Popcorn. Healthy or Not? 5 Reasons. You Decide.

Popcorn is a popular snack that is loaded with important nutrients. It has a variety of health benefits. However, it can also be prepared with large amounts of fat, sugar and salt, which can drive overeating. For this reason, it is very important to prepare your popcorn the right way. It can be either super healthy or very unhealthy, depending on how you prepare it. This article reviews popcorn’s nutrition facts and health effects, both good and bad.

What is popcorn?

Popcorn is a type of corn that pops when it is heated.

Inside of each kernel is some water. When the kernel gets heated, the water expands and causes the kernel to explode.

The oldest piece of popcorn was found in New Mexico and it is said to be over 5,000 years old.

Over the years, popcorn has become more popular. It became especially popular during the Great Depression because it was so cheap.
Today around 1.2 billion pounds (500 million kg) are consumed by Americans every year, making it America’s most popular snack food by volume.

Nutrition of Popcorn

Popcorn is a whole grain food, which means it has several important nutrients.
Many studies have found that people who eat whole grains regularly have health benefits like reduced inflammation and a decreased risk of heart disease.

• Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): 7% of the RDI.
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 12% of the RDI.
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): 8% of the RDI.
• Iron: 18% of the RDI.
• Magnesium: 36% of the RDI.
• Phosphorus: 36% of the RDI.
• Potassium: 9% of the RDI.
• Zinc: 21% of the RDI.
• Copper: 13% of the RDI.
• Manganese: 56% of the RDI.

This food has 387 calories and 13 grams of protein. It also has 78 grams of carbs and 5 grams of fat. This food also has a lot of fiber, which is one the best sources in the world.

High in Polyphenol Antioxidants

Polyphenols are antioxidants that help protect our cells from damage by free radicals. A study done at the University of Scranton showed that popcorn contains a lot of polyphenols. Polyphenols have many health benefits, such as better blood circulation, improved digestive health, and a reduced risk of many diseases. Some studies have also shown that polyphenols may reduce the risk of cancer, including prostate and breast cancer.

Great source of Fibre

Popcorn is a food that has a lot of fibre. Fibre can help with diseases like heart disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes. It also helps with weight loss and to have healthy digestion. Most people do not get enough fiber in their diet, but 100 grams of popcorn contain 15 grams of fiber, which goes a long way to meeting your daily fiber requirement.

Popcorn Might Help You Lose Weight

Popcorn is a weight-loss friendly food because it is high in fiber, relatively low in calories and has a low energy density. This means that it is filling and doesn’t have many calories. A study found that 15 calories of popcorn was as filling as 150 calories of potato chips. Because of its low calorie content, low energy density, high fiber content and increased satiety, eating popcorn may help you eat fewer calories and lose weight. But you still need to consume it in moderation as too much of it can still be fattening.

Home-popped popcorn is best

There are many ways to enjoy popcorn, but the most popular way is to buy it pre-packaged and microwave it.

However, there are some dangers associated with microwave popcorn. The bags are often lined with a chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which has been linked to a variety of health problems, such as ADHD, low birth weight, and thyroid problems.

Microwave popcorn may also contain diacetyl, a chemical found in artificial butter flavoring. Diacetyl has been linked to lung damage.

Although the risk to the public has not been clearly identified, animal studies have shown that breathing in diacetyl can damage your airways and cause lung diseases. Microwave popcorn is often made with hydrogenated or partially-hydrogenated oils, which contain harmful trans fats. Studies have linked trans fats to an increased risk of heart disease and other serious diseases. Even if a certain brand says they are free of these chemicals, people may still want to avoid it because there may be some other ingredients that could still be bad for you.

Preparation Method & Toppings Matter

Even though popcorn is a healthy food, the way it is prepared can ruin its nutritional value.

Air-popped popcorn is a low-calorie food, but some ready-made types are high in calories.

For example, a report by CSPI found that a medium-sized popcorn at a popular movie theater chain had 1,200 calories – before factoring in the buttery topping!

Varieties bought from movie theaters or stores are often smothered in unhealthy fats, artificial flavorings and high amounts of sugar and salt.

These ingredients add a lot of calories and can also be bad for you in other ways.

Want maximum health benefits? Make it yourself!

Popcorn is a very healthy food. It is high in important nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and polyphenol antioxidants. In addition, it tastes great and is a good source of fiber.

Overall, popcorn is an excellent choice for a healthy snack and consuming it in moderation may even help with weight loss.

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