True Or False: Is Popcorn Fat?
Is popcorn fattening? The answer to this question is important for those who are afraid of gaining weight or want to lose weight.
What is the truth about popcorn? Can you eat this food if you are on a diet?
There are myths and controversies regarding popcorn. However, nutritionists recommend it as a healthy option because it is a snack that can provide benefits to the body.
Read on and find out more about it.
Is popcorn fattening?
Popcorn comes from corn. When exposed to heat, popcorn explodes due to overheating of the water and starch it contains. In this way, the spongy mass is formed with its characteristic aroma.
Also read: 5 good snacks for the diet
In fact, popcorn is popular in many countries because of its easy preparation that is ideal for accompanying movies or as a snack.
But is popcorn fattening?
It depends on various factors. Commercial popcorn generally has an extra energy value. That is, it contains larger amounts of salt, sugar, caramel or even butter as opposed to those made at home.
But when you make popcorn yourself at home, it can be a healthy snack. In fact, a study published in the journal Antioxidants analyzed its composition and found that 2.3 dl of this homemade snack contains 30 calories!
Is popcorn fattening? This is how it is made so that it is not
Write down the following recipe if you have never made popcorn before. You will need 2 tablespoons of oil, a large pot with a lid and a dl of popcorn. In less than 5 minutes you can enjoy the result!
- The first thing you need to do is heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
- When the oil is hot, add the corn, mix it in the oil and cover the pan with the lid.
- You will hear the corn start popping suddenly. Wait until the noise stops to make sure they are ready.
To taste, you can add sugar, salt or your choice of spices. Or you can eat them au naturel. Remember that if you are looking for nutritional quality, you should not overdo it with taste.
What nutrients does popcorn contain?
In addition to being a convenient and inexpensive option, popcorn has various nutritional benefits. In fact, they contain carbohydrates, dietary fiber, fats and proteins. In addition, they also contain vitamins and minerals. According to data from Nutrition Data , popcorn has the following components:
- Vitamins B1, B3 and B6.
- Vitamin E.
- Minerals such as iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc and copper.
- Phosphorus and potassium.
- Fiber.
- Polyphenols.
In addition, science suggests that corn has the best antioxidant capacity compared to oats, wheat and rice grains. This is because it offers phenolic compounds (chemical substances that protect cells). Fortunately, this is not broken down or changed by the cooking.
What are the benefits of eating popcorn?
Although many people do not know it, eating popcorn can provide certain health benefits because it is a whole grain product. Because of the nutrients it provides, it contributes to overall health and well-being.
Also read: 7 types of whole grains you can add to your diet
Here are some of the benefits of eating popcorn:
Weight and digestion control
Popcorn is a great option for people who want to quench their hunger. This is because dietary fiber, in addition to containing few calories, has a satiating effect. Thus, popcorn as a snack can reduce your appetite. Of course, this has consequences in controlling body weight.
Those who eat popcorn can also improve the function of intestinal transits and thus reduce flatulence.
Disease prevention
The fiber content of popcorn, along with the presence of phenolic compounds, works by reducing cholesterol in the blood. This prevents the formation of plaque in the blood vessels. This is a protective factor against atherosclerosis, which leads to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
Popcorn also reduces blood pressure when ingested without salt, and it normalizes glucose. In fact, studies point out that prevention of cardiac pathologies is also expressed in a decrease in the risk of suffering from diabetes given the absence of added sugar.
Is popcorn fattening?
It’s time to stop believing that popcorn makes you gain weight. Remember that nutritionists consider it a healthy and complete alternative to other snacks. Best of all, popcorn contains few calories and provides nutrients that contribute to your well-being.
If you want to quench your hunger, control your weight or even curb your anxiety, popcorn is an excellent choice. Of course, try to avoid those that are sold ready-made, as the additives are harmful.
So start making your own homemade recipe safely!
