Whenever popcorn is mentioned, we would think about going to the movies and having them in between scenes and finishing half the cup before the show even starts. It is also regularly seen in carnivals and fairs but not so much in our 'pasar malam' or night markets.
Many of us think popcorn is an unhealthy snack, probably joining the ranks of potato chips, fried chicken, hot dogs, satay and chocolates. But wait a minute, popcorn is actually a healthy snack!
To start off, popcorn comes from corn kernels. Corn itself is a healthy vegetable and popped corn has low calories. I am not talking about the super sweet, butter-drenched popcorn in the movies, that's definitely unhealthy with at least 1000 calories worth.
Popcorn without salt, sugar or butter is low in fats and high in fiber, making it a good healthy crispy snack. It does contain a low amount of nutrition such as iron, zinc, magnesium and a 30g portion gives just 122 calories. Not just that, popcorn releases polyphenols, which can slow down the damage of your cells and even aging.
Interestingly, popcorn has one of the highest levels of polyphenols of most foods and fruits!
Commercially available popcorn will have all the spices and unhealthy ingredients added but that is necessary to make them taste better. However, you can always choose the ones with fewer added ingredients. Like ours, which only has salt, sugar, oil or caramel. It's just that simple. Popcorn is now only available for corporate orders, let us know if you require this snack!
