The popcorn they are famous all over the world for being the perfect companion to a good movie. Although many people also enjoy them as a snack or snack between meals. But what very few know is that, between snacks, popcorn they far outnumber a lot of them. When speaking in terms of health benefits, by providing fiber, antioxidants and a wide variety of nutrients.
We must clarify that we are not talking about the version that comes for the microwave, but about those that we cook without butter and with a little salt. So if you are a lover of popcorn, here are 7 healthy reasons why you’ll love them even more.
1. Popcorn is packed with vitamins and minerals.
Incredible as it may seem, a small grain of popcorn It contains a lot of hidden nutrients. For example, these contain about 8 percent of your daily value for iron, according to the USDA. Other minerals found in them include: calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium and zinc.
But in addition, they also contain many vitamins, including: Vitamins B6, A, E and K, folate, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin and pantothenic acid.
2. Popcorn is a healthy whole grain.
The popcorn they are a whole grain. Which means that each of the grains contains the bran, the germ and the endosperm, so it does not lose any of its nutrients. It is also a good source of fiber that helps improve digestion. But in addition, its fiber content is high, which helps maintain regular bowel movements and prevent constipation.
On the other hand, a diet rich in fiber is known to help us remove excess cholesterol from the walls of blood vessels. Which can lower your total cholesterol level and protect you from having heart attacks or other diseases associated with circulation.
Nutritionist Shilpa Arora says: “The fiber in popcorn slows down the metabolism of carbohydrates into sugar. Therefore, it reduces the insulin response. The popcorn they are an excellent healthy snack for diabetics, one must be careful not to choose the flavors loaded with butter and trans fats available in the markets. This could be misleading and lead to serious health problems.
Be sure to select good quality grains. You can steam them or cook them in a cast iron skillet. This is excellent for health and diabetics.”
3. Popcorn has a good amount of antioxidants
The popcorn They have a lot of antioxidants present in them. One of those antioxidants are polyphenols. Antioxidants kill free radicals in our body, which can lead to serious diseases, including cancer.
So, the polyphenolic compound present in the popcorn It will help you fight against them. consumption of popcorn, along with a balanced diet, can increase your intake of antioxidants to keep you healthy. The presence of free radicals in the body is attributed to several other problems, such as aging and wrinkling, Alzheimer’s disease, hair loss, and other problems.
4. Popcorn is a great snack for weight loss
This food can help you lose weight as they are low in calories and are definitely a better choice than potato chips. It’s naturally fat and sugar free, so you won’t feel guilty after consuming them.
Plus, they can really fill you up, so you won’t even need much and you can avoid overeating. But make sure you don’t depend on those varieties of popcorn flavored with butter or chocolate, because they will definitely have the opposite effect.
5. Popcorn is gluten-free
The popcorn They are gluten-free and you can even use them in place of breadcrumbs in any recipe to make it healthier. It is healthy even when enjoyed alone as a snack. Make it healthier by staying away from unwanted ingredients and additives.
6. They lower blood sugar levels
Many snack foods can cause a spike in blood glucose levels, also known as blood sugar. The glycemic index of a food indicates how much your blood sugar will rise after you consume the food.
The popcorn they score decently in this category, especially when compared to other snacks. Well, they have a glycemic index score of 55. That puts them near the top end of low-GI foods, says the US Department of Agriculture.
In contrast, many other snacks have higher scores. A low GI reading is desirable because foods with a lower score improve glucose and lipid levels in people with diabetes.
Additionally, foods with lower glycemic index readings are absorbed more slowly into the body, helping to reduce appetite and delay hunger pangs—a dual benefit that aids weight loss efforts.
7. They can prevent aging and improve your eyesight
Many studies support the high amount of antioxidants contained in popcorn. Therefore, they are excellent for helping to eliminate free radicals, fight the signs of aging, have a lower risk of cancer and prevent degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. They are also a food rich in vitamin E.
The shells of popcorn they also contain beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, all of which can improve the health of your eyes.
Undoubtedly, some popcorn They are a healthy and incredibly versatile snack and also one of the cheapest on the market. So don’t wait to enjoy them.