Popcorn: A Healthy Treat?
That’s right! Popcorn is now being hailed as a wonderful snack food with numerous health benefits.
Considered a whole grain, Popcorn has all the health benefits associated with other healthy whole grains.
Whole grains include three parts: the germ, the bran, and the endosperm.
The germ contain healthy oils, vitamin E, protein, many B vitamins, and minerals as well as antioxidants.
The bran is rich is fiber as well as B vitamins and minerals.
The endosperm is primarily starch with some protein and some fiber.
Dietary fiber is a major benefit of whole grains and Popcorn contains 4 grams of fiber for every 4 cups of popped Popcorn.
Popcorn is also a source of folic acid, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, B6, and K.
And no cholesterol!
Perhaps one of the biggest surprises is the antioxidant levels of Popcorn.
In the fact the concentration of polyphenols found in Popcorn was higher than any fruit or vegetable.
An amazing 60% more!
Polyphenols have many health benefits including the prevention of degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis, cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Polyphenols also have an anti-inflammatory action.
Air popping is the healthiest way to make Popcorn.
Though I have to admit I tend to use the old-fashioned crank popcorn maker. I use Coconut Oil to cook it in and then top it with Ghee and Himalayan Pink Salt.
For those with concerns around glycemic levels, Popcorn comes in just under the upper end of low-GI foods.
Depending on your own system you may find Popcorn just fine on your diet especially if you limit the amount you consume and are careful with the preparation.
So get out your favorite movie, a bowl of freshly popped Popcorn, a friend or two, and have a night filled with a healthy treat and fun.
As you are munching know that you are feeding your body a healthy snack and enjoy!
Mangiere e divertirsi…*
Together Our Hands Are Joined To Heal One Another…
Alexander Gardener
The Lymph Guy
thelymphguy.com
thelymphguy@gmail.com
Ghee is another one of those incredible foods that we will focus on in our next newsletter.
FYI: It is the hull or the part of popcorn that gets caught in our teeth that is packed with all the health goodies discussed here. Be sure to chew these hulls well and know they are nourishing you.
*eat and enjoy…
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