The common health benefits of popcorn are such that it improves digestive health, is rich in antioxidants, helps in metabolism and provides energy, reduces depression, supports healthy bone function, controls blood sugar level, combats tumour cells, reduces craving for food, prevents aging, lowers cholesterol levels, controls anaemia and helps in relieving constipation.

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.

Nutritional Value of Popcorn



Popcorn is a whole grain food and contains high amounts of several important nutrients. 100 grams of air-popped popcorn serves with 387 calories of energy, 13 grams of protein, 78 grams of carbohydrates, 5 grams of fat, 15 grams of fibre, 7% vitamin B1 (thiamine), 12% vitamin B3 (niacin), 8% vitamin B6, 18% iron, 36% magnesium, 36% phosphorous, 9% potassium, 21% zinc, 13% copper and 56% manganese.
Mentioned below are the best health benefits of Popcorn

Improves digestive health

Corn is high in dietary fibre, which helps with digestive regularity, keeps a feeling of fullness throughout the day, is crucial for a healthy heart, and may even help to protect against colon cancer. Because of its high fibre content, eating popcorn may help to promote healthy gut bacteria which are essential for not only digestion, but also for a healthy immune system.



Rich in antioxidants

Yellow corn is rich in carotenoid antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which not only helps in protect eye health, and may guard against age-related macular degeneration, but they also work to combat system-wide inflammation, which may underlie a number of chronic diseases.



Helps in metabolism and provides energy

Corn 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.

Helps to reduce depression



Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, has been studied for its potential to help naturally ease depression, making popcorn a comfort food in the literal sense.

Supports healthy bone function

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,



Controls blood sugar level

Dietary fibre also has impact on blood sugar level within the body. When the body has ample amounts of fibre, it regulates the release and management of blood sugar and insulin levels better than people with low levels of fibre. Reduction of these fluctuations in blood sugar is a major bonus for diabetic patients and hence popcorn is always recommended if a person suffers from diabetes.

Combats tumour cells

Popcorn contains ferulic acid, which is linked to potentially killing certain kinds of tumor cells. Hence popcorn also assists in treating cancer.



Reduces craving for food
Munching on a bowl of organic popcorn provides a great alternative to other less-healthy snacks, and because it is high in fibre, may reduce cravings for these snacks.

Prevents Aging
Free radicals do a lot more damage than cancer. They have been closely linked to age-related symptoms like wrinkles, age spots, macular degeneration and blindness, muscle weakness, cognitive decline, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, hair loss, and a wide variety of other things which becomes prominent with aging. Popcorn can make a person feel healthy and happy well into their old age because of the powerful antioxidants that combat these effects of free radicals.

Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Fibres function in another beneficial way within the body, and whole grains contain the type of fibre which can eliminate excess cholesterol from the walls of blood vessels and arteries, thereby reducing the overall cholesterol levels in the body, and hence lowering the chances of dangerous cardiovascular conditions like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. This also reduces the strain on the cardiac system, since the heart doesn't need to work so hard to move blood through clogged vessels and arteries.

Controls Anaemia
According to the USDA, 28 grams of popcorn contains 0.9 mg of iron. This number might seem small, but adult men require only 8 mg of iron in their diet each day. 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.



Helps in relieving constipation
Since popcorn is all whole grain, their insoluble fibres helps keep the digestive tract in check and prevents constipation. Researchers have found out that people who ate popcorn regularly increased their daily fibre intake by 22%. Eating more fibrous foods helps in relieving constipation.

Uses of Popcorn
Apart from using it as a snack or food, there are some other uses of popcorn. One of these is that it is used for decoration, strung together and hung on Christmas trees. This tradition is common in North America and in the Middle East. The other use is for packaging. This is not as common because it is a dangerous and difficult packing material to use since it is flammable and attracts insects and animals and this is a negative effect of using popcorn.

Side-Effects & Allergies of Popcorn


Popcorn is likely safe when taken in optimum amounts in diet. However, popcorn might encourage an allergic reaction in some individuals. Care should be taken in case of any allergy symptoms that may arise immediately after consuming popcorn, such as swollen mouth or difficulty in breathing. Popcorn is also on a list of foods that commonly cause irritating symptoms among people with inflammatory bowel disease and hence it should be avoided in such cases.

