Eating popcorn can increase whole grain, fibre levels

Washington, May 2 : A new study at the Centre for Human Nutrition, Nutrition Impact LLC and ConAgra Foods has revealed that popcorn can increase the whole grain and fibre levels of individuals.

Popcorn eaters have an approximately 250 percent higher daily intake of whole grains and a 22 percent higher daily intake of fibre.

The researchers analysed the data 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to determine the average popcorn consumption of Americans.

Popcorn consumers were identified as anyone eating any amount of popcorn within the past 24 hours before taking the survey.

They found that total grain consumption was significantly higher with 20.8 percent among popcorn eaters

High intake of whole-grain foods is associated with reduced risk for coronary disease, stroke and various types of cancer and may protect against type 2 diabetes.

"Popcorn may offer a healthful alternative to energy-dense, low-nutrient-dense snacks, and may have the potential to improve nutrient status in Americans of all ages and help them meet dietary guideline recommendations to consume three whole-grain servings per day," said the researchers.

ANI