Popcorn has become a popular snack food all over the world. But did you know popcorn is a healthy whole grain linked to lower rates of diabetes and heart disease? It's true. And popcorn fans will love this news too: People who eat it every day consume 250 per cent more whole grams and 22 per cent more fiber than those who don't, according to a study from the Center for Human Nutrition in Omaha, Nebraska.
Popcorn was introduced to the Europeans in the late 15th century when Christopher Columbus noted that the Native Americans made popcorn corsages and popcorn headdresses which they sold to Columbus' sailors. Some tribes believed that the popping noise was that of an angry god who escaped the kernel. Popcorn became popular as a snack food during the United States Great Depression, especially in movie theaters, as it was comparatively cheap at 5-10 cents a bag.
Nutrition experts give popcorn high marks for its poppin' good benefits including:
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High in Fiber: Popcorn is an excellent source of fiber, which increases the feeling of being full and helps to steady blood sugar levels. Fiber in popcorn also helps in healthy digestion.
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Rich in Antioxidants: A study carried out by the University of Scranton showed that whole grain snack foods such as popcorn have surprisingly high levels of antioxidants, particularly polyphenols. Polyphenol have been linked to lower risk of heart disease, cancer, and other diseases. They also defend the body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals which have the potential to cause damage to cells and tissues in the body.
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Low in Calories: Without butter, oil and salt, popcorn is the best high-fiber, low-calorie and low cholesterol snack. One cup (around 11 gram) of air popped popcorn contains only 30 calories.
How to Make Healthier Popcorn?
Some popcorn makers actually use oil to pop the corn, and this can then give popcorn which is actually not that healthy. In this type of popcorn machine the popcorn is higher in calories, and more importantly, up to 45% of the calories in the popcorn comes from fat. If instead you use only hot air to pop the corn, the snack you get is much lower in calories, and only 5% of the calories come from fat.
Plain, air-popped (not microwaved) popcorn is generally agreed to be a good alternative to other snacks like potato chips, candy or cookies. Popcorn is a wholegrain, and provides fiber. Adding butter or oil can increase the level of saturated fat.
As for buckets of popcorn sold in movie theaters, chances are it's loaded with fat, so avoid them.
