Hominy Nutrition Facts: Fiber and Folate in Balance

When you're looking to boost your diet with grains, hominy stands out for its unique nutritional mix. It's not just about the carbs—hominy brings a welcome balance of fiber and folate to your plate, both key to your well-being. If you want a hearty ingredient that goes beyond basic corn, you'll want to consider how hominy supports digestion, heart health, and more. Let's see how it measures up.

Nutritional Overview of Canned Hominy

A cup of canned hominy contains approximately 115 calories, primarily derived from carbohydrates, which amount to about 23 grams. The lipid content is low, at around 1 gram, with negligible amounts of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

In terms of minerals, canned hominy provides 16 milligrams of calcium, 1 milligram of iron, and 2 milligrams of zinc. However, it is important to note that it is not a significant source of Vitamin K (phylloquinone), carotenoids, or vitamin C.

For individuals adhering to a health-conscious diet or utilizing nutritional planning resources such as MyChart or other medical tools, assessing the nutrient facts of canned hominy is advisable. Its low total dietary fat and carbohydrate-rich profile may be relevant for those monitoring macronutrient intake.

Consider incorporating it into a balanced diet while recognizing its limited contribution to certain vitamins and other essential nutrients.

Fiber Content and Digestive Health

Hominy contains 4 grams of dietary fiber per cup, representing approximately 14% of the recommended Daily Value. This fiber content is beneficial for digestive health, as it can assist in promoting regular bowel movements and enhancing nutrient absorption. A diet that includes adequate fiber may help alleviate constipation and contribute to a feeling of fullness, which can support weight management efforts within the framework of a balanced medical plan.

Research indicates that dietary fiber can facilitate the digestion of gut acids and carbohydrates.

Additionally, other components found in fiber-rich foods, such as beneficial lipids, fatty acids, carotene, and certain vitamins—including vitamin K (phylloquinone) and ascorbic acid—may further contribute to overall health.

For additional information on dietary recommendations and health resources, please consult MyChart or access Patient Resources to schedule an appointment as needed.

Folate Levels and Dietary Importance

Folate is recognized as an important nutrient found in hominy, albeit in modest amounts, with a concentration of 2 micrograms per cup. This equates to approximately 0.4% of the Daily Value for this essential B-vitamin. Folate plays a critical role in cellular functions such as DNA synthesis and repair, which are relevant to overall health and community wellness.

In addition to its folate content, hominy provides 4 grams of total dietary fiber, which may facilitate nutrient absorption and contribute positively to dietary plans focused on health improvement.

However, it is important to note that hominy has relatively low levels of vitamin C, vitamin K (phylloquinone), carotenoids, and fatty acids.

For individuals engaged in patient care or nutritional planning, understanding the nutritional profile of hominy, particularly its folate content, may assist in making informed dietary choices.

It is advisable to consult credible sources and relevant university research when considering the incorporation of hominy into a balanced diet.

Macronutrient Breakdown

Canned hominy exhibits a macronutrient profile primarily characterized by its carbohydrate content, which constitutes approximately 80% of its total caloric value per cup. Specifically, this portion provides around 23 grams of carbohydrates, along with 4 grams of dietary fiber, which contributes to digestive health.

The protein content is relatively low at 2.44 grams per cup, indicating that individuals should consider additional sources of protein in their diet to achieve a nutritionally balanced meal.

The fat content in canned hominy is minimal, totaling about 1 gram, which includes trace amounts of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

For those seeking to make informed dietary choices, resources such as MyChart or University Medical planners can provide access to current nutrition information that might aid in better decision-making regarding dietary intake.

Vitamins and Minerals Contribution

Hominy is not only characterized by its macronutrient profile, but it also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that contribute to various bodily functions.

It offers 16 mg of calcium, which accounts for 2% of the daily value (DV), playing a supportive role in bone health. Additionally, the presence of 1 mg of iron (12% DV) is noteworthy, as it is essential for the transport of oxygen in the bloodstream.

Furthermore, hominy provides 2 μg of folate, a nutrient that is important for cell division and overall growth. The product also includes 14 mg of potassium, which is significant for maintaining proper nerve and muscle function.

Zinc is present at a level of 2 mg (15% DV), which is important for immune system health.

While hominy does not provide substantial amounts of vitamin K (phylloquinone), carotenoids, or vitamin C (ascorbic acid), its overall nutritional composition makes it a viable option when incorporated into a balanced diet.

It is essential to consider these nutrients and their contributions when evaluating hominy as part of a comprehensive dietary plan.

Comparing Hominy to Similar Foods

Hominy, a food made from dried corn kernels that have undergone a process called nixtamalization, can be contrasted with various other grains based on its nutritional profile.

One notable aspect of hominy is its fiber content, which contains approximately 4 grams per cup. This fiber content exceeds that found in white rice and many refined grains, making it a preferable choice for those seeking to increase their dietary fiber intake.

In terms of macronutrients, hominy provides roughly 23 grams of carbohydrates and about 1 gram of fat per serving. This lipid content is generally lower than that found in typical fried foods, suggesting a healthier option for those monitoring their fat consumption.

Both saturated and unsaturated fat types remain low in hominy, which aligns with many dietary recommendations.

It is important to note that, while hominy does offer some vitamins and minerals, its folate content is relatively modest in comparison to other food sources, particularly leafy greens.

Additionally, hominy contains lower protein levels compared to grains like quinoa, which is known for its higher protein density.

For further medical insights related to the nutritional aspects of hominy, including its vitamin and mineral content as well as its acid profiles, consultation with community health resources or healthcare professionals is advisable. This ensures the information received is accurate and tailored to individual health needs.

Recipe Ideas Featuring Hominy

Hominy is a versatile ingredient that can enhance a variety of dishes, owing to its mild flavor and sturdy texture. It contains approximately 4 grams of dietary fiber per cup, making it a beneficial addition to meals such as Vegan Hominy Chili or breakfast skillets. Incorporating hominy with legumes not only increases dietary fiber but also provides important nutrients like Vitamin K (phylloquinone), as well as total ascorbic acid and essential amino acids, which contribute to overall health.

For those interested in culinary diversity, consider making a Spicy Tortilla Soup featuring hominy. This dish can be strategically designed to balance various types of dietary fats—specifically saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats—thereby offering a more comprehensive nutritional profile.

These recipe suggestions can serve as a practical approach to meal planning, promoting healthful eating habits within communities by emphasizing reliable nutritional information.

Accessing Nutritional Support and Resources

If you are seeking reliable guidance on increasing fiber and folate in your diet, various local and online resources are available to assist you.

Starting with community health centers or university medical programs can provide valuable information and support. Additionally, many patient tools, such as MyChart or health appointment planners, typically include links to useful dietary resources.

When researching nutritional content, consider searching for specific nutrients such as fiber, Vitamin K (phylloquinone), total ascorbic acid, carotene, fatty acids, and different types of lipids, including total saturated, total monounsaturated, and total polyunsaturated fats.

By utilizing these resources, you can make informed dietary choices grounded in factual and evidence-based information.

Conclusion

Including hominy in your diet gives you a balanced source of fiber and folate, supporting digestion, heart health, and overall nutrition. You’ll benefit from its energy-rich carbohydrates, low fat, and essential vitamins and minerals without compromising on taste or versatility. By exploring different recipes and preparation methods, you can easily work hominy into soups, sides, or main dishes. Prioritizing variety like this makes meeting your nutritional goals more manageable and enjoyable.