As a college student, snacks help you to get through your day, study for a test and even deal with your stress. If you’re not eating or preparing breakfast, lunch or dinner you’re probably thinking of grabbing a snack. Even when you’re having a snack, you are probably already planning your next snack for the day!
With a whooping annual profit of $374 billion dollars per year worldwide, the snack industry understands our love for snacks. Living in America provides us with endless amounts of snacks, though many of them are filled with empty calories. So how do you pick a snack that is easily accessible, satisfying and healthy? The answer is popcorn.
With remnants found dating back to 3500 BCE, Popcorn is the oldest snack food known to man. Today, popcorn is listed as one of the top ten snack foods in America. Its popularity guarantees that popcorn can be found nearly anywhere you go, be it the grocery store, a gas station, a 7-11, the movies, a baseball game, the circus, a party, a fair and even in your own home. Popcorn is enjoyed so much because of its versatility and its ability to be enjoyed in a variety of ways to satisfy any craving.
It may be hard to believe, but popcorn is a snack food that is actually good for you. The National Cancer Institute (NCI), the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (A.N.D.) suggest that people should consider popcorn as a snack because of the way it can fit into any meal/fitness plan. What makes popcorn beneficial and healthful?
Popcorn is a whole grain: A serving of popcorn is three cups. Those three cups of popcorn are equivalent to one serving of whole grains for the day. What a great way to get your whole grains in and enjoy them too!
Energy source: Popcorn is a good source of complex carbohydrates. This means that once the popcorn enters your body, your body is able to use it as fuel and energy.
It’s loaded with fiber: The general recommendation for fiber intake for Americans is twenty-five to thirty-five grams a day, but most people do not meet that fiber goal. Popcorn is a delicious way to meet this goal!
It’s a healthy choice: Popcorn is naturally low in fat, calories, has no artificial additives or preservatives and is sugar free.
It’s a beneficial choice: It is naturally high in Vitamin A and has antioxidant properties.
Ideal snack: It is the ideal snack between meals since it satisfies and does not spoil your appetite.
Allergy friendly: Popcorn is gluten free, which is good news for those who are allergic or have sensitivities to gluten.
Next time you are thinking about what to snack on, consider popcorn as an option.
There is a reason why it has endured as a popular snack for as long as it has. It is easily accessible, tastes great, satisfies cravings and has nutritional value. Overall, popcorn is a simple, ancient snack that is both delicious and nutritious.