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\More than a happily edible
decoration
'ingredient', popcorn is not just a 'fun food'. It is a wholesome,
good-for-you food. Popcorn is a product that can help sustain and
energize your body.
What
is
popcorn
made
of?
Unpopped, the popcorn kernel's general composition is more than 71%
carbohydrate (principally starch), about 10.5% protein, 3% fat,
13.5-14% water (as generally adjusted by processors to ensure maximum
popping)
and the remainder, mineral water.
How
does
popcorn
energize
the
body?
Like other cereal grains, popcorn has one important nutritional
function: to furnish the body with heat and energy (expressed as
calories). These calories, however, are not empty. The Nutritional Chart included shows popcorn - along with carbohydrate
- contributes certain amounts of body minerals and vitamins. The
carbohydrate in popcorn also 'spares' body protein by serving as body
fuel. Furthermore, scientists now believe adults need at least 100
grams (3.5 ounces) of carbohydrate a day in order to avoid excessive
breakdown in body protein and other undesirable bodily changes.
Can
popcorn
help
in
weight
loss?
Popcorn is an economy grain for dieters. One ounce (at least two
tablespoons) of popcorn kernels, produces about one quart of popcorn
flakes when popped. A quart, or four cups, of popcorn flakes supplies
about 90 calories--an exceptional bargain for waist watchers. As a
high-carbohydrate food, popcorn is ideal for between-meal nibbling.
Since it's starchy and not sugary, popcorn, when eaten reasonably far
ahead of mealtimes, satisfies the appetite without spoiling it. Calorie
counters can easily program popcorn into their diets in order to enjoy
its many nutrients--along with its great taste. In fact, many
well-known diets now include a cup of popcorn as an allowable exhange
for a slice of bread.
Fiber
is
important
in
the
diet.
Is
popcorn high in fiber?
Popcorn contains 18.3% total dietary fiber, which is chiefly the
cellulose of the hull. Cellulose makes up much of the bulk fiber
necessary in the diet as roughage. Popcorn's 'mechanical' value can be
compared roughly to that of bran flakes, cereal with raisins or
whole-wheat toast - and it's a lot more fun to eat.
What
do
health
and
medical
groups
say
about popcorn?
Popcorn's high-fiber content has earned recommendations from both the
American Cancer Society (ACS) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
It's also included on the American Dental Association's (ADA) list of
sugar-free snacks.
If It's Not From The
Forest, It's Not Wild!
Mike Poulin,
James Bay Wild Fruit
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