Benefits of Eating Popcorn [Unknown Healthy Snacks]
Who does not love to enjoy popcorn when watching a movie? Depending on your taste, you can cook it without butter or with too much salt. Besides, there are so many benefits that you can harvest regarding popcorn. We invite you to discover popcorn properties in the following article. Check out the information below.
Nutritional properties of popcorn
You receive many benefits from eating popcorn. How? Because popcorns have several nutritional properties, including:
Rich in vitamin E:
Popcorn is rich in Vitamin E. The amount of vitamin E in popcorn depends on how you prepare it. Microwaved or low-fat popcorn has a 5.01mg vitamin E level in 100g of popcorn.
The regular popcorn resulting from palm oil has 2.87 mg in every 100g of popcorn, while fat-free popcorn has 0.13mg in every 100g.
Provide high fiber (10g per 100 grams):
Popcorn has high fiber content. It has at least 10g of fiber content in 100g of popcorn. The fiber contains beneficial things, including cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin.
Contains Minerals:
Popcorn is rich in various minerals iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, magnesium and phosphorus and vitamin types A, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, C, D and K.
In 100 grams of popcorn or 3.5 oz popcorn serving, you will find 7% of vitamin B1, 12% of Vitamin B3, and 8% of Vitamin B6. As for minerals, you will find 18% iron, 36% magnesium, 9% potassium, 36% of Phosphorous, 21% of zinc, 13% copper and 56% of Manganese.
Benefits of Eating Popcorn
A few years ago, an American Chemical Society published a scientific report analyzing and discovering the different nutritional benefits of popcorn.
But note that as many nutritionists say, it is not the same opting for popcorn of natural grain or commercial microwave popcorn. The most significant benefits are the following:
Help reduce cholesterol and triglycerides:
Is popcorn good for cholesterol? Yes. Popcorn is very rich in fiber, which helps reduce high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides and helps eliminate excess fat in our blood vessels and arteries.
Regular consumption of added unsalted popcorn, from grain to natural, helps take care of our cardiovascular system and reduces the risk of suffering cardiovascular diseases.
Good for diabetics:
Although you probably do not know, popcorn is an excellent food for people with diabetes because its fiber content helps regulate the passage of glucose to the blood, not being so fast.
Also, it helps to improve insulin levels compared to those who do not follow a diet rich in fiber.
Prevents the appearance of cancer:
Popcorn is very rich in antioxidants, especially the presence of polyphenols, which help reduce the negative effects of free radicals.
Some scientific studies have found that regular popcorn consumption is excellent for cancer prevention. Polyphenols help reduce the presence and action of free radicals and decrease the risk of suffering from serious diseases such as cancer.
Popcorn help to lose weight:
In this sense, we can not say that the consumption of popcorn burns fat, but it helps reduce weight thanks to its fiber content and inhibits the release of the hunger hormone (ghrelin).
That is, it is delicious food that provides satiety.
To this quality, we must add its low content in both fat and calories. A bowl or cup of popcorn provides only 45 calories. Therefore, we have an extremely healthy snack, which can become the perfect substitute for a package of chips.
They are anti-aging
The same antioxidants that keep us young inside also do it outside. That’s why popcorn can help curb the appearance of age marks, such as wrinkles, skin spots or hair loss. Of course, nothing is miraculous; consuming them will be an addition to caring for our bodies.
Recipe for making healthy popcorn
To make healthy popcorn with no more fats than the healthy ones provided by olive or sunflower oil, you only need:
- One handful of corn grains (for example, 60 grams of raw corn).
- 2 or 3 tablespoons of olive or sunflower oil.
- Cover the bottom of the pan with the oil of your choice and heat the fire until it is hot.
- Add the corn kernels without clumping and covering, leaving a small hole for the steam to escape.
- Just when the first popcorn sprouts, reduce the temperature to a medium level.
- Now, wait for them to stop making noise, which will indicate that they are ready.
- Finally, turn off the fire, uncover and serve.
You can season the popcorn by adding things like salt or pepper, depending on your taste.
There are many details that many people aren’t sure about on the same. This section covers some popular FAQs you often encounter on the internet.
Is popcorn healthy for pregnant women?
Yes. Popcorn is a healthy choice for pregnant women and features many benefits. It is a high-grain snack with high zinc content and high protein.
However, how you cook your popcorn will determine its safety level. Microwaved popcorn and flavored popcorn aren’t safe for pregnant women.
Why is popcorn healthier than corn?
Popcorn is healthier than corn since it has lower calories than corn, thanks to its light and fluffy nature. Popcorn is the right choice for people who wish to lose weight or reduce calorie levels.
However, for athletic individuals, corn is the right choice since you need high calories to burn it.
When is the best time to eat popcorn?
You can eat popcorn at any time. You don’t have to check details on the time since popcorn is a healthy snack and you can eat it whenever you like.
Can you eat popcorn if you have high cholesterol or triglycerides?
Yes. You can consume popcorn if you have high cholesterol. Popcorn is an all-right snack for people with high cholesterol since it is rich in fiber, helping you reduce triglycerides and cholesterol levels.
Conclusion
What are the advantages of eating popcorn? This topic is quite popular on different internet platforms. As a result, other writers have various opinions on the subject. After critical research on the same, this article explains crucial information you need to know. Ensure you read through these details to learn more about the benefits of eating popcorn.