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does popcorn have any benefits

by Prof. Kaden Howell Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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In addition to fiber, popcorn also is a good source of polyphenols, which are antioxidants that have been linked to better blood circulation and digestive health, as well as a potentially lower risk of certain cancers. Another health benefit of popcorn is its high satiety.Jun 18, 2019

What are the health benefits of eating popcorn?

Popcorn contains the following vitamins and minerals, according to the USDA:

  • Vitamin B1
  • Vitamin B3
  • Vitamin B6
  • Iron
  • Magnesium
  • Phosphorous
  • Potassium
  • Zinc
  • Copper
  • Manganese

What are the side effects of eating popcorn?

Side Effects Of Popcorn 1. May Aggravate Gastrointestinal Disorders. Popcorn kernels may cause large bowel obstruction by forming a phytobezoar. Gastric bezoars cause abdominal pain, acid reflux, and distention. In the small bowel, they can cause constipation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, distension, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss .

Is popcorn fattening or good for weight loss?

Popcorn has been shown to be very effective on weight loss as it has a lot of fiber which when consumed gives a feeling of fullness hence less focus on heavier food. Popcorn, a low calorie, low fat diet is a good way to go. Furthermore, it contains no sugar. A cup of plain air popped popcorn provides 30 calories and only 0.4 grams of fat.

Is eating popcorn daily bad for You?

The Effects of Too Much Popcorn

  • Immediate Effects. Eating too much popcorn in one sitting will cause a bloated and uncomfortable feeling. ...
  • Weight Gain. The Center for Disease Control recommends choosing popcorn that is air-popped as opposed to kernels popped in fat as this reduces your calorie intake.
  • Increased Sodium. ...
  • Raised Cholesterol. ...

See more

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What is the benefit of eating popcorn?

There are a few health benefits to eating popcorn. In addition to being high in fiber, popcorn also contains phenolic acids, a type of antioxidant. In addition, popcorn is a whole grain, an important food group that may reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension in humans.

Is popcorn good for weight loss?

Popcorn has good nutrition stats A 1-ounce serving (about 3½ cups) has 4 grams of fiber, almost 4 grams of protein and clocks in at 110 calories. This combination makes it a snack with staying power with very few calories, which can help with weight loss.

What are the disadvantages of eating popcorn?

Premade popcorn often contains a high level of salt, or sodium. Eating too much sodium can cause high blood pressure and lead to other health complications. Some brands also include a lot of sugar. Added butter, sugar, and salt can make popcorn an unhealthful snack.

Is it okay to eat popcorn everyday?

If you cook the popcorn in healthy oils, like olive oil and avocado oil, that are rich in monounsaturated fats (which help keep your heart healthy), a small amount of daily popcorn can be a good choice. Just don't overdo it and make sure to stick to the recommended serving sizes.

What is Popcorn?

Popcorn is considered a whole grain food, which is composed of a hard endosperm, hull, or shell, containing a starchy interior. When it is heated, the pressure inside the hull increases and eventually a POP occurs, creating popcorn! There are a number of varieties of popcorn, including types that are meant to be cooked in a microwave, as well as other unaltered kernels that can be made in small appliances specifically made for popping corn, such as an air-popper. [1]

How many calories are in a cup of popcorn?

Popcorn is known to be a low-calorie snack with one cup of air-popped popcorn containing about 30 calories; this is five times fewer calories than one serving of plain potato chips. In addition, the fiber content helps to reduce hunger by slowing the rate of digestion, prolonging satiety.

How long has popcorn been around?

Historically, there is evidence that popcorn has been enjoyed by cultures for more than 6,000 years since corn (maize) has been an important part of many cultural diets in ancient times. Simple heating of dried corn over a fire would have created the very first popcorn, what a pleasant surprise! The earlier archaeological discoveries of popcorn were in Peru, but New Mexico and Central America also showed remnants of popcorn creation approximately 5,000 years ago. It can even come in different colors if different color corn kernels are used. [2]

How much water is in popcorn?

Also, popcorn consists of only 4 percent water whereas fruits and vegetables have 90 percent water, causing polyphenols to be diluted. However, it is important to consider the preparation method when determining polyphenolic bioavailability.

