Is Popcorn Good For Your Health?
So recently, I converted. I told myself (as a New Year’s Resolution) not to have any more microwave popcorn. However, this caused a dilemma. I LOVE popcorn. This is where I started to do my research and find the truth about popcorn and why the health professionals say it’s good and bad for your health.
Popcorn are whole grains filled with fiber and polyphenols. Popcorn is naturally a whole grain that contain the whole kernel (the germ, the bran, and the endosperm). These three components have healthy oils, vitamins, protein, antioxidants, and fiber.
The fiber in popcorn provides, on average, 4 grams of dietary fiber for every 4 cups of popped corn. The necessary about of fiber adults should intake daily is 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men. Popcorn is a great snack to add that extra fiber that most adults are missing in their diets. Fiber is known to lower risks of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and reduces blood cholesterol.
As stated above, popcorn has polyphenols. However, how many of you actually know what that is? Well, I’ll explain. Polyphenols are a type of chemical found in plant foods. They help minimize/neutralize free radicals that are known to damage cells and aid in rapid aging. Popcorn actually contains more polyphenols compared to those of most fruits.
However, here comes the truth on why I am writing this. Most of all the nutrients that make popcorn so healthy are not found in your microwave popcorn. Yes, it is convenient, but if you think about it, it so expensive and bad for you. A bag of popcorn from the store now, runs to about $1.00 per bag. The “bag” is filled with unhealthy oils, dangerous additives, and SO MANY CALORIES. You have to start making your own popcorn.
By making your own popcorn, you control everything that goes into your body. You decide if you want to use olive oil, butter, salt, or any combination. You need to know what is going into your body and not just assume that you are eating just popcorn. You can make it classically on the stove or you can even still pop it in the microwave. I recently found a glass microwave popcorn maker and I fell in love with it. It is fun to watch and it is actually making me want to eat this popcorn even more. Buy one here for cheap: Glass Popcorn Maker
One final note, I would highly suggest you all by organic kernels. They are not much more expensive, but you don’t have to worry about losing any of the great nutritional benefits from the processing. I love Bob’s Red Mill’s kernels. They have a great price and you will never go back to “bagged” popcorn. Buy them here: Bob’s Red Mill’s Organic Popcorn.
