5 Surprising Benefits Of Popcorn

Post Credits: John Staughton

Popcorn, typically, a traditional snack for movie theaters and comfy nights at home, has many health benefits associated that many people are unaware of. Several health benefits of popcorn include its ability to regulate blood sugar, lower cholesterol levels, improve digestion, protect against chronic diseases, delay aging, and aid in weight reduction.

What is Popcorn?

Popcorn is considered a whole grain food, which is composed of a hard endosperm, hull, or shell, containing a starchy interior. When it is heated, the pressure inside the hull increases and eventually a POP occurs, creating popcorn! There are a number of varieties of popcorn, including types that are meant to be cooked in a microwave, as well as other unaltered kernels that can be made in small appliances specifically made for popping corn, such as an air-popper. 

Historically, there is evidence that popcorn has been enjoyed by cultures for more than 6,000 years since corn (maize) has been an important part of many cultural diets in ancient times. Simple heating of dried corn over a fire would have created the very first popcorn, what a pleasant surprise! The earlier archaeological discoveries of popcorn were in Peru, but New Mexico and Central America also showed remnants of popcorn creation approximately 5,000 years ago. It can even come in different colors if different color corn kernels are used. [2]

Popcorn is enjoyed around the world, in nearly every country where corn is consumed. When eaten plain or seasoned with herbs/seasonings it is both delicious and beneficial. However, it can become unhealthy when you begin pouring salt, butter, or other high fat/high sodium flavorings and toppings. According to a report from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, popcorn made in movie theaters can have up to 60 grams of saturated fat due to the fact they cook most of their popcorn in coconut oil. Plain popcorn contains no saturated fat at all. Furthermore, heat alone is enough to create popcorn, so avoid cooking with olive oil or other vegetable oils, since it can impact the polyphenolic content of the hull once it “pops”, decreasing its health benefits.

Popcorn Nutrition Facts

The health benefits of popcorn are mainly derived from its impressive [4] fiber, polyphenolic compounds [5], antioxidants, B-vitamins, manganese, and magnesium content. (USDA Nutrient Database [6])

Health Benefits of Popcorn

Eating popcorn provides energy along with many benefits that include the following:

Improves Digestion

It is important to realize that popcorn is a whole grain, which is a designation for grains that contain the endosperm, germ, and bran. This is similar to whole grain cereals, rice, and bread that also contain all three of these vital parts. Since popcorn is a whole grain, it contains all of the fiber from the bran, not to mention the minerals, B complex vitamins, and vitamin E that is stored there. The high fiber content in popcorn promotes normal bowel movements and prevents constipation. Fiber stimulates the peristaltic motion of the smooth intestinal muscles and induces the secretion of digestive juices, both of which help to keep your entire digestive system healthy. [7] [8]

Lowers Cholesterol Levels

Soluble fiber, which is a form of fiber found in whole grains helps to reduce cholesterol levels by binding to cholesterol in the small intestine, preventing its absorption into the bloodstream. Reducing total cholesterol lowers the risk for cardiovascular events (heart attacks, strokes, and atherosclerosis) later in life and also prevents strain on the heart and arteries because blood can flow easily. [9]

Regulates Blood Sugar

Fiber also has a great impact on blood sugar in the body. Fiber helps to regulate the release and management of blood sugar and insulin levels better than people with low levels, lowering your chance of developing type 2 diabetes. If you have diabetes, consuming adequate sources of fiber helps to reduce these fluctuations in blood sugar. Therefore, popcorn can be a great snack due to its fiber content. Just keep in mind, portion control is key and avoids adding any high sugar or high-fat toppings to ensure you are consuming a nutritious snack. 

Antioxidant Capacity-Fights Chronic Disease and Prevents Aging

Polyphenols act as an antioxidant in the body, which helps to reduce oxidative stress and fight against the development of chronic diseases and reduce signs of aging. Researchers have discovered that popcorn has high concentrations of polyphenolic compounds and fiber contained in the pericarp of the kernel. [12] [13]

Also, popcorn consists of only 4 percent water whereas fruits and vegetables have 90 percent water, causing polyphenols to be diluted. However, it is important to consider the preparation method when determining polyphenolic bioavailability. Some of the chemicals in the packaging material actually break down or destroy the phenolic compounds of the hull, severely decreasing its impact on protecting your body against free radicals or oxidative stress. Air-popped popcorn may yield a higher bioavailability of the antioxidants compared to microwave cooking. Buttery and oily toppings may also diminish the beneficial effects of antioxidants in popcorn. Eating antioxidant-rich foods like popcorn may not only help you reduce the development of a chronic disease, but also prevent the development of age-related symptoms such as wrinkles and age spots. [14]

Weight Loss

Popcorn is a low-calorie snack with one cup of air-popped popcorn containing about 30 calories; this is five times fewer calories than one serving of plain potato chips. In addition, the fiber content helps to reduce hunger by slowing the rate of digestion, prolonging satiety. Plain popcorn is also low in saturated fat making it a heart-healthy snack that can fill you up and keep your waistline thin. [15]

Word of Caution: Popcorn certainly seems like a healthy snack, but the vast majority of people use large amounts of salt, butter, or other toppings that minimize the beneficial effects it can have on the body. Avoiding pre-packaged popcorn and microwavable popcorn can limit your chance of consuming large amounts of saturated fat and sodium. Popping your own kernels in a pot over heat or in an air-popper is a healthier alternative. You can even add different seasonings such as cinnamon or Italian herbs to get different flavors. Now all you have to do is pop in a good movie and enjoy yourself!

Other than these few words of warning, pop in a good movie, fix yourself a big bowl of popcorn, and get healthy!