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does popcorn have health benefits

by Ms. Helen Erdman Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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In addition to fiber, popcorn also is a good source of polyphenols, which are antioxidants that have been linked to better blood circulation and digestive health, as well as a potentially lower risk of certain cancers. Another health benefit of popcorn is its high satiety.Jun 18, 2019

Are there any healthy benefits of eating popcorn?

This is the nutrient content of a 100-gram (3.5-oz) serving of air-popped popcorn ( 5 ):

  • 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.

What are the health risks of eating popcorn?

The Effects of Too Much Popcorn

  • Immediate Effects. Eating too much popcorn in one sitting will cause a bloated and uncomfortable feeling. ...
  • Weight Gain. The Center for Disease Control recommends choosing popcorn that is air-popped as opposed to kernels popped in fat as this reduces your calorie intake.
  • Increased Sodium. ...
  • Raised Cholesterol. ...

Why eating popcorn is good for your health?

Is Popcorn Bad for Your Intestines?

  • Diverticulitis. As you age, the risk of developing diverticula, small bulging pouches in the intestine, increases, reaching around 50 percent by age 60, according to the National Institute of Diabetes ...
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease. ...
  • Diarrhea. ...
  • Considerations. ...

What are the pros and cons of eating popcorn?

  • Calories and macronutrient breakdown of popcorn
  • Micronutrients found in popcorn and how it benefits bodybuilders
  • Pros and cons of eating popcorn if you are a bodybuilder
  • Whether you can eat popcorn before or after a workout
  • Does popcorn aid in muscle growth?
  • Tips and tricks to incorporate popcorn if you are a bodybuilder

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Is it OK to eat popcorn everyday?

Popcorn is high in several important nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and polyphenol antioxidants. Not only that, but it is also incredibly tasty and one of the world's best sources of fiber. At the end of the day, popcorn is very healthy and consuming it in moderation may even help with weight loss.

Why is popcorn considered unhealthy?

Premade popcorn often contains a high level of salt, or sodium. Eating too much sodium can cause high blood pressure and lead to other health complications. Some brands also include a lot of sugar. Added butter, sugar, and salt can make popcorn an unhealthful snack.

Is it healthy to eat popcorn?

Have you ever asked yourself "is popcorn healthy?" If so, we've got some great news for you—yes it is. Eating popcorn is one of the healthiest snack habits you can have. It's filled with fiber, has more antioxidants than some fruits and vegetables, and may even help fight cancer.

Is popcorn a junk or healthy food?

Popcorn is a healthy snack substitute for junk because it a loaded with fiber but how it is cooked is important. Air popping, cooking in a little canola or olive oil, or microwaving are all good methods.

Does popcorn cause belly fat?

Popcorn is a great flat-belly snack as long as you choose the air-popped version—you can eat a 3-cup portion for only 100 calories! Not only that, but popcorn is also a whole grain, and studies show that people who eat whole grains have less belly fat than those who eat refined grains.

Is popcorn good for your liver?

Here are some foods to avoid on a liver cirrhosis diet: Highly processed foods: fast food, convenience meals, canned soups, packaged snacks. Unhealthy fats: margarine, vegetable shortening, fried foods. Salty snacks: chips, crackers, pretzels, microwave popcorn.

What is the healthiest popcorn to eat?

9 Healthy Popcorn BrandsEliza's Organics Organic Microwave Butter Popcorn.Act II Light Butter. ... SkinnyPop Sea Salt Microwave Popcorn. ... Pop Secret Homestyle. ... Angie's Boom Chicka Pop Sea Salt Microwave Popcorn. ... Orville Redenbacher Simply Salted. ... Newman's Own Sea Salt. ... Black Jewell Natural Popcorn. ... More items...•

Is it OK to eat popcorn at night?

Popcorn: Popcorn is a complex carb, so it contains serotonin, which is a hormone that helps you relax. It's a great snack to munch on in the evenings because you can have a lot of it (3 cups popped) for only 100 calories if you skip dousing it in butter.

Is popcorn the healthiest snack?

When it's air-popped and lightly seasoned, popcorn is an efficiently healthy snack. That's because it is a whole grain, and high-fiber whole grains have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and other health problems.

Does popcorn make you poop?

Go for air-popped popcorn or a healthy variety of microwave popcorn. Popcorn is a whole grain, and increasing the whole grains in your diet is an effective constipation remedy.

