Mayan Nixtamalization

Failure to learn the Mayan nixtamalization method of preparing corn lead to Pellagra epidemics in Europe, Africa, and the southern USA. Nixtamalization frees the amino acid Niacin. Nixtamalized corn and beans are a complete protein diet and the earliest evidence of nixtamalization is found in Mesoamerican equipment dating back to 1500 B.C. Corn thus became a staple food in Central America during this period.