Popcorn: A "Perfect Snack"

Monday, March 26, 2012

Great news my friends! American researchers have demonstrated that popcorn is filled with health benefits, including antioxidants and fibre. According to scientists at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania, popcorn would be "the perfect snack" in terms of nutrition.


"This is the only food that contains 100% unprocessed whole grains," stated lead author of the study, Joe Vinson. All the other grains are partially processed and mixed with other ingredients. "One serving of popcorn supplies over 70% of the daily intake of whole grain. However, most people only consume half the recommended amount per day, and popcorn could fill that gap in a very pleasant way," he added.

Furthermore, popcorn is very rich in antioxidants, including polyphenols. One portion contains about 300 mg, comparatively to fruits which contain 160 mg. However, not all popcorns are the same. "Air popped popcorn is definitely healthier than the microwave popped, which contains twice as many calories. The one prepared homemade in oil also contains twice as much as the popcorn popped with hot air," detailed Joe Vinson. He went on to add that "No matter which way you pop it, popcorn is higher in antioxidants than any other snack. It has less fat. It has less calories. It's just better."


It is said that the hulls of the popcorn (you know those annoying, little sharp pieces that constantly get stuck in your teeth?!) actually have the highest concentration of the healthy antioxidant and fibre. "Those hulls are where all the good stuff is," said Vinson. "It's not the white fluffy stuff."

And of course, when we add butter and salt, popcorn can turn into a nutritional nightmare drowned in fat and calories.

So now you can go ahead and stuff your face with popcorn without feeling guilty... well, as long as you don't go overboard! Oh, and try to leave the ooey gooey toppings behind! 




9 Fabulous Comments:

Andrea Kruse said...

Yum! Love popcorn. I do air popped, so can have 2 whole cups for an easy serving. I love to remind people that popcorn is a whole grain. That is one everyone enjoys!

Amanda Tempel said...

I love popcorn too, I always get the low fat, butter free kind, but I still love it just as much.

Unknown said...

Oh I am obsessed with popcorn! I love it most with salt and very little butter or cooked in a small amount of coconut oil. Definitely my favorite go to snack!

Happy Gardening, Kim said...

We have popcorn almost every night...better than having ice cream every night!!!

Unknown said...

We love popcorn, and it's probably one of the only snacks I don't mind when they eat it.

Mudpiesandtiaras said...

I love popcorn and love how it's easy to clean when it spills. With 3 kids..it WILL spill =)

Honey + Lime said...

I love that you posted this, I was thinking about packing some for my son as a sncak for lunch. Now I surely will! My favorite these days is Popcorn Indiana... drool

LOVE MELISSA:) said...

I love popcorn so much and so do my kids! I can eat it all day!

Krystle said...

Yum I love popcorn, because its such a filling snack!

Post a Comment