How Popcorn Benefits Your Health?

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Popcorn has been always counted in the list of unhealthy snacks. Well, it might be surprising to know that popcorn has many hidden health benefits. Popcorn is made with maize kernels and this snack has hidden nutritional benefits. Popcorn is either sweetened or salted. Whatever be the flavour, munching popcorn can be a really tasty snack especially while watching television. If you love to eat popcorn, then you must definitely know the health benefits of munching this snack.

Health benefits of popcorn:

 Popcorn Benefits

Whole grains: Popcorn is made with maize kernels, a whole grain that can hardly be bad for health. Whole grains are rich in fibre like fruits and vegetables thus making it a much better snack than chips and burgers. Ready made popcorn can be unhealthy so always prefer making popcorn at home.

Antioxidants: Researchers have found out that popcorn has polyphenols (an antioxidant). This antioxidant is much more potent than vitamin C and E. Polyphenols flushes out toxins from the body and improves the immune system. Researchers have found that one serving of popcorn has 300 mg polyphenols (13 % average consumption required on daily basis for a healthy body). This antioxidant also reduces ageing, cures constipation, improves bowel movements, betters heart conditions and fights cancer. So, popcorn improve digestion and also helps you maintain glowing skin.

Insoluble fibre: There are two types of fibre namely soluble and insoluble fibre. Soluble fibre dissolves in water and insoluble fibre is a does not dissolve in water but moves through the intestines without being absorbed. Insoluble fibre adds pressure to the bowel movements and cures constipation. Popcorn is a whole grain snack that is high in insoluble fibre. This means, popcorn digests easily and doesn't make you fat either. Like fruits and vegetables, popcorn is also rich in insoluble fibre which cures constipation. Insoluble fibre also makes you feel full for much longer time. So, you will not fell hungry for a longer period of time.

These are few health benefits of popcorn. But, do not start hogging a bucketful of popcorn. If you really want to make this a nutritious snack, then prefer air-popped popcorn over microwaved one. Microwaved popcorn is high in calories. Also the ingredients can make this a unhealthy and fat filled snack. Use less butter, oil, salt and artificial sweeteners. Also, eat the hulls of popcorn as they are filled with antioxidants and dietary fibre. Hulls are the crunchy and nutritious so, do not just pop the soft and fluffy white parts of the popcorn. Eat the hulls too.

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Read more about: nutrition, healthy diet, snacks
Story first published: Monday, August 6, 2012, 12:59 [IST]
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