Popcorn

A favorite snack or Sunday night dinner at our house is popcorn. There are so many options on the market right now it is hard to know which ones to select for any health benefits. If you can pop your own in an air popper or on top of the stove you are going to reap the most health benefits. We use a microwave popper that you may or may not add any oil to before popping.

Popcorn is a whole grain and naturally has lots of fiber while being low in fat and low in calories. It is high in complex carbohydrates and gluten free. Popcorn is also a low glycemic food.

Popcorn offers many polyphenols found in plant foods which help rid the body of free radicals which damage cells and promote aging. Of all plant foods, popcorn has one of the highest concentrations of polyphenols, containing more polyphenols and antioxidents than most fruit.

If you are going to buy any of the pre-packaged popcorns available on the market, make sure to read the label carefully, pay attention to the serving size, and choose the most natural product you can without a lot of added ingredients and flavor additions. Consumer Reports recently did an article on the huge increase in demand for bagged popcorn if you are interested in seeing how these products lived up to their health claims.

Happy snacking!

Marcia Steed

I graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Home Economics Education. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and traveling.

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