It is hard to believe that Popcorn, the cinema snack is now making a comeback as a super-food that is actually good for us.

According to research popcorn may not only prevent cancer but it can also help those trying to diet. It is a wholegrain food, which has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, two potentially life threatening illnesses.

The facts

Popcorn contains three times more fibre than sunflower seeds. It also balances blood sugar levels; keeps us fuller for longer and stops us reaching for sweet snacks.

A 30g serving of popcorn is equivalent to one portion of whole-wheat pasta or a daily 30g portion of brown rice. Popcorn also contains Vitamin B, which is known to boost energy levels. It also helps to lower ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol as well.

Health benefits

A study carried out by the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania, suggests that the health benefits obtained from popcorn lies in its antioxidant properties known as polyphenols. These antioxidants mop up free radicals that help to keep our cells healthy.

Popcorn is healthier than salted nuts and crisps and is a delicious snack any time of day. Remember not to go too mad on adding excess sugar or salt to what is a now a very healthy snack.

Ilana Estelle is a mental health and wellbeing advocate who combines educational insight with her personal experience of living with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. She holds diplomas in Counselling, Diet and Nutrition, Nutritional Therapy, Psychotherapy and Counselling, and Stress Management. Through her writing, Ilana supports others in navigating their emotional, mental, and physical health challenges. In addition to writing for The CP Diary, her work has appeared in healthy lifestyle magazines. Ilana is also the author of three books: Cerebral Palsy: A Story – Finding the Calm After the Storm, Spirituality, Healing and Me, and Survival: The Covid Years – Time for Change.

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8 comments on “The health benefits of Popcorn”

  1. Wow! didn't realise that popcorn was so good for you.

    I knew it was a good snack but didn't know about all the other benefits. My husband eats a lot of popcorn but he eats microwave popcorn. I know that microwave popcorn isn't as good as the kind you pop yourself though.

    Good informative post.

    1. Absolutely! It's now something we can eat that we don't need to feel guilty about. As long as we don't pound on the sweet stuff too much.

  2. I told my brother and mom about this post. He was really happy to hear about all the benefits. He loves popcorn. I on the other hand not so much.

    1. Thanks for passing on the message about popcorn to your brother and mother. Yes, it's always nice to know that something so yummy is also so good for us.

      Often the food that is good for us, we don't normally like vegetables.

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