Is popcorn a good snack?

Popcorn is a low-calorie snack with one cup of air-popped popcorn containing about 30 calories; this is five times fewer calories than one serving of plain potato chips. In addition, the fiber content helps to reduce hunger by slowing the rate of digestion, prolonging satiety. Plain popcorn is also low in saturated fat making it a heart-healthy snack that can fill you up and keep your waistline thin. [15]

Does popcorn help with constipation?

The high fiber content in popcorn promotes normal bowel movements and prevents constipation. Fiber stimulates the peristaltic motion of the smooth intestinal muscles and induces the secretion of digestive juices, both of which help to keep your entire digestive system healthy. [7] [8]

Is popcorn bad for you?

When eaten plain or seasoned with herbs/seasonings it is both delicious and beneficial. However, it can become unhealthy when you begin pouring salt, butter, or other high fat/high sodium flavorings and toppings. According to a report from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, popcorn made in movie theaters can have up to 60 grams of saturated fat due to the fact they cook most of their popcorn in coconut oil. Plain popcorn contains no saturated fat at all. Furthermore, heat alone is enough to create popcorn, so avoid cooking with olive oil or other vegetable oils, since it can impact the polyphenolic content of the hull once it “pops”, decreasing its health benefits.

What is the purpose of popcorn?

Popcorn helps in metabolism and provides energy. Popcorn is rich in vitamin B, including vitamin B3, B6, folate, and pantothenic acid. Vitamin B is essential for regulating bodily processes across multiple systems. The two examples of these are the production of energy and the metabolism of various nutrients.

What is Popcorn?

Popcorn is a variety of corn kernel, which forcefully expands and puffs up when heated. A popcorn kernel's strong hull contains the seed's hard, starchy endosperm with 14-20% moisture, which turns to steam as the kernel is heated. The pressure continues building until it exceeds the hull's ability to contain it. The kernel ruptures and forcefully expands, allowing the contents to expand, cool, and finally set in a popcorn puff 20 to 50 times the size of the original kernel. Some strains of corn (Zea mays) are cultivated specifically as popping corns. The Zea mays variety everta, a special kind of flint corn, and is commonly used for making of pop corns.

What is the name of the corn that pops in a popcorn puff?

Some strains of corn (Zea mays) are cultivated specifically as popping corns. The Zea mays variety everta, a special kind of flint corn, and is commonly used for making of pop corns.

What minerals are in popcorn?

Popcorn contains phosphorus, a mineral that aids in supporting healthy bone function, as well as the function of many types of cells throughout the body. Manganese is another mineral found in popcorn which also support healthy bones,

Why do women eat popcorn?

Adult women, on the other hand, need 18 mg per day because of the blood they lose during menstruation. According to some surveys, almost 10% of women are iron deficient. Hence having popcorn in one’s diet provides the body with enough iron and helps to keep away problems like anaemia.

Where did popcorn originate?

The history of popcorn is not entirely documented, but it seems that its popularity soared in the United States first in the Great Lakes region where the Iroquois people settled in large numbers.

When was popcorn invented?

Popcorn as a snack has been discovered in Mexico in archaeological sites dating back to 3600 B.C., and unsubstantiated claims say that Squanto himself taught European settlers how to popcorn during the growth of North America.

Why does bioavailability matter in popcorn?

Why does bioavailability matter? Because it’s possible that the enzymes in the human body responsible for breaking down food during digestion and absorbing the good stuff don’t actually break down popcorn in such a way to allow us to get all of the antioxidants it contains. ( 6)

Why was popcorn the first snack food during the Depression?

Because of its low cost and enjoyable flavor, popcorn was the one snack food for which sales went up, not down, during this Depression. Theater owners changed perspective, seeing that it was a minimally priced luxury item that moviegoers would actually spare change to buy. The first theater owner to remodel theaters to actually install popcorn machines in the lobby area was Glen W. Dickson in 1938. His chain of theaters throughout the Midwest quickly earned back the significant money they had spent on remodeling within a short time after installing the machines.