Why is popcorn so addictive?

Popcorn is made up of strong aroma chemicals that go into the air when heated. Other food industries actually add these chemicals to their food to make the aroma more appealing! So, remember when you're stuffing your face with popcorn even before the movie starts, it's not your fault, it's SCIENCE!

Why do I crave popcorn everyday?

Craving popcorn or crisps can be an indication of stress hormone fluctuations or a deficiency in chloride or Essential Fatty Acids. Try incorporating some meditation or breathing exercises and light exercise such as walking into your day and eat more leafy greens and 'oily' foods such as flaxseeds, nuts, olives.

How many calories are in a cup of popcorn?

Popcorn is known to be a low-calorie snack with one cup of air-popped popcorn containing about 30 calories; this is five times fewer calories than one serving of plain potato chips. In addition, the fiber content helps to reduce hunger by slowing the rate of digestion, prolonging satiety.

How much water is in popcorn?

Also, popcorn consists of only 4 percent water whereas fruits and vegetables have 90 percent water, causing polyphenols to be diluted. However, it is important to consider the preparation method when determining polyphenolic bioavailability.

When was popcorn invented?

Simple heating of dried corn over a fire would have created the very first popcorn, what a pleasant surprise! The earlier archaeological discoveries of popcorn were in Peru, but New Mexico and Central America also showed remnants of popcorn creation approximately 5,000 years ago.

Does popcorn help with constipation?

The high fiber content in popcorn promotes normal bowel movements and prevents constipation. Fiber stimulates the peristaltic motion of the smooth intestinal muscles and induces the secretion of digestive juices, both of which help to keep your entire digestive system healthy. [7] [8]

Is popcorn good for you?

Several health benefits of popcorn include its ability to regulate blood sugar, lower cholesterol levels, improve digestion, protect against chronic diseases, delay aging, and aid in weight reduction.

Does popcorn have antioxidants?

Buttery and oily toppings may also diminish the beneficial effects of antioxidants in popcorn. Eating antioxidant-rich foods like popcorn may not only help you reduce the development of a chronic disease, but also prevent the development of age- related symptoms such as wrinkles and age spots. [14]

Can you cook popcorn with olive oil?

Furthermore, heat alone is enough to create popcorn, so avoid cooking with olive oil or other vegetable oils, since it can impact the polyphenolic content of the hull once it “pops”, decreasing its health benefits. Popcorn is a popular snack amongst people of all age groups. Photo Credit: Shutterstock. Nutrition Facts.

What is the purpose of popcorn?

Popcorn helps in metabolism and provides energy. Popcorn is rich in vitamin B, including vitamin B3, B6, folate, and pantothenic acid. Vitamin B is essential for regulating bodily processes across multiple systems. The two examples of these are the production of energy and the metabolism of various nutrients.

Why do women eat popcorn?

Adult women, on the other hand, need 18 mg per day because of the blood they lose during menstruation. According to some surveys, almost 10% of women are iron deficient. Hence having popcorn in one’s diet provides the body with enough iron and helps to keep away problems like anaemia.

What is the name of the corn that pops in a popcorn puff?

Some strains of corn (Zea mays) are cultivated specifically as popping corns. The Zea mays variety everta, a special kind of flint corn, and is commonly used for making of pop corns.

What is popcorn made of?

Popcorn is a variety of corn kernel, which forcefully expands and puffs up when heated. A popcorn kernel's strong hull contains the seed's hard, starchy endosperm with 14-20% moisture, which turns to steam as the kernel is heated. The pressure continues building until it exceeds the hull's ability to contain it.

What minerals are in popcorn?

Popcorn contains phosphorus, a mineral that aids in supporting healthy bone function, as well as the function of many types of cells throughout the body. Manganese is another mineral found in popcorn which also support healthy bones,

Where did popcorn originate?

The history of popcorn is not entirely documented, but it seems that its popularity soared in the United States first in the Great Lakes region where the Iroquois people settled in large numbers.

When was popcorn invented?

Popcorn as a snack has been discovered in Mexico in archaeological sites dating back to 3600 B.C., and unsubstantiated claims say that Squanto himself taught European settlers how to popcorn during the growth of North America.

How many calories are in popcorn?

