Popcorn is one of the healthiest and most popular snacks. Plain, unbuttered, air-popped popcorn is low in calories and rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals and polyphenol antioxidants. Consuming it improves digestion.
Many people will be more used to eating popcorn at the cinema with toppings or flavorings. These added extras tend to have little nutritional value. Microwave popcorn may also contain additives, and the bags can have contaminants.
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. The health benefits discussed in this article refer to air-popped, oil-free popcorn specifically.
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. This means that whole grains contain dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial fats.
Other examples of food made of whole grains include brown rice, wholemeal bread, and oatmeal.
Credit : Medical New Today
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