What is microwave popcorn coated with?

•. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that the bags used for microwave popcorn are coated with a chemical that breaks down into perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a cancer-causing agent. ( 2) PFOA, also found in nonstick cookware, release toxins once it’s heated.

Is air popped popcorn healthier than potato chips?

This is one place where organic, air-popped popcorn nutrition can come in handy. Popcorn is a much more filling snack than potato chips, according to a study done in Florida in 2012. Researchers found that popcorn would go a long way in helping reduce hunger cravings for those trying to eat less on their weight loss journeys. ( 8)

Is popcorn good for bones?

Because popcorn contains a significant amount of manganese, it’s one good source of nutrition that can help you build and maintain dense, healthy bones. Manganese is a known supplemental nutrient that helps support bone structure (especially in people susceptible to weak bones, such as menopausal women) and protect against osteoporosis, arthritis and osteoarthritis.

When was corn first introduced to the world?

Popcorn as a snack has been discovered in Mexico in archaeological sites dating back to 3600 B.C., and unsubstantiated claims say that Squanto himself taught European settlers how to pop corn during the growth of North America.

Is popcorn cut and dry?

Again, the answer is not so cut and dry. Popcorn nutrition, in fact, does have some positives to offer you, especially because of its high fiber and manganese content, but these benefits are all strictly related to only one specific type of popcorn, which I explain below.

What are the health benefits of polyphenols?

According to research in a 2013 issue of Nutrients, polyphenols possess numerous health benefits, including the prevention of degenerative diseases such osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes.

How to pop whole kernels?

Air pop or use oil to pop whole kernels. Lightly season it with sea salt or a very small bit of butter, if you can't eat it any other way.

How much fiber is in a cup of corn?

Dietary fiber is a major benefit of whole grains. Popcorn provides about 4 grams of dietary fiber for every 4 cups of popped corn. Most Americans only consume half of their recommended daily intake of fiber, which is 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men. An adequate fiber intake not helps you to stay regular but may also lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, reduce blood cholesterol and lower your risk of type 2 diabetes by regulating blood sugar.

Is popcorn high in antioxidants?

The University of Scranton reported a study in 2012 that found the antioxidant concentration of popcorn to be much higher than anticipated. In fact, the study found the concentration of polyphenols in popcorn surpassed that of most fruit. Popcorn is only 4 percent water, compared to the 90 percent water content of most fruits and vegetables, ...

Is smothering a snack healthy?

Whole grains, fiber and antioxidants are wrapped up in this simple snack. Be careful though. Smothering this naturally healthy snack in salt, fat, sugar and flavorings turns natural goodness into junk food.

Is popcorn a water soluble food?

Popcorn is only 4 percent water, compared to the 90 percent water content of most fruits and vegetables, so the polyphenols aren' t diluted at all. These nutrients were found within the hull and so popcorn without the hull may not contain this healthy antioxidant.

Is microwave popcorn healthy?

Not All Popcorn Is Created Equal. While plain, natural popcorn is full of health benefits, the cry for convenience and the palate of Americans have led to the addition of unhealthy “extras.”. Microwave popcorn is usually packed with unhealthy oils, other additives and a lot more calories.

How much fiber is in popcorn?

100 grams (3.5 ounces) of popcorn contain 15 grams of fiber, which goes a long way towards satisfying your daily fiber requirements ( 5 ). Bottom Line: Popcorn is very high in fiber, which has been linked to several health benefits. This includes weight loss and a decreased risk of many diseases.

How many ounces of popcorn is 100 grams?

This is the nutrient content of a 100-gram (3.5-oz) serving of air-popped popcorn ( 5 ):

What type of corn pops when exposed to heat?

Popcorn is a special type of corn that “pops” when exposed to heat.

Why is a sandbox so popular?

Over the years, it has become increasingly popular. It became especially popular during the Great Depression because it was so cheap. Today around 1.2 billion pounds (500 million kg) are consumed by Americans every year, making it America’s most popular snack food by volume.

Is popcorn high in antioxidants?

