According to the scientist Joe Winson from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania, who has been a pioneer in the field of nutrition, the hulls of popcorn have the highest concentration of antioxidants like polyphenols and fibre, only if they are air popped and not dipped in butter oil or salt.
The study found that popcorns is 100 percent unprocessed whole grain as compared to other grains like wheat or other grains which are generally processed and are reduced to about 50% of what is present before they are processed. If we are going for the air popped popcorn, 3 cups (24g) of these provide 93 Calories, 1.1g of fat, 2 mg of sodium, 18.7g of carbohydrates and 3.1g of protein. This miniscule quantity of fat is in the form of monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats. One, therefore, needs to take care of the method in which popcorn is popped as many a times they are drenched with butter or caramel or salt or cheese which spell doom for all the weight watchers and health freaks. They can increase the calories to about 100 calories per cup and shoot up the saturated fat content. We can flavour the popcorns using chaat masala or garlic powder or sometimes to add an Indian flavour we can sauté them in a little oil with mustard seeds and curry leaves. Also some studies have found that they can aggravate diverticulitis. This is the reason our desi counterpart phool makhana can be a far better snack any day.
They are not only a good source of nutrients like magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc but rich in antioxidants as well. Due to this they are beneficial detoxificants. They are vital for the maintenance of the health of various organs like spleen, kidney and liver. They are available in popped form. To eat one needs to roast them in a kadai with merely a teaspoon of ghee or mustard oil and little salt. They form a hearty, crisp to the core, snack which is low in calories. About fifty of these contain 180 calories, 39g of carbohydrates and 6g of protein. They can be used to thicken gravies, or it can be used as a low calorie substitute for paneer in palak paneer. They have a calming and soothing effect on the nervous system. Because of their bowel binding property, they come to the rescue of the people who are suffering from diarrhea. They form a good snack for the people who are fasting (especially in navratri) as they are considered a fruit only. They aid in getting rid of mood swings and irritability, insomnia etc. According to Chinese medicine they clear the heat when taken in soups.
Now it is up to us to take a call and decide which option we want to adopt to stay fit as well as healthy.
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