Cultivation of Popcorn
Corn was domesticated in Mexico over 9,000 years ago and continues to be one of the leading vegetables produced each year throughout 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 popcorn during the growth of North America.

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. The first reliable sources to actually refer to popped corn date back to about 1820, and records from the mid-1800s name popcorn as a popular family treat.

In the 1890s, popcorn received another boost in demand, the credit of which goes to candy store owner Charles Cretors. In an attempt to better roast nuts for sale at his store in commercial quantities, he created the first ever commercial-grade popcorn popper, later displaying it in a horse-and-buggy style design. Then came the early 20th century, when the occurrence of popcorn in a movie theater began to become normal.



9 Reasons You Need Popcorn in Your Diet
Eating popcorn is one of the healthiest snack habits. It may help fight cancer, fills you with fiber, and has more antioxidants than some fruits and vegetables.

Popcorn could be the perfect healthy snack
When we talk about the benefits of eating popcorn, we're talking about air-popped popcorn, not the fatty, butter-drenched stuff you get at the movies (which, by the way, used to be banned!) Read on to learn more about why air-popped popcorn is actually a healthy snack option, and why you can add it to your list of healthy snacks for adults.

It has few calories if you pop it the right way
The healthiest type of popcorn is air-popped, which only has 30 calories per cup. Meanwhile, the Center for Science in the Public Interest found that the medium and large popcorn sizes at Regal theaters each had 1,200 calories and 60 grams of saturated fat. A large popcorn at AMC wasn't much better: 1,030 calories and 57 grams of saturated fat. At home, you can use a hot air popper, like this Cuisinart Hot Air Popcorn Maker or Colonel Popper Microwave Popcorn Popper Bowl to make your own.



Popcorn could be healthier than fruits and vegetables
Yep, you read that right. According to a 2019 analysis in the journal Antioxidants, popcorn is loaded with polyphenols, compounds found in plants that act as antioxidants and reduce inflammation. Polyphenols are heavily diluted in fruits and vegetables, which are 90 percent water. Yet popcorn is made up of about 4 percent water, so the polyphenols are more highly concentrated, especially in the hulls (the hard shells that get stuck in your teeth).

One serving of popcorn can contain up to 300 mg of polyphenols, according to a prior study from the University of Scranton, which would account for 13 percent of the average American's daily intake. Fruits account for 255 mg of polyphenols per day, and vegetables bring in about 218 mg per day. That said, popcorn doesn't have many other vitamins and nutrients, so it can’t completely replace fruits and veggies in your diet.



Popcorn may help fight cancer
One of the many powers of polyphenols, like those found in popcorn, is their ability to block enzymes that cancers need to grow and, in doing so, regulate the spread of cancerous cells, notes the American Institute for Cancer Research. The traditional way to reap these health benefits is by eating fruits and vegetables, but the high concentration of polyphenols makes eating popcorn a healthy alternative. Since they can also prevent inflammation and plaque buildup, foods rich in polyphenols may help prevent cardiovascular disease. Replace some of these foods cardiologists never eat with air-popped popcorn.

Popcorn gives you your fill of whole grain
Popcorn is one snack that is 100 percent unprocessed whole grain. Just one serving of popcorn such as SkinnyPop Popcorn Original contains more than 70 percent of the recommended daily whole grain intake. Plus, eating more popcorn is one of 30 ways to get more fiber in your diet without even trying.

Popcorn may help relieve constipation
Since popcorn is all whole grain, its insoluble fiber helps keep your digestive tract in check and prevents constipation. A 3-cup serving contains 3.5 grams of fiber, and a high-fiber diet can help promote intestinal regularity, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Who knew this small snack could make such a huge impact on digestive health?



It's the perfect dieting snack
High-fiber foods take more time to digest than non-fibrous foods, so they can keep you fuller longer. Snacking on air-popped popcorn in between meals can make you less tempted by sweets and fatty foods. Just don't load up on butter and salt. Check out these other healthy snack ideas to keep your diet on track.

