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7 interesting facts about popcorn

On the coldest days of the year, nothing better than watching a movie, either at the cinema or in the comfort of your own home. And to accompany this little program, popcorn is almost always the favorite food!

However, for people more attentive to health, some questions may arise, such as: is popcorn fattening? How often can I eat it? Among other questions that many people have asked themselves.

For popcorn lovers, here’s good news: if consumed correctly, it doesn’t get fat and can even be good for your health!

Below you can find this and other interesting information about this food that most people like.

1. Popcorn is good for your health

Nutritionist Priscila Azevedo highlights that popcorn is no longer seen as a “villain”, when consumed correctly (see below in item 4). In a study carried out by the American Chemical Society, scientists reported that it contains a lot of healthy antioxidant substances: polyphenols.

“Polyphenols, also found in fruits, vegetables, chocolates, wines, coffee and teas, are known for their properties, as they help protect the heart and reduce the risk of cancerous diseases”, says Priscila.

“The amount of polyphenols found in popcorn was up to 300 mg per serving compared to 114 mg found in a serving of sweet corn and 160 mg in fruit, according to the study,” explains Priscila.

However, it is worth noting that popcorn cannot replace fresh fruits and vegetables in a healthy diet. “Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and other nutrients that are essential for good health,” recalls the nutritionist.

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2. Popcorn can prevent disease

“Due to their antioxidant properties, polyphenols act against free radicals, preventing from premature aging to cases of cancer”, says Priscila. “According to Joe Vinson (leader of the study), this is because the amount of water found in fruits and vegetables reaches 90% and, with this, there is a greater dilution of antioxidants. In popcorn, the amount of water is about 4%, thus allowing a greater concentration of antioxidants”, explains the nutritionist.

3. Popcorn husks are even healthier

Nutritionist Priscila Azevedo points out that it is in the popcorn shell – part that most people don’t like – that the highest concentration of polyphenols and fibers is found. “Although not so tasty, the rind offers more fiber, a substance that contributes to the fecal cake”, she explains.

4. Popcorn can be consumed every day

According to nutritionist Priscila, the recommendation for daily consumption of popcorn is 20g or a cup and a half (tea). “It’s always good to opt for traditional popcorn, avoiding microwave popcorn,” she says.

“Popcorn would complete the amount of grains indicated for daily consumption, because its grains are whole, providing more benefits than other products based on whole seeds, which go through processing, losing part of their properties”, explains the nutritionist.

However, it is worth remembering that it should be consumed with little or no salt.

5. Traditional popcorn is better than microwave popcorn

A lot of people end up opting for microwave popcorn because it’s faster and easier to prepare. However, it is really true that she is not healthy like the traditional one. Worth avoiding!

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“Traditional popcorn has an average of 78 calories in a cup of tea, while microwave popcorn has 114. In addition, the microwave version has a very high amount of fat: on average, 7g. On the other hand, traditional popcorn has no lipids”, explains nutritionist Priscila Azevedo.

“It is also worth remembering that the amount of sodium in microwave popcorn is 255mg. And according to the food guide for the Brazilian population, the recommendation of NaCl salt should not exceed 5g per day (1.7g of sodium)”, adds Priscila.

6. Popcorn is not fattening

If consumed without exaggeration and with little salt, popcorn will not harm the diet. “Just include it, in adequate amounts, in a balanced diet, ingest an average of 2 liters of water a day and practice physical activity regularly”, says nutritionist Priscila.

It is worth remembering that popcorn should be consumed with little (or no) salt and without the addition of sugar, chocolate, sauces or seasonings.

7. Movie popcorn is not a good choice

“Do not fool yourself. With traditional popcorn, prepared at home, it is possible to control the amount of fat, making it healthier. The ones available in movie theaters, on the other hand, contain trans fats that are harmful to health, which can lead to clogged arteries, generate heart disease, etc.”, warns nutritionist Priscila. “They usually also have other products that enhance flavors and are negative for health”, she adds.

Did you write down all the information?! If you love popcorn, now you know: when consumed consciously, popcorn has many health benefits!

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The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.

Tais Romanelli

Journalist graduated in 2009 (58808/SP), freelance writer since 2013, totally adept at working from home. Communicative, always full of topics to talk about and inspiration to write. Responsible at work and outside of it; dedicated to commitments and the people with whom she lives; in love with family, dogs, home, the sea, moments of tranquility and also excitement.

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