Popcorn- A Healthy Snack

Popcorn is one of the most loved snacks across the world. Although the Native Americans discovered a way of  dry roasting the corn so as to pop it, the all white American of today simply cannot do without it. The Aztecs belonging to South America also wore this delicious snack item on their clothing and headdress.  According to the statistics given out by the Snack Food Association, an average US citizen eats about 56 quarts of popcorn annually.

Health Benefits- Extensive research work has gone into finding the goodness of the popcorn so far. Scientists have been surprised to find that the humble popcorn contains an inordinately high quantity of polyphenols which is an antioxidant with both cancer and cardiac disease risk reducing properties. This wonder antioxidant is normally found in whole grain cereals with popcorn containing the highest amount. Popcorn also contains a healthy amount of vitamin B. Potassium as well as other minerals present in the popcorn helps in boosting up our health by a good measure. Certain quantities of protein present within the popcorn makes it a perfectly balanced and healthy snack item as well.

Fiber- The high amount of fiber present in the popcorn aids our digestion by clearing the bowel movement and regularizing it.

Whole Grain- Cardiac strokes as well as diabetes may well be prevented if we include popcorn in our daily diet.

Calorie Count – Popcorn by itself is a low calorie food with a cupful of popcorn having only about 40 calories. However, coating the healthy snack in butter or oil notches up  the calorie content by several degrees. Adding butter or oil also increases the saturated fat content of the popcorn. Addition of salt increases the sodium content considerably too.

Risks – Doctors advice against feeding popcorn to small children and infants. In spite of the varied health benefits that this snack offers, the kernels can be a potential choking hazard for infants and toddlers.