Face Scrub includes cornmeal to absorb oil as it smoothes skin. DETAILS $25 for 2.65 oz; 888-99-MURAD.

L'Oréal Nutri-Pure Foaming Cream Cleanser is a gentle face wash with moisturizing corn-germ oil. DETAILS $8 for 6.5 oz; at drugstores nationwide.
—Jennifer Laing