Hunger in winter and importance of popcorn

New Delhi: During winter, due to increase in digestion process one starts feeling hungry more often. After a few hours, there is a desire to eat spicy food. In such a situation, people consume chips, salty and fried foods along with tea, which can be harmful for health.

Popcorn can be an excellent option to satisfy small hunger pangs, which is not only delicious but also beneficial for health.

Popcorn is a better option for snacks, as it is not fried and spicy like chips. Apart from this, chemicals are used to keep the chips fresh, which can be harmful for health.

Popcorn is a whole grain, which requires very little oil and spices to prepare. This can easily be made at home. It helps in balancing appetite and also prevents overeating.

Popcorn contains more nutrients than other snacks, such as carbohydrates, fiber, protein, fat, iron, magnesium and antioxidants. Vata dosha in the body increases in winter, and popcorn helps to balance its increase.

Its consumption also helps in controlling weight. Consumption of fried and spicy foods increases cholesterol in the body, which has a negative effect on the heart and blood vessels. Whereas popcorn helps in reducing cholesterol.

However, if there is a problem of gas or indigestion, popcorn should be consumed in limited quantities.

The right way to consume popcorn is to make it with black salt, desi ghee and cumin powder. This increases its taste and is also beneficial for the stomach.