One serving of popcorn contains 16 percent of your daily recommended fiber intake, which is impressive considering there are only 93 calories in one serving. It’s incredibly important to eat a high-fiber diet for many reasons: Fiber helps protect the heart, aids in digestion and can even help prevent diabetes.

When did popcorn become normal?

Then came the early 20th century, when the occurrence of popcorn in a movie theater began to become normal. Street salesmen, known as “hawkers,” would come to sell individual bags of popcorn within movie theaters. At first, theater owners were resistant to this idea, but that all changed during the Great Depression.

How to make air pop popcorn?

Here are some instructions for air-popping your own homemade popcorn: Purchase plain, organic popcorn kernels at a local natural foods store. Use a healthy oil ( coconut oil or organic butter work great) and pour 3 tablespoons into a heavy stainless steel pan.

What is microwave popcorn coated with?

•. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that the bags used for microwave popcorn are coated with a chemical that breaks down into perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a cancer-causing agent. ( 2) PFOA, also found in nonstick cookware, release toxins once it’s heated.

Is popcorn good for bones?

Because popcorn contains a significant amount of manganese, it’s one good source of nutrition that can help you build and maintain dense, healthy bones. Manganese is a known supplemental nutrient that helps support bone structure (especially in people susceptible to weak bones, such as menopausal women) and protect against osteoporosis, arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Is popcorn a GMO?

The type of corn used to create popcorn is never a GMO food (awesome!), but it’s often laden with pesticides (no!). Certain types of popcorn contain an entire day’s worth of calories in one bucket (I’m looking at you, movie theaters), and others have a relatively small calorie count for such a filling treat.

When was corn first introduced to the world?

Popcorn as a snack has been discovered in Mexico in archaeological sites dating back to 3600 B.C., and unsubstantiated claims say that Squanto himself taught European settlers how to pop corn during the growth of North America.

How much fiber is in popcorn?

According to. Trusted Source. the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a typical 3-cup or 24-gram (g) serving of air-popped popcorn contains 3.5 g of fiber. The recommended daily intake for the average person in the U.S. is more than 25 g a day, and most people do not reach these levels.

How to make popcorn pop?

Use the following recipe to air-pop the popcorn kernels: 1 preheat the pan on a medium-high heat 2 add a few drops of water to the hot pan 3 add the popcorn kernels and replace the lid 4 shake the pot gently every 2 seconds 5 listen out for the kernels popping, which should take 1 or 2 minutes 6 keep going until there are at least 3 seconds between pops 7 remove from the heat, sprinkle with salt, and serve

What does it mean to air pop popcorn?

Air-popping means heating the hard popcorn seeds, or kernels, in hot air until they burst and become popcorn. People can add oil or butter for flavoring, but the popcorn does not need any oil to pop. If someone wants to add oil, they can use a version that contains healthful polyunsaturated fats, such as avocado oil.

Is air popped popcorn healthy?

contains protein. contains vitamins and minerals. low in fat and sugar. contains no cholesterol. Air-popped popcorn with no oil provides the best health benefits. People can air-pop popcorn by heating popcorn kernels in a popcorn maker or on a stovetop.

Is popcorn good for you?

Popcorn can either be good or bad for a person’s health, depending on what goes into making it. On its own, without any added sugar or salt, popcorn makes a nutritious, healthful snack. Popcorn is a type of corn kernel that, when people heat it, it pops to become light and fluffy. Popcorn contains plenty of nutrients and vitamins ...

Does popcorn cause weight gain?

Eating foods high in sugars and fats can lead to weight gain. The CDC recommend that people limit their salt intake. Popcorn can be high in salt, and so checking the nutrition labels on the packaging to find out how much salt or sodium each item has is sensible.

Is popcorn a whole grain?

Whole-grain benefits. Popcorn is a whole grain, which refers to a group of seeds that come from crops that include barley, millet, oats, rice, and wheat. Unlike refined grains that manufacturers have processed to remove the bran and germ, whole grains include the entire grain seed, also called the kernel.

How much fiber is in popcorn?

100 grams (3.5 ounces) of popcorn contain 15 grams of fiber, which goes a long way towards satisfying your daily fiber requirements ( 5 ). Bottom Line: Popcorn is very high in fiber, which has been linked to several health benefits. This includes weight loss and a decreased risk of many diseases.

Why is a sandbox so popular?

Over the years, it has become increasingly 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.

