For the past few years, Americans have been more health conscious than they have in the past, and they are always looking for healthier alternatives to their favorite snacks! Well, if you’re a popcorn lover, you’re in luck! Popcorn has no artificial additives or preservatives and is sugar-free.
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, obesity statistics have more than doubled in the past 30 years, especially in young children. To stop this, it is time to turn your taste buds to the delicious nutrients found in popcorn.
Did you know popcorn is a whole grain that contains 40 or more nutrients? Or that the germ in the popcorn kernel contains all of the B complex vitamins, plus vitamin E, Riboflavin and Thiamine?
Here are some other interesting popcorn facts you may not have known:
-Popcorn has more protein than any other cereal grain
-Popcorn has more iron than eggs, peanuts, spinach, or roast beef!
-The hull and outer layers are rich in iron, phosphorous and protein.
-Popcorn has more phosphorous and fiber than potato chips, ice cream cones, or pretzels
-Popcorn is a calorie counter's delight! Unbuttered popcorn only has between 25 and 55 calories per cup.
Now if those facts are not “official” enough for you… check these out!
- The American Dental Association recommends popcorn as a sugar-free snack. Popcorn is listed by the ADA as a suggested sugar free, fat free, and low in calories snack along with several other notables such as apples, pears, celery, plain yogurt, nuts and cheese.
-The National Cancer Institute (NCI), the federal government's cancer prevention agency, suggests fiber in the diet to reduce the risk of some forms of cancer and the American Dietetic Association recommends popcorn as a high fiber snack food in their list of " 10 Great Ways to Fiber Up!" The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research lists popcorn as a smart, low/no-sugar snack. The American Diabetes Association and the American dietetic Association permit popcorn as a starch exchange on weight-control diets, and the Feingold Diet for hyperactive children permits popcorn because it contains no artificial additives.
- Because popcorn contributes to the overall health and maintenance of the body, the American Diabetes Association permit popcorn as a bread exchange on weight control diets.
- Popcorn is listed third out of a list of 11 as eleven Things That Don't Cause Cancer.
-Popcorn aids digestion by providing necessary roughage, also known as fiber.
The next time you're wanting a tasty snack, stop by Poppington's to get your healthy snack!