Popcorn is diabetic friendly
Even though fiber is listed on food labels under total carbohydrates, it doesn't have the same effect on blood sugar as refined carbs like white bread. High-fiber foods don't contain as much digestible carbohydrate, so it slows the rate of digestion and causes a more gradual and lower rise in blood sugar, according to 2015 research in the journal Circulation.

There are endless options for popcorn toppings
You can put way more on popcorn than just butter and salt. Add cinnamon or apple pie spice for a sweet treat, or go spicy with hot sauce, wasabi, or curry. You can also give your snack an Italian flair with grated Parmesan and a dash of olive oil. Basically, anything in your spice rack can add more flavor without very many calories when you're eating popcorn. Need more inspiration? Try Kernel Season's Popcorn Seasoning Mini Jars Savory Variety Pack.

Popcorn has more iron than spinach


Not by much, but it's true! According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 1 ounce (28 grams) of popcorn contains 0.9 mg of iron, while 1 cup of raw spinach (30 grams) has 0.8 mg. These numbers seem small, but adult men only need 8 mg of iron in their diet each day. Adult women, on the other hand, need 18 mg per day (because of the blood they lose during menstruation).

Almost 10 percent of women are iron deficient, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So get your fill of iron however you can. Now that you know all about the health benefits of popcorn, check out these other white foods that are healthier than you thought.

The day's starting line

No matter what type of diabetes you have, keeping your blood glucose levels within a healthy range is crucial. And starting the day with a healthy breakfast is one step you can take to achieve that.

Breakfast should be a balanced meal with adequate protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. It should also be low in added sugar and high in fiber and nutrients.

If you have diabetes, you may already be familiar with the glycemic index (GI). The GI is a way to measure how quickly foods with carbohydrates raise blood glucose levels.



Carbohydrates give you the energy you need to start your day. But digesting carbohydrates too quickly can cause your blood sugar levels to spike.

Foods with a low GI are easier on your body than those with a high GI. They are digested more slowly and minimize spikes after meals. This is something to keep in mind when choosing breakfast cereals.

It is important to know what things affect the GI. Processing, cooking methods, and the type of grain can all impact how quickly the food is digested. Cereals that are more processed tend to have a higher GI even if they have fiber added to them.

Mixing foods can also affect the GI. Having protein and health fats with your cereal can help prevent spikes in blood sugar.


*common wheat cereal

A healthy cereal begins with whole grains

A healthy breakfast that's easy to prepare can be as simple as a bowl of cereal, provided you choose wisely.

The grocery store cereal aisle is stacked high with cereals that satisfy your sweet tooth but sabotage your glucose levels. Many of the most popular cereals have refined grains and sugars at the top of the ingredient lists. Those cereals have few nutrients and lots of empty calories. They can also cause a spike in your blood glucose levels.

That's why it's important to read labels carefully. Look for cereals that list a whole grain as the first ingredient. Refined grains are stripped of bran and germ during processing, which makes them less healthy.

Whole grains include the entire grain kernel, which is a source of healthy fiber. Fiber is an important element of your diet. It helps control your blood sugar levels and lowers your risk of heart disease. Whole grains also contain lots of vitamins and minerals.


*millet - Breakfast Cereal Kellogg's All-Bran Complete Wheat Flakes

Typically you can find the following whole grains in breakfast cereals:

oatmeal
whole wheat flour
wheat bran
whole cornmeal
barley
brown rice
wild rice
buckwheat

According to the American Diabetes Association, rolled oatmeal, steel-cut oatmeal, and oat bran are all low GI foods, with a GI value of 55 or less. Quick oats have a medium GI, with a value of 56-69. Corn flakes, puffed rice, bran flakes, and instant oatmeal are considered high GI foods, with a value of 70 or more.


*oat cereal

Instead of using instant hot cereal packets, consider making a batch of whole or steel-cut oats for the week and keeping it in the refrigerator. Heat up a portion for a few minutes in the microwave each morning and you'll have a healthy cereal that will be more slowly digested.

Unprocessed Whole Grains

Unprocessed whole grains are carbs. However, because they haven't been refined or processed, they are better sources of fiber and other important nutrients such as B vitamins, iron, folate, selenium, potassium, and magnesium.

