One Word....POPCORN!!!!!

Those of you who know me well, have probably heard me say more than once, "If I had to choose only one food to eat for the rest of my life, it would be POPCORN!"

It has been a food favorite of mine since I was a very small child when I can remember my mom standing at the stove popping pan after pan of the fragrant kernels (in WAY too much Wesson Oil), and pouring it into a  waiting, paper grocery bag.  Once the contents of the bag reached the level she desired, usually at least half full, the popping stopped and we moved quickly to Phase II.

Phase II involved drizzling the small mountain of popcorn with an awful lot of melted margarine (margarine....oh. my. gosh,) and then a liberal sprinkling of salt before rolling the top of the bag down and shaking it madly.    Mmmmmmm....I can smell popcorn right now! And although its a warm, fuzzy memory. I would never eat it that way today, ad haven't for many years.

Today, I eat popcorn not only because I adore it, but because there are also lots of nutritionally sound reasons to indulge....and you should, too!  Why? Read on...

Popcorn is a whole grain that contains 40 or more nutrients.

-The germ in the popcorn kernel contains all of the B complex vitamins, plus vitamin E, Riboflavin and Thiamine.

-Popcorn has more protein than any other cereal grain

-Popcorn has more iron than eggs, peanuts, spinach, or roast beef!

-The hull and outer layers are rich in iron, phosphorous and protein.

-Popcorn has more phosphorous and fiber than potato chips, ice cream cones, or pretzels

-Popcorn is a colorie counter's delight!  Unbuttered popcorn only has between 25 and 55 calories per cup.

Popcorn, a well known "funfood",  is considered a wholesome snack by leading medical associations and nutrition professionals:

 - The American Dental Association recommends popcorn as a sugar-free snack.  Popcorn is listed by the ADA as a suggested sugar free, fat free, and low in calories snack along with several other notables such as apples, pears, celery, plain yogurt, nuts and cheese.

-The National Cancer Institute(NCI), the federal government's cancer prevention agency, suggests fiber in the diet to reduce the risk of some forms of cancer and the American Dietetic Association recommends popcorn as a high fiber snack food in their list of " 10 Great Ways to Fiber Up!"  The National Institue of Dental and Craniofacial Research lists popcorn as a smart, low/no-sugar snack.  The American Diabetes Association and the American dietetic Association permit popcorn as a starch exchange on weight-control diets, and the Feingold Diet for hyeractive children permits popcorn because it contains no artificial additives.

- Popcorn is listed third out of a list of 11 as eleven Things That Don't Cause Cancer. 

-Pocorn aids digestion by providing necessary roughage, also known as fiber.

If you are not already an ardent popcorn lover, and would like to consume more just because its good for you, read on to see the kinds to avoid-

• Movie theater popcorn- Better known as "cardiac death in a bucket" Chock full of artificial colors, trans-fatty acids, and ridiculous amounts of sodium.
• Microwave popcorn-pretty much the same reason as above for most varieties. 

The best choices, for the sheer enjoyment of the grain itself, as well as for your waistline and other health factors- 

• Air Popped!
• Old school stove top (but not like my mom did it!)

If you would like to learn ways to improve on this traditional "fun food", go to the links on the right hand side of the home page and check out the "Fun Foods/Desserts" link there for new ways to enjoy this old favorite that are both healthy and anything but "humdrum".  Pop up a bowl and share it with someone you love tonight!

As for me, I think I hear the bag of organic kernels in my cupboard calling my name right now....