It is High in Polyphenol Antioxidants. Polyphenols are antioxidants that help protect our cells from damage by free radicals. A study done at the University of Scranton showed that popcorn contains very large amounts of polyphenols. Polyphenol are linked to various health benefits.

Is popcorn a low calorie snack?

Popcorn Nutrition Facts: A Healthy, Low-Calorie Snack? Written by Kayla McDonell, RD on June 17, 2017. Popcorn is one of the world’s healthiest and most popular snack foods. It is loaded with important nutrients and offers a variety of health benefits.

Is popcorn a whole grain?

Popcorn Nutrition Facts. Many people don’t realize it, but popcorn is a whole grain food, making it naturally high in several important nutrients. Many studies link whole grain consumption to health benefits like reduced inflammation and a decreased risk of heart disease ( 1. Trusted Source.

What are the antioxidants in popcorn?

The popcorn contains large amounts of poly-phenolic compounds, one of the more powerful types of antioxidants that you can put in your body. Antioxidants are the powerful defensive agents that can eliminate free radicals.

How many calories are in popcorn?

Did you know that normal popcorn contains only 30 calories which is 5 times less than the greasy potato chips? The fibre content in popcorn will make you feel full and inhibits the release of the hunger hormone. It is also very low in saturated fats.

How much iron is in popcorn?

Popcorn Contains Iron. According to the USDA, 28 grams of popcorn contains 0.9 mg of iron. Adult men require only 8 mg of iron in their diet each day and adult women require 18 mg of iron per day. So, boost your iron intake by eating fresh and organic popcorn. 10.

Is popcorn a whole grain?

Popcorn is a whole grain which contain s the endosperm, germ and bran. And being a natural whole grain, it contains all of the fibre that can help to treat digestion. It aids in proper bowel movements and will prevent constipation as well.

Does popcorn help with osteoporosis?

Popcorn contains a significant amount of manganese that can help build and maintain dense and healthy bones. Manganese helps to support the bone structure and protects against osteoporosis, arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Is popcorn good for you?

The best way to eat it is without adding any flavours. Popcorn contains fibre, antioxidant, vitamin B complex, manganese and magnesium. Read on to know more about the health benefits of eating popcorn. 1. Lowers The Cholesterol Levels.

Does popcorn help with age related problems?

Popcorn can treat age-related symptoms like wrinkles, age spots, macular degeneration and blindness, muscle weakness, and hair loss. Popcorn can keep you healthy, thanks to the powerful antioxidants present in it.

How many polyphenols are in fruit?

In comparison, they found that a serving of many fruits has about 160 mg of polyphenols.

Is Kellogg's whole grain good for you?

That study is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and cereal maker Kellogg's. "We already know whole grains are good for you," Blumberg says. What scientists now need to figure out, he tells WebMD, are which components are really important in improving health.

Is popcorn a good source of antioxidants?

Study: More Antioxidants in Popcorn Than in Some Fruits and Vegetables; Other Experts Say More Study Needed. March 25, 2012 -- Popcorn, already known to be a good source of fiber, has higher levels of healthy antioxidants than some fruits and vegetables, according to new research. "Based on fiber, whole grains, and antioxidant levels, ...

Is popcorn a good source of fiber?

March 25, 2012 -- Popcorn, already known to be a good source of fiber, has higher levels of healthy antioxidants than some fruits and vegetables, according to new research. "Based on fiber, whole grains, and antioxidant levels, popcorn is the king of snack foods," says Joe Vinson, PhD, professor of chemistry at the University of Scranton.

Is popcorn high in fiber?

He calls popcorn "a wonderful high-fiber snack," but like other experts, he warns that adding too much butter and other oil can quickly ruin popcorn's healthy image. He presented the study, which was partially funded by Weaver Popcorn Company, today in San Diego at the American Chemical Society's annual meeting.

Is popcorn bad for you?

The Vinson study does suggest that popcorn is not bad as a snack, says Kantha Shelke, PhD, a Chicago food chemist and spokeswoman for the Institute of Food Technologists.

