Popcorn is very healthy! Expert: Can resist breast cancer, lower cholesterol, and prevent cataracts

【Good Morning Health/Reported by Wang Yanwen】: Popcorn, which appears in the public’s impression as a snack for watching movies, may have unexpected health benefits! Experts point out that popcorn is less likely to cause gastrointestinal discomfort and can provide a sense of fullness compared to raw corn. It is also low in calories and rich in dietary fiber, which has benefits such as nourishing the intestines and controlling blood sugar.

Why Popcorn Can Lower Bad Cholesterol and Prevent Breast and Prostate Cancer

According to Dr. Joe Vinson from Scranton University in Pennsylvania, corn contains more beneficial polyphenols for the human body than other fruits and vegetables, and even more polyphenols than chocolate and nuts; Polyphenols can reduce bad cholesterol in the blood, prevent breast and prostate cancer, prevent osteoporosis, and promote blood circulation; It can better inhibit oxidative “free radicals” that can cause diseases and attack cells, leading to DNA mutations.

Since corn has so many benefits,is it too wasteful to make popcorn? In fact,compared to corn,popcorn is less likely to cause gastrointestinal discomfort and provides a higher sense of satiety. In countries where corn is not considered a staple food,popcorn is a very healthy snack.

Why can popcorn suppress the rapid increase of blood sugar levels

Dr. Joseph Mercola, a special researcher at the American Nutrition Society, pointed out that about 5000 years ago, the ancient inhabitants of Mexico and Peru relied on popcorn made from corn as their staple food. It contained various minerals such as manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, potassium, and also vitamins B3 and B6. Popcorn contains a large amount of food fiber called “resistant starch”, which can become a food for good bacteria in the intestine; Resistant starch can also keep the concentration of insulin in the blood within a certain range, avoiding a rapid increase in blood sugar levels.

According to Professor Yuka Edogawa from Chiba University in Japan and a member of the Japan Food Fiber Association, popcorn made solely with salt and oil contains 9.3 grams of food fiber per 100 grams, which is higher than the 3.5 grams contained in 100 grams of boiled sweet potatoes and the 1.1 grams contained in 100 grams of lettuce (head lettuce). It can be used as a breakfast staple, allowing the resistant starch in popcorn to inhibit blood sugar levels after the second meal.

Popcorn can also prevent cataracts

Jiang Touyou Jiahe also stated that the antioxidant substance ferulic acid in popcorn contains 313 milligrams per 100 grams, and brown rice only contains 42 milligrams per 100 grams. It is also rich in zeaxanthin, which can protect vision, prevent macular degeneration and cataract formation.