You may think of salted popcorn as a junk food, but in its plain, unflavoured form, it actually provides some valuable nutrients. In fact, popcorn is a good source of dietary fibre, protein, and antioxidants. So next time you’re watching a movie, don’t be afraid to enjoy a bowl of popcorn!
Who doesn’t love a good movie night with a big bowl of plain, flavoured, or salted popcorn? But have you ever stopped to think about all the nutrients you’re getting from that bowl of popcorn? Turns out, popcorn is a surprisingly healthy snack! Keep reading to learn more about the nutrients in popcorn and how they can benefit your health.
Lower risk of diabetes
Whole grains are a fantastic and under-appreciated part of our diets. They offer many health benefits, one important being that they reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes – which can be especially true if you’re middle aged or older.
Popcorn is a whole grain, so it is a good means to help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Unlike other types of snacks, popcorn can be consumed by people of all ages, including those who are in their senior years or those predisposed with health issues.
Popcorn can be beneficial for people with type 1 or 2 diabetes because it has a low glycaemic index (GI). The ease in which you digest this food will help keep your blood sugar levels stable, preventing fluctuations that may lead to confusion and fatigue.
Reduced risk of heart disease
There are many health benefits to eating popcorn, and one of the best parts is that it’s high in fibre. Fibre helps control blood sugar levels by slowing down how quickly you absorb nutrients from food – meaning they’ll stay longer inside your body. Popcorn contains lots more than just carbs too; there’s protein and iron which make this snack ideal if weight loss or general well-being matters most for you right now.
Keeps blood pressure at normal levels
Eating popcorn without salt or butter may help you lower your blood pressure. This is because it contains a lot of fibre and has other nutrients, like magnesium which helps regulate the body’s electrolyte levels, which control what goes into the cells.
Popcorn can help manage your weight
Unlike many snacks that are full of calories and taste great but don’t fill you up for very long, air-popped popcorn has 31 calories per cup. This means it can help stave off hunger pangs while still satisfying your craving.
Popcorn, in its plain cooked state, becomes an ideal snack in between full meals, or even as a treat to keep you awake. While many of us resort to chips or sweets during lazy hours or at times when we have to fight off the urge to sleep, popcorn serves the same purpose without adversely affecting our weight.
High in polyphenols
The antioxidants in popcorn can protect our cells from damage by free radicals. A study done at the University of Scranton showed that this tasty treat contains very large amounts of polyphenols, which are linked to various health benefits including better blood circulation and an improved digestive system. Several studies have also shown how these powerful molecules may reduce risk for several types of cancers including prostate or breast cancers.
