Pop Culture

Diet consultant,Geeta Desai says that it’s rich in fiber,complex carbohydrates and vitamin B6. It absorbs water and slows down the digestive process. “This not only helps to digest food effectively,it also slows down the conversion of the food into blood sugar and fat.” She adds,loaded with vitamin B6,corn is good for the brain and its folic acid content also helps prevent heart disease.

According to Vrushali Pandit,a dietician at Karve Nagar,corn can be used in several different ways and popular concoctions like corn bhel,or stir-fried corn satisfy snacking urges while improving overall health at the same time. However,she adds,“The best ways to eat corn are to steam it,or to saute it.”

While the study says that steamed corn and popcorn may be the best bet for a healthy snack at the movie theatre,experts say you need to think twice before ordering that cheese or caramel flavoured popcorn. “How much benefit corn gives completely depends on how you make it,” says Desai. “Flavours like cheese and caramel will add a load of calories to your snack. Instead,pick the plain popcorn. Ask for less butter in your steamed corn too,” she advises. Even though movie popcorn may not be completely guilt-free,there is always the option of popping corn at home.

According to Dr Joe Vinson,who headed the study at the University of Scranton,people should still be cautious of how they pop the corn. “Air-popped popcorn has the lowest number of calories,of course,” Dr. Vinson says in the findings,“Microwave popcorn has twice as many calories as air-popped,and if you pop your own with oil,this has twice as many calories as air-popped popcorn.”

“I love eating popcorn,especially when I am at the movies. Now that I know it has health benefits too,I’m going to make popcorn at home too!” says Harsha Jain,an HR professional who enjoys eating popcorn.

“I look for corn stalls wherever I go,whether it’s at a shopping mall or in a movie theatre. Monsoon is a great time to eat steaming hot and spicy corn,” says Amruta Kulkarni,a self-confessed fan of steamed corn.

“Ultimately though,no matter how you eat it,steamed,sauteed,popped in oil or air,corn makes a low-calorie and sensible tea-time snack and scores far higher than chips or other snacks,” concludes Desai.