Popcorn

     Popcorn has to be my favorite snack. I could eat it all the time! I know if made the right way it could be good for you, and a much better alternative to other snack foods. I thought I would actually look into it and find out the benefits of eating homemade popcorn. Here is what I found…

First is popcorn is a true Whole Grain. Whole grain refers to the germ, bran and endosperm of a grain, each of which contains its own benefits. The germ has vitamin E and B, the bran contains a lot of fiber and antioxidants, and the endosperm contains protein.  This is why all together it is so good for you.

Second is the amount of fiber popcorn provides. Women are supposed to eat 25 grams of fiber while men are supposed to eat 38 grams a day. Most Americans only eat half of that amount. For every 4 cups of popped popcorn you are getting about 4 grams of fiber. That is good for something people eat so mindlessly (especially while watching movies).

Lastly popcorn has polyphenols, which can prevent osteoporosis, cancers and diabetes. Polyphenol is an antioxidant found in the shell (hull) of popcorn. If you buy the kernels make sure that is still has the shell on it because it’s said to have more antioxidant properties then most fruits.  

     Now that I have given you all the great benefits of popcorn let me say this is popcorn in its true form. Kernels just air popped. Not the bagged stuff you throw in the microwave (that’s full of salt, sugar and preservatives). We are all guilty of eating that, myself included, but now that we know the benefits I am going to start making my own popcorn. When you do so you can not only gain all these benefits but you can also control the amount of oil, and seasonings (if any) that you put on it. I encourage you to buy whole kernels and pop them in a heave bottom pot or like me get a microwave popper.

It’s just as easy as putting a bag in the microwave, just heat some oil in a heavy bottom pot (with a lid) add kernels and cover slightly. When it starts to pop lower the heat, shaking the pot occasionally, until the popping slows to about 3 seconds between pops. Then all that’s left to do is enjoy!

Live Healthy,

   Nadia