Popcorn, Research Proves Satiety

ConAgra Foods funded a research study to determine the connection between dieting and satiety.

ConAgra Foods funded a research study to determine the connection between dieting and satiety. The results indicated that a daily snack of Orville Redenbacher’s 94 percent fat-free SmartPop! popcorn can help dieters maintain reduced calorie eating plans, while still feeling full and satisfied.  Most consumers, according to the research, are unaware that popcorn is a wholegrain, whose health benefits range from reducing risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers; and provide fiber, vitamin E, minerals- such as iron, zinc and magnesium, as well as B vitamins, antioxidants, protein, and healthy fats.

 The study found that participants who consumed a 100-calorie portion of the popcorn every day for 3 months, combined with a reduced calorie diet and moderate cardiovascular exercise, lost on average 13 pounds, reduced waist circumference two inches, lowered body mass index (BMI) two points, and reduced body fat by two percent. At the end of the study, a whopping 97 percent of participants reported healthier snacking habits and 73 percent said that snacking on popcorn helped them feel more emotionally satisfied than their usual snacks. The study, conducted by leading cardiologist Dr. James Rippe and his research team, was presented Saturday October 9 at the 2010 Annual Scientific Meeting of the Obesity Society in San Diego, California.

 As noted by the researchers satisfaction is one of the keys to healthy eating and sustaining momentum if on a reduced calorie diet plan.  Popcorn seems to provide that for snackers and Dr. Rippe comments, “When compared with other 100-calorie snacks, popcorn has several distinct advantages for controlling hunger which in turn can prevent overeating and make losing weight easier…[popcorn] is 100 percent whole grain, high in fiber and low in fat. It’s also a high volume food meaning you can actually eat more – six cups of SmartPop! has less calories and fat than one cup of regular potato chips – and still lose weight.”

For more information on whole grains.