Is popcorn high in antioxidants?

It is 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 very large amounts of polyphenols. Polyphenol are linked to various health benefits.

Is microwave popcorn hydrogenated?

Many brands of microwave popcorn are made using 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 ( 23, 24. Trusted Source. , 25.

Is popcorn healthy?

Real Popcorn is Super Healthy. Popcorn is high in several important nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and polyphenol antioxidants. Not only that, but it is also incredibly tasty and one of the world’s best sources of fiber.

Is popcorn a low calorie snack?

Popcorn Nutrition Facts: A Healthy, Low-Calorie Snack? Written by Kayla McDonell, RD on June 17, 2017. Popcorn is one of the world’s healthiest and most popular snack foods. It is loaded with important nutrients and offers a variety of health benefits.

Is popcorn a whole grain?

Popcorn Nutrition Facts. Many people don’t realize it, but popcorn is a whole grain food, making it naturally high in several important nutrients. Many studies link whole grain consumption to health benefits like reduced inflammation and a decreased risk of heart disease ( 1. Trusted Source.

What are the benefits of popcorn?

And there’s more good news: 1 Air-popped popcorn has only 30 calories per cup; oil-popped popcorn has only 35 calories per cup. 2 When lightly buttered, popcorn is about 80 calories per cup. 3 Popcorn is a whole grain and provides energy-producing complex carbohydrates. 4 Popcorn contributes fiber to the diet. Dietary fiber from whole grains or other foods may help reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart disease, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes. 5 Popcorn is naturally low in fat and calories. 6 Popcorn has no artificial additives or preservatives, and is sugar-free. 7 Popcorn is ideal for between meal snacking since it satisfies and doesn't spoil the appetite. 8 3 cups of popcorn equal one serving from the grain group. 9 Whole grains are important sources of nutrients such as zinc, magnesium, B vitamins, and fiber.

How many calories are in a cup of popcorn?

When lightly buttered, popcorn is about 80 calories per cup. Popcorn is a whole grain and provides energy-producing complex carbohydrates. Popcorn contributes fiber to the diet. Dietary fiber from whole grains or other foods may help reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart disease, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes.

Is popcorn good for diabetics?

Popcorn is a good snack for diabetics as it does not impact blood sugar levels. [4] . Additionally, the USDA Agricultural Research Service says “low GI diets have proven health benefits. They improve both glucose and lipid levels in people with type 1, as well as type 2, diabetes.

Is popcorn low in fat?

Popcorn is naturally low in fat and calories. Popcorn has no artificial additives or preservatives, and is sugar-free. Popcorn is ideal for between meal snacking since it satisfies and doesn't spoil the appetite. 3 cups of popcorn equal one serving from the grain group.

Is popcorn high in glycemic index?

Popcorn has a good glycemic index (GI) of 55. [1] It contains no cholesterol, it is virtually fat-free (only 0.1 g per cup) and contains only 100 to 150 calories in a serving of five popped cups. Popcorn also has a number of essential vitamins including: folate, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, pantothenic acid and vitamins B6, A, E and K. [2] A serving of popcorn contributes about 8-percent of the daily value of iron, with lesser amounts of calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. [3]

Why does Illinois have popcorn?

Popcorn is the official state snack food of Illinois. Popcorn is able to pop because its kernels have a hard hull and a starchy interior. When heated, the pressure builds inside the kernel and it explodes out of the hull, leaving a light exterior that tastes delicious when eaten.

How many calories are in 3 cups of popcorn?

Nutrition for 3 cups of air-popped popcorn is 90 calories and less than 1 gram of fat. Nutrition for 3 cups of theater popcorn is 185 calories and 10 grams of saturated fat. One tablespoon of buttery topping adds 2 grams of saturated fat. There are ways you can add flavoring to popcorn and avoid extra fat.

How long to microwave popcorn?

3 tablespoons popcorn seeds. 1/8 tablespoon salt. 1 brown paper bag. Roll up the bag tightly. Lay it in the microwave and set for two minutes on high (cooking time may vary based on microwave). Listen for popping, and once popping slows to five seconds between pops, it should be done.

Where is popcorn grown?

Today, the Midwest is known as the Popcorn Capital of the World, as most of the corn for popping is grown in Nebraska and Indiana. Popcorn is the official state snack food of Illinois.

Is popcorn a whole grain?

