POPCORN - Healthy Snack?
How many times have you wondered if popcorn is a healthy snack? The Healthy provides an answer to this question, emphasizing that popcorn is one of the healthiest snacks you can consume. The question arises, what makes them so healthy?
Popcorn is a snack that consists of 100% unprocessed whole grain kernels, so one serving of popcorn contains about 70% of a person's daily requirement for whole grains. Additionally, popcorn is packed with fiber, which is necessary for digestion, and it contains more iron than spinach. Yes, you read that right! Research shows that popcorn contains 0.9 milligrams of iron, while one cup of raw spinach contains 0.8 milligrams.
Furthermore, an analysis from the Antioxidants journal in 2019 concludes that popcorn is healthier than fruits and vegetables. Research has shown that popcorn is rich in polyphenols, which act as antioxidants and reduce inflammation. While polyphenols are also present in fruits and vegetables, popcorn contains less water than fruits and vegetables, resulting in a higher concentration of polyphenols.
According to research from the American Institute for Cancer Research, popcorn helps regulate the spread of cancer cells because the polyphenols in popcorn have the ability to block enzymes necessary for cancer growth.
The healthiest type of popcorn is the one "air-popped" without the addition of oil. What makes popcorn calorie-dense is the excessive use of oil, various seasonings, and flavors. Therefore, if you opt for air-popped popcorn without any added fats, you have chosen a perfectly healthy snack.