7 healthy reasons to eat popcorn

1. It’s packed with protein

Ounce for ounce, popcorn has more protein and phosphorus than potato chips. (And more iron than eggs and spinach!)

2. It’s a great weight-loss snack

Popcorn is a weight watchers dream snack – it can be sugar free, fat free and low in calories. Just 31 calories for 1 cup air popped popcorn!

3. It’s a healthy whole grain

Popcorn is a “whole grain,” which means it’s a good source of dietary fiber. In fact, 1 cup has 1.3 grams of fiber. Grains are comparable in concentration of antioxidants to fruit and vegetables,” says Joe Vinson, a professor of chemistry at The University of Scranton in Pennsylvania, adding that while berries and other colourful foods are high in anthocyanin antioxidants, grains are high in phenolic acid antioxidants, which may be easier for the body to absorb.

4. You won’t get bored of it

Popcorn is an incredibly versatile snack. Eat it plain, or spiced, or sweetened, or lightly buttered. Have it dry or gooey. It’s all good.

5. It helps stave off hunger

Popcorn is a great between-meal snack. “Popped corn” is mostly air, which makes it highly effective for staving off hunger cravings without damaging your diet.

6. It’s gluten-free

Popcorn is gluten free. Finely ground, it can be used in place of breadcrumbs for a great crunchy coating on chicken and fish, or seasoned like croutons and topped on a salad.

7. It’s economical

Popcorn is one of the least expensive snack foods on the market today.

Source : besthealthmag.ca