There is a possibility the polyphenols pass through us unabsorbed. However, it is encouraging to know that popcorn is a whole-grain food and a good source of fiber. What we add to the popcorn makes it healthy or not so healthy. Many recipes can be found full of sugar and butter.

Is popcorn a low calorie snack?

It seems like we are always looking for a healthy, low-calorie snack. Popcorn is one of the healthiest munchies for any season of the year and has gained popularity for its ease of preparation. Thoughtful preparation of popcorn can prevent excess calories, yet satisfy the appetite.

Does popcorn have polyphenols?

Researchers from the University of Scranton, Pennsylvania found the hull of the popcorn to contain polyphenols, antioxidant substances related to reduction of heart disease. It is not clear if we gain benefits from the polyphenols in popcorn, as they are contained in the hull, which is insoluble fiber and not digested.

How many grams of fiber are in popcorn?

2. Popcorn has good nutrition stats. Not only is popcorn high in fiber, it even delivers some protein. A 1-ounce serving (about 3½ cups) has 4 grams of fiber, almost 4 grams of protein and clocks in at 110 calories.

Is it bad to snack?

Snacking itself is not a bad thing—it can fuel you until your next meal and also can be a great place to get in some food groups you're missing in your other meals. But some snacks, like popcorn, are better than others and the best snacks to eat are low in calories, high in nutrition and help keep you full for a long time. ...

Is popcorn good for weight loss?

The #1 Snack for Weight Loss, According to a Die titian. Popcorn is so good, can it actually be healthy? Of all the options out there, popcorn is near the top of the list for a healthy snack: it's a whole grain, is high in fiber and low in calories. Kerri-Ann Jennings, M.S., R.D.

Is popcorn a whole grain?

Popcorn is a whole grain. The term "whole grain" may bring to mind loaves of bread flecked with bran or a bowl of oatmeal , but popcorn also counts. In fact, popcorn eaters get 250% more whole grains in their diet than people who don't eat popcorn.

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Benefits

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Popcorn may only seem like a delicious snack for movie theaters and comfy nights at home, but there are many health benefits associated with this air-popped food that most people have never heard of. The health benefits of popcorn include its ability to regulate blood sugar, lower cholesterol levels, improve the digestive pr
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History

  • Historically, there is evidence that popcorn has been enjoyed by cultures for more than 6,000 years since corn (maize) has been an important part of many cultural diets in ancient times. Simple heating of that plant product over a fire would have created the very first popcorn, what a pleasant surprise! The earlier archaeological discoveries of popcorn were in Peru, but New Mexi…
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Definition

  • It is important to realize that popcorn is a whole grain, which is a designation for grains that contain the endosperm, germ, and bran. This is similar to whole grain cereals, rice, and bread that also contain all three of these vital parts. Since it is a natural whole grain, it contains all of the fiber from the bran, not to mention the minerals, B complex vitamins, and vitamin E that is store…
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Significance

  • The third vital role of fiber is its impact on blood sugar within the body. When the body has ample amounts of fiber, it regulates the release and management of blood sugar and insulin levels better than people with low levels of fiber. Reducing these fluctuations in blood sugar is a major bonus for diabetics, so popcorn is always a recommendation if you suffer from that difficult disease.
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Health

  • Joe Vinson, Ph.D., from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania, discovered that the hull of popcorn contains large amounts of polyphenolic compounds and fiber. He presented his research at the 243rd National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS) 2012. According to him, popcorn has concentrated levels of healthy antioxidants since it has only 4 pe…
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Prognosis

  • Free radicals do a lot more damage than cancer; they have been closely linked to of age-related symptoms like wrinkles, age spots, macular degeneration and blindness, muscle weakness, cognitive decline, osteoporosis, hair loss, and a wide variety of other things we generally dont look forward to as we age. Popcorn can keep you feeling healthy and happy well into your old age tha…
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Risks

  • Word of Caution: Popcorn certainly seems like a healthy snack, but the vast majority of people use large amounts of salt, butter, or other toppings that negate much of the positive impact that it can have on the body. Also, avoid pre-packaged microwave popcorn, as it usually has butter and salt. Once it begins to pop, some of the chemicals in the packaging material actually break down or d…
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Quotes

  • Other than these few words of warning, pop in a good movie, fix yourself a big bowl of popcorn, and get healthy!
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