What is popcorn?Is eating popcorn healthy? Why is it such a popular snack?A special variety of corn that “pops” when heated is called popcorn. Popcorn kernels have a small amount of water at the center. This expands when exposed to heat and eventually the kernel bursts. The oldest popcorn piece that has been discovered till now is considered to be more than 5,000 years old. It has been found in New Mexico. Through the ages, popcorn has gained increasing popularity as a snack. It came under the limelight especially during the Great Depression as they are cheap. Eating popcorns without adding a lot of butter, salt, and other ingredients is considered to be healthy. At present, popcorns are considered to be the most popular snack in the United States by volume. Americans consume around 1.2 billion lb (500 million kg) of this tasty snack each year. Popcorn is usually sodium-free. It also has no cholesterol. Benefits received from popcorn is similar to that received from rice, barley, oats, and wheat.Like reading about nutritious popcorn? Want to know more? Let’s move on. If you like reading this article, you may also love reading about the nutritional benefits of popcorn and popcorn benefits and side effects.Popcorn Nutritional BenefitsPlain popcorn is a healthy and light snack. Is there protein in popcorn? Facts on popcorn nutritional value are discussed below.Popcorn is made from popcorn kernels. These kernels are starch-filled and are hard on the outside. A popcorn diet may help in reducing hypertension and heart diseases. It also helps in reducing the risk of diabetes. This is because popcorn is whole grain. The content of fiber in popcorn is high. Popcorn also contains a type of antioxidant, phenolic acids. Popcorns have a low Glycemic Index (GI). This implies that blood sugar levels are readily maintained if popcorns are consumed. There is no risk of fluctuations in the blood sugar level associated with popcorns. In fact, it helps people with Type I or II diabetes maintain their lipid and glucose levels. Consumption of foods high in fiber reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular diseases. Eating healthy popcorn without too much salt also helps in maintaining blood pressure levels. The calories in popcorn are less and hence popcorn as a snack helps in reducing body weight. There are many nutrients found in popcorns. A single serving of air-popped popcorn of around 3.5 oz (100 g) contains seven percent of the reference dietary intake (RDI) of Thiamin (Vitamin B1), eight percent of the reference dietary intake (RDI) of Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6), 12% of the reference dietary intake (RDI) of Niacin (Vitamin B3), 36% of the reference dietary intake (RDI) of both Magnesium and Phosphorus, 18% of the reference dietary intake (RDI) of iron, 21% of the reference dietary intake (RDI) of zinc, nine percent of the reference dietary intake (RDI) of potassium, 56% of the reference dietary intake (RDI) of manganese, and 13% of the reference dietary intake (RDI) of copper. In short, this amounts to 2.5 oz (78 g) of carbohydrates (good ones), 0.4 oz (13 g) of popcorn protein, 0.17 oz (5 g) of fat, and 387 popcorn calories. This single-serving consists of 0.5 oz (15 g) of popcorn fiber and this makes it one of the best sources of fiber found in the world.Calories In Homemade Popcorn With OilWhat is the calorie content of air-popped popcorn that is homemade with oil? Popcorn that is made on a stove or an air-popper make it one of the healthiest treats. How is air-popped popcorn made?The recipe is pretty simple. Around three tablespoons of coconut oil or olive oil, half a cup of popcorn kernels, and half a teaspoon of salt are the basic ingredients. The oil and the popcorn kernels need to be placed together in a large pot and covered with a lid. This oil-kernel mixture needs to be cooked over a medium-high flame for around three minutes. This heating may take a little longer until the popping of the kernels comes to an end. The popcorn can be poured directly into a serving bowl and seasoned with a bit of salt. Additional flavor can be provided by topping the popped popcorn with fresh spices or herbs. Natural nut butter, dark chocolate, or cinnamon can be also used to garnish popped popcorn. This would impart a sweet flavor to them. The popped popcorn can also be sprinkled with nutritional yeast. This kind of yeast has a flavor that is a mix of nuts and cheese. It is beneficial for health as it contains protein, vitamin B, several kinds of minerals, fiber, and other nutrients. A single serving (three cups) of air-popped popcorn usually contains 93 calories. homemade popcorn can be a great addition to the diet.Side Effects Of Eating PopcornShould the nutrition facts of popcorn only be highlighted? Are there any side effects of consuming popcorns?Microwave popcorn that is pre-packaged is the most popular variety of popcorn that is available in markets. It is the most convenient way to make popcorn. However, a majority of microwave bags are lined with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). This chemical is associated with many health problems. Some of them are problems associated with thyroid, low birth weight, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Microwave popcorn also contains diacetyl. This chemical is used when the microwave popcorn is given a flavor of artificial butter. Animal studies have shown that this chemical can cause lung diseases. It may also damage the airways. Partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated oils are used in making microwave popcorn by many brands. These partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated oils contain trans fats that are harmful. Trans fats have been linked to an increased risk of heart ailments and other serious health issues. Also, popcorn that is prepared commercially like the ones available in movie theatres should be avoided. These contain a lot of artificial ingredients which are mainly used in flavoring them. This popcorn has a high-calorie content.Did You Know…Popcorn is way more filling than potato chips. 150 calories of crispy potato chips are equivalent in filling to that of 15 calories of popcorn. Also, eating microwave popcorn is not the same as eating air-popped popcorn.Popcorn is not advised during the first phase of the South Beach Diet. Popcorn is also not recommended during the phase of induction in the Atkins Diet.Topping popcorn with butter can add up to 100 calories, 0.2 oz (7 g) of saturated fat, 0.38 oz (11 g) of fats, and 0.003 oz (90 mg) of sodium per tablespoon. Clearly, it is best to avoid butter on popcorn no matter how tasty it gets. Grated parmesan cheese adds another twenty calories.The energy density of popcorns is low. However, eating popcorns needs to be regulated just like any other snack. It is a balanced diet that ultimately helps in reducing weight.Three cups of popcorn has 0.007 oz (0.2 g) of sugar.Air-popped popcorn mainly has polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.The saturated fat found in popcorn rises by a considerable amount if a lot of butter and salt is added to it. This has adverse health effects.Popcorn should be coated with healthy ingredients only when they are hot.The fiber found in popcorn is insoluble. It aids in digestion and reduces the risk of gut infections.Three cups of popcorns rival a cup of cooked broccoli in protein content. A sedentary woman requires 1.62 oz (46 g) of proteins each day while a sedentary man requires 1.97 oz (56 g) of proteins each day. Three cups of popcorns can provide 0.10 oz (3 g) of protein.The amount of fiber that is available in three cups of popcorn is equivalent to a cup of oatmeal or a cup of cooked brown rice.In some cases, people may face allergies related to the consumption of corn products. Such symptoms usually arise within two hours of consumption of the said corn product. Symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, hives, rashes, tingling feeling in the mouth, and swelling of lips may take place. Only in rare cases, the reaction may turn fatal leading to anaphylaxis. A majority of persons who develop allergic reactions to corn products are usually allergic to grasses and a minority of tree pollens. Immediate action should be taken in all cases and medical advice should be considered to prevent any further damage.The FDA has determined that the level of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) found in the lining of microwave bags is safe. However, further studies need to be conducted in this regard.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for 11 popcorn nutrition facts and health benefits you should know, then why not take a look at chick pea facts or almond oil facts?
What is popcorn?