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Benefits

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Popcorn may only seem like a delicious snack for movie theaters and comfy nights at home, but there are many health benefits associated with this air-popped food that most people have never heard of. The health benefits of popcorn include its ability to regulate blood sugar, lower cholesterol levels, improve the digestive pr
See more on organicfacts.net

History

  • Historically, there is evidence that popcorn has been enjoyed by cultures for more than 6,000 years since corn (maize) has been an important part of many cultural diets in ancient times. Simple heating of that plant product over a fire would have created the very first popcorn, what a pleasant surprise! The earlier archaeological discoveries of popcorn were in Peru, but New Mexi…
See more on organicfacts.net

Definition

  • It is important to realize that popcorn is a whole grain, which is a designation for grains that contain the endosperm, germ, and bran. This is similar to whole grain cereals, rice, and bread that also contain all three of these vital parts. Since it is a natural whole grain, it contains all of the fiber from the bran, not to mention the minerals, B complex vitamins, and vitamin E that is store…
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Significance

  • The third vital role of fiber is its impact on blood sugar within the body. When the body has ample amounts of fiber, it regulates the release and management of blood sugar and insulin levels better than people with low levels of fiber. Reducing these fluctuations in blood sugar is a major bonus for diabetics, so popcorn is always a recommendation if you suffer from that difficult disease.
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Health

  • Joe Vinson, Ph.D., from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania, discovered that the hull of popcorn contains large amounts of polyphenolic compounds and fiber. He presented his research at the 243rd National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS) 2012. According to him, popcorn has concentrated levels of healthy antioxidants since it has only 4 pe…
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Prognosis

  • Free radicals do a lot more damage than cancer; they have been closely linked to of age-related symptoms like wrinkles, age spots, macular degeneration and blindness, muscle weakness, cognitive decline, osteoporosis, hair loss, and a wide variety of other things we generally dont look forward to as we age. Popcorn can keep you feeling healthy and happy well into your old age tha…
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Risks

  • Word of Caution: Popcorn certainly seems like a healthy snack, but the vast majority of people use large amounts of salt, butter, or other toppings that negate much of the positive impact that it can have on the body. Also, avoid pre-packaged microwave popcorn, as it usually has butter and salt. Once it begins to pop, some of the chemicals in the packaging material actually break down or d…
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Quotes

  • Other than these few words of warning, pop in a good movie, fix yourself a big bowl of popcorn, and get healthy!
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1.Popcorn: Health Benefits, Nutrition, and Preparation

Url:https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/health-benefits-popcorn

10 hours ago There are a few health benefits to eating popcorn. In addition to being high in fiber, popcorn also contains phenolic acids, a type of antioxidant.

2.Benefits of Popcorn And Its Side Effects | Lybrate

Url:https://www.lybrate.com/topic/benefits-of-popcorn-and-its-side-effects

23 hours ago  · The health benefits of popcorn are numerous. It is rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats. These nutrients protect our bodies from diseases. They also …

3.Is Popcorn Healthy? Nutrition Benefits vs. Pitfalls - Dr. Axe

Url:https://draxe.com/nutrition/is-popcorn-healthy/

29 hours ago  · Popcorn contains a significant antioxidant load in the form of phenols, although it’s unclear how much of these are absorbed by the body. This snack is high in fiber and is filling, …

4.The Healthy Benefits of Popcorn | Healthy Eating | SF Gate

Url:https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/healthy-benefits-popcorn-4376.html

26 hours ago  · Does Popcorn Have Any Benefits? Popcorn may provide some benefits due to its nutritional and non-nutritive components. Here is a summary of these potential benefits. High …

5.Popcorn Nutrition Facts: A Healthy, Low-Calorie Snack?

Url:https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/popcorn-nutrition-and-health

19 hours ago  · March 25, 2012 -- Popcorn, already known to be a good source of fiber, has higher levels of healthy antioxidants than some fruits and vegetables, according to new research.

6.10 Health Benefits Of Eating Popcorn - Boldsky.com

Url:https://www.boldsky.com/health/nutrition/2018/10-health-benefits-of-eating-popcorn-120081.html

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7.Popcorn Packed With Antioxidants - WebMD

Url:https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20120325/popcorn-packed-with-antioxidants

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