Which benefit resulted from the development of nixtamalization by Mesoamerican civilizations for processing maize?

💡 Explanation

When maize is treated with alkali (nixtamalization), the process breaks down cell walls, releasing niacin (vitamin B3) that is otherwise bound and inaccessible to the human body, preventing pellagra. Therefore, nixtamalization prevented pellagra, rather than increasing starch, improving drought resistance, or caramelizing sugars, which require different processes and have different effects.

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