Popcorn and Health
From plain air-popped popcorn to white cheddar and kettle corn varieties, popcorn is a best seller in the world of snack foods. It's often a snack approved by dietitians and nutritionists, too. As long as it isn't cooked in oil or drowned in butter, popcorn is high in fiber and low in fat, making it a relatively healthy snack.
Significance
The Snack Food Association says annual sales of popcorn are over $2 billion, and the average American eats about 56 quarts of popcorn per year.
Benefits
Three cups of popcorn count as one serving of whole grains. The nutritional benefits of eating one serving of popcorn include healthy amounts of fiber (two to three grams per serving), B vitamins, potassium and other minerals.
Considerations
While air-popped popcorn is low in fat and calories. "Butter lover" varieties of microwave popcorn and movie theater popcorn are much higher in fat--up to 20 grams of fat per serving. A large portion of the fat from these foods is saturated, and saturated fats are linked with heart disease.
Warning
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against giving popcorn to children under 4 years old because it is considered a choking hazard.
History
Popping corn was invented by Native Americans, and Europeans first were exposed to this food when the Conquistador Cortez invaded Mexico. Popcorn became especially popular in America around World War II and remains one of the country's most popular snack foods.
Fun Fact
The Aztecs used popcorn as a decoration for ceremonial clothing, including necklaces and headdresses.
Tags: air-popped popcorn, grams serving, Popcorn Health, snack foods
