5 Benefits of Popcorn for Health
KOMPAS.com – Popcorn is a snack that is quite liked by many people.
These snacks can usually be found in theaters and other entertainment venues.
However, basically popcorn can also be made at home.
Also read: 7 Benefits of Pineapple for Health
Many people have thought that popcorn is an unhealthy snack because it is synonymous with fast food.
In fact, popcorn is a food that has many health benefits if served wisely.
If you have added flavors, such as sugar, salt, cheese, artificial sweeteners, or dyes, popcorn can become less healthy.
Launch Medical News Today, Many people don’t realize, but popcorn still comes from whole grains that make it naturally rich in several important nutrients.
Many studies have linked whole grain consumption to health benefits such as reduced inflammation and a reduced risk of heart disease.
Based on The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the nutritional content of a 100 gram (3.5 ounce) serving of unsalted popcorn that can be obtained is as follows:
- Energy: 387 calories
- Protein: 12.94 grams
- Total fat: 4.54 grams
- Carbs: 77.78 grams
- Fiber: 14.5 grams
- Sugar: 0.87 grams
- Calcium: 7 mg
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): 0.104 mg
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 2,308 mg
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): 0.157 mg
- Vitamin E: 0.29 mg
- Vitamin K: 1.02 mcg
- Folic acid: 31 mcg
- Vitamin B2: 0.083 mg
- Iron: 3.19 mg
- Magnesium: 144 mg
- Phosphorus: 358 mg
- Potassium: 329 mg
- Zinc: 3.09 mg
Also read: 10 Health Benefits of Chili
Due to its nutritional content, popcorn is believed to contain many health benefits.
Launching various sources, here are the various health benefits of popcorn:
1. Prevent cancer
Launch Health Line, popcorn, including foods that contain high polyphenols.
Polyphenols are antioxidants that help protect cells in the body from free radical damage.
A study conducted at the University of Scranton showed that popcorn contains a very large amount of polyphenols.
Polyphenols are associated with various health benefits. These include better blood circulation, improved digestive health and a reduced risk of many diseases.
Several studies have also shown that polyphenols can reduce the risk of cancer, including prostate and breast cancer.
2. Reducing the risk of diabetes to heart disease
Another health benefit of popcorn is that it can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes because it is proven to contain high fiber.
When it enters the body, fiber is not digested by the body like other food nutrients.
Also read: 5 foods that cause diabetes to watch out for
Fiber only passes through the digestive tract. This makes fibrous foods less likely to cause an increase in blood sugar levels.
The presence of fiber in the diet can even reduce the increase in blood sugar after eating.
Therefore, consumption of fibrous foods is very safe and even recommended for diabetics.
According to research, in addition to reducing the risk of diabetes, dietary fiber can reduce the risk of many other diseases, such as heart disease.
3. Lose weight
The high fiber content in popcorn can also be used to help with weight loss.
The recommended daily fiber intake for adults is 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men. However, most people eat less than that.
Also read: 9 Fruits Containing High Fiber
Meanwhile, 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of popcorn can contain nearly 15 grams of fiber which can really help you meet your daily fiber needs.
Interestingly, popcorn is also relatively low in calories and has a low energy density. These are all characteristics of friendly foods for weight loss.
At 31 calories per cup, popcorn contains far fewer calories than many other popular snacks.
A study compared feelings of fullness after eating popcorn and potato chips. They found that 15 calories of popcorn equals 150 calories of potato chips.
Due to its low calorie content, low energy density, high fiber content and increased satiety, eating popcorn can help you eat fewer calories and lose weight.
However, moderation is the key. Although it is much more filling than many other snacks, porcorn can still be fattening if you eat too much of it.
4. Improve digestion
Melasir NDTV, the high fiber content in popcorn can be useful for smooth digestion.
Also read: 9 Types of Digestive Disorders and How to Treat Them
As understood, fiber is a type of carbohydrate that cannot be digested by the digestive system.
Because it cannot be digested, fiber will easily pass through the small intestine, reach the large intestine, and are excreted by the body as feces.
Another benefit of fiber is that it helps maintain the health of the digestive system and prevents constipation.
Interestingly, corn kernels which are the raw material for popcorn are known to contain endosperm which is also useful in treating digestive problems.
5. Lowering cholesterol
The benefits of popcorn for lowering cholesterol are found in its fiber content.
Fiber can basically lower excess cholesterol from the walls of blood vessels and arteries, so popcorn is good for reducing overall cholesterol levels.
In turn, cholesterol that is maintained will help reduce a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease such as heart attack and stroke.
Also read: 8 Cholesterol Lowering Foods to Prevent Coronary Heart Disease