Acharya Balkrishna, a vocal advocate for natural well-being, recently went to social media to raise awareness about the health advantages of popcorn, labelling it a healthy snack. He noted that popcorn, being a high-fibre food, not only cures constipation but also stabilises blood sugar levels.

With minimal calories, it’s also an excellent choice for those who want to control their weight—particularly when made at home without adding any oils or ghee.

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Popcorn, much of which we scorn as mere movietime candy, is indeed a nutrition superpower and one great choice for addition to your regular day-at-home snacks.

Either a convenient mouthful of satisfaction midmeal or guiltless pleasure snacking, popcorn provides many benefits for one’s health but does not keep the snack anything less than delightful and light. Popcorn just deserves more than as an impulse snack.

The super snack high in fibre

One of the most important reasons why popcorn is a healthy snack is that it is high in fibre. Fibre is crucial for digestive health. It encourages regular bowel movements, prevents constipation, and aids gut health.

One serving of air-popped popcorn contains approximately 3-4 grams of fibre, which is a high amount for such a low-calorie snack.

The fibre in popcorn also helps to regulate blood sugar levels. By slowing down the release of sugar into the bloodstream, it helps to keep insulin levels under control, making popcorn a good option for those trying to regulate their blood sugar or avoid a sudden spike.

This makes it an improved choice for diabetics or individuals at risk for developing the disease over many processed sweet snacks.

#Popcorn – एक #Healthy_Snack #ACHARYABALKRISHNA #आचार्यबालकृष्ण pic.twitter.com/5VB7YfPE6Q

— Acharya Balkrishna (@Ach_Balkrishna) January 13, 2024

As Acharya Balkrishna explained, popcorn’s high fiber content not just gives relief from constipation but also regulates blood sugar levels, making it the perfect snack for health-conscious individuals. He insists that the fact that popcorn is low in calories helps in controlling weight, provided it is not made with ghee or oil at home, and thus a guilt-free indulgence.

Low in calories, high in satisfaction

For weight management, those who count calories are usually on the lookout for snacks that are low in calories but are at the same time satisfying. This is where popcorn excels. Air-popped popcorn, in fact, is remarkably low in calories.

A big bowl of this light food can be devoured without remorse, unlike the majority of high-calorie snacks which have a tendency to add up to the weight.

The fact that it contains a lot of fibre makes it easy to keep you full as well, and is thus an excellent choice for suppressing hunger between meals. As it’s a whole grain, it offers a gradual release of energy, making you feel fuller for longer and keeping you from mindless snacking on less healthy foods.

A healthy heart’s friend

It’s not only good for your digestive system; popcorn is also good for your heart. It’s a whole grain, which means it’s rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The polyphenols in popcorn—antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative stress—reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease.

Regular consumption of whole grains like popcorn has also been linked to a reduced risk of hypertension and high cholesterol, both of which are major contributors to heart disease.

In addition, popcorn is gluten-free by nature, so it is a good choice for people with gluten intolerance or those on a gluten-free diet. Since it’s low in processing, it doesn’t have the added sugars and unhealthy fats that most packaged snacks contain.

Also Read: Pattal dining is back, and it is healthier than you think!