The Health Benefits of Popcorn: A Surprisingly Healthy Snack

Who doesn’t yearn for a crunchy snack once in a while? It seems most things that “go crunch” are bad for you, especially potato chips and other munchies that come in a bag. But there’s a crunchy, healthy snack you can enjoy without guilt. It’s an old stand-by that kids have enjoyed for years – popcorn. Popcorn has earned an unfair reputation for being unhealthy because of its link with movie theaters where they douse it with artificial butter that’s loaded with trans fats. But popcorn you prepare in your kitchen using an air popper is a quick way to make a guilt-free snack. What are the health benefits of popcorn?

Health Benefits of Popcorn: What Makes It Such a Virtuous Snack?

Most people are surprised to learn that popcorn is a whole grain in the same class as oatmeal, barley, and quinoa. You already know the virtues of eating these whole grains, and popcorn ranks right up there in terms of health benefits. Just three cups of popcorn provide a serving of whole grains and a respectable amount of fiber. Not a bad way to get your crunch fix.

When you think of high-antioxidant foods, you probably picture a plate of broccoli or a bowl of fresh blueberries, but popcorn is high in antioxidants too. In fact, according to a study carried out at the University of Scranton, it contains the same polyphenols that make red wine and green tea such healthy choices in similar quantities. So when you’re tired of fruits and vegetables, and only something crunchy will do, popcorn is your answer.

How to Get the Health Benefits of Eating Popcorn

Popcorn is inherently healthy until it’s popped in the wrong cooking oil and doused in butter or margarine that contains trans-fat. That’s enough to turn even the healthiest whole grain into an artery-clogger. The best way to prepare it is to use an air popper and season it with herbs and spices or a light sprinkling of parmesan cheese. But stay away from movie popcorn. Some theater corn has up to 1,000 calories and 65 grams of fat, much of which comes from trans-fat. A safer bet is to stay home and watch a DVD – and pop your own popcorn. Popcorn is also a guilt-free snack for kids when they’re begging for something crunchy.

The Bottom Line?

Popcorn is a whole grain snack that’s high in antioxidants. Make it your snack of choice when you need something to munch on.

References:
J. Agric. Food Chem. 54(6): 2077-82. PMID 16536578
Prescriber’s Letter 2006; 13(12): 221209.

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