They'll also do your blood sugar level a world of good because they have a lower GI than refined or processed grains. Your body will take its time digesting unprocessed whole grains, which means you don't get a sudden blood glucose spike. If you enjoy hot cereal, cook up a bowl of unprocessed whole grains on a cold winter's morning.

Examples of unprocessed whole grains include:

Steel-cut oats
Rolled oats
Quinoa
Buckwheat

For added vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, top your cereal with nuts such as chopped walnuts or slivered almonds (which are loaded with healthy fats) and low-sugar fruit like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. Just remember to avoid adding dried fruit as it has a much higher concentration of sugar.

While you're reading those cereal box labels

Keep an eye out for hidden ingredients. According to the American Diabetes Association, you should choose cereals that contain at least 3 grams of fiber and less than 6 grams of sugar per serving.

The trouble is that sugar has a lot of aliases and may show up on ingredient lists multiple times. Remember, too, that ingredients are listed in descending order of how much the food contains. If there are three types of sugar listed in the top few ingredients, it would not be the best choice.


*Kellogg's All-Bran Complete Wheat Flakes Cereal

The Harvard School of Public Health provides this list of sweeteners that may appear on food labels:

agave nectar, brown sugar, cane crystals, cane sugar, corn sweetener, corn syrup, crystalline fructose, dextrose, evaporated cane juice, fructose, fruit juice concentrates, glucose, honey, high-fructose corn syrup, invert sugar, malt syrup, maltose, maple syrup, molasses, raw sugar, sucrose, syrup

Don't forget to keep an eye on the sodium level in your cereal, too. Accord ing to the Mayo Clinic, you should consume less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day.


*Spelt, Kellogg's All-Bran Complete Wheat Flakes

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Punch it up with protein and nuts
Once you've chosen a whole grain cereal, you can add nuts as a source of protein. They will also provide extra texture and taste.


*whole Grain Bran Barley

Adding protein can help you manage your blood sugar at breakfast and may also help you manage your levels after lunch. You can also eat unsweetened Greek yogurt, eggs, or other foods that contain healthy protein to round out your breakfast.

Unsalted nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, and pecans, can add crunch to your cereal. They contain heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. But they're also fairly high in calories, so eat them in moderation.


*whole Grain Oat Triticale

Depending on your meal plan, adding fruit to your cereal can add sweetness. Just remember to account for this in your carb count if you count carbs, or to manage the portion. Whole fruits are a great addition to a meal, and those with more skin, such as berries, will add even more fiber to your meal.


*whole Grain Seed Wheat

Top it off with dairy or a dairy substitute

Consider adding half a cup of milk or dairy substitute to your bowl of cereal if it fits into your meal plan. Keep in mind that milk contains some natural sugars. Skim milk, 1 percent, or 2 percent milk can take the place of whole milk if you want to consume fewer calories and less saturated fat.

You can also use soy milk or almond milk if you have a lactose intolerance or don't like dairy milk. Unsweetened soy milk is similar to cow's milk in carbohydrate content. Unsweetened almond milk contains fewer carbohydrates and calories than dairy or soy milk.


*rolled Oats Breakfast Cereal

Preventing type 2 diabetes

Even if you don't have diabetes, eating low GI foods is a healthy choice. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, a diet high in refined carbohydrates may increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

On the other hand, a diet rich in whole grains may lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. That's because whole grains cause your blood sugar to rise more slowly, which puts less stress on your bod's ability to produce insulin.


*spelt Breakfast Cereal

If you choose wisely, hot or cold breakfast cereals can provide a quick and nutritious breakfast option. When you're making your cereal selection, choose products that are high in fiber and whole grains, but low in sugar, sodium, and calories.

Top off your cereal with a small quantity fruit, nuts, or other nutrient-rich toppings along with some milk or milk substitute to round out your meal.


*Grits Cereal Germ Groat Kellogg's All-Bran Complete Wheat Flakes

The takeaway

Do this
Choose cereals with whole grains, such as rolled oatmeal, steel-cut oatmeal, and rolled bran. Add protein with nuts for taste and texture.

Avoid this
Stay away from cereals high on the glycemic index, such as corn flakes, puffed rice, bran flakes, and instant oatmeal. Don't choose cereals that list refined grains and sugars as top ingredients.