Don't forget to pick up a tub of popcorn the next time you go for a
movie at a nearby theatre, for a new study has claimed that the humble
cinema snack is the perfect health food.
Researchers at the
University of Scranton have found that popcorn — already known for being
fibre-packed and relatively low in fat — is packed with more
health-boosting antioxidants than fruits and vegetables.
Antioxidants are known to reduce one's risk of cancer, dementia and even
heart disease. And, the potent antioxidants, called polyphenols, in
popcorn can fight harmful molecules that accumulate in the body and
damage cells. They can also help to increase blood flow by relaxing the
arteries, the 'Daily Express' reported. The researchers said polyphenols
are more concentrated in popcorn, which averages only about 4 per cent
water, compared with the 90 per cent that makes up many fruits and
vegetables.
In fact, the study revealed that the amount of
polyphenols found in popcorn was up to 300 mg a serving, which would
provide 13 per cent of an average intake of polyphenols a day.
In another surprising finding, the researchers discovered the hulls of
popcorn, the part everyone hates for its tendency to get caught in the
teeth, has the highest concentration of polyphenols and fibre.
Dr Joe Vinson, who led the study, said: “Those hulls deserve more respect. They are nutritional gold nuggets.”
Popcorn may be the perfect snack food. It's the only snack that is 100 per cent unprocessed whole grain.
"One serving of popcorn will provide more than 70 per cent of the daily
intake of whole grain. The average person only gets about half a
serving of whole grains a day and popcorn could fill that gap in a very
pleasant way." But Dr Vinson cautioned that the way it is served —
cooking it in oil and adding butter, salt or sugar — can put a dent in
its health benefits. Air-popped popcorn has lowest number of calories,
compared with popping it in oil.
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