Study Touts Hidden Benefits of Popcorn
There may be a few benefits to be derived from having popcorn night at home, according to a new study – provided, of course, that one does not make it with a whole lot of butter, oil, and salt.
Researchers at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania conducted an analysis on the content in several types of popcorn. The results of their analysis indicated that the crunchy hull of this preferred movie snack is rich in polyphenols, antioxidants that prevent damage to cells and may have disease-fighting properties.
Joe Vinson, professor of chemistry and lead author of the study, shared that the hull, and not the “white fluffy part” of the popcorn, has the most nutrients. The reason for this, he said, is that popcorn does not have a lot of water, and because it is a hundred percent whole grain. Other foods with polyphenols, such as fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, contain a lot more water.
Vinson shared further: “We know whole grains are good for us in fighting a number of chronic diseases, but we don’t know why yet. People thought it was just the fiber that made popcorn a healthful choice, but in my opinion, it’s the combination of fiber and polyphenols.”
He adds, though, that fruits and vegetables also contain polyphenols, as well as vitamins and minerals that are not found in popcorn: “I don’t want people to think they can just eat popcorn to get all the polyphenols they need. I don’t want them to think of popcorn as an alternative to fruits and vegetables.”
Tags: benefits of popcorn, healthy popcorn, nutrients in popcorn, water in popcorn, whole grain popcorn
