If you're worried about popcorn causing or aggravating hemorrhoids, there's no reason for concern. In fact, the fiber in whole grains such as popcorn can help prevent the constipation that's often blamed for hemorrhoids. Plain popcorn is sugar-free and naturally low in calories and fat. Its complex carbohydrates give your body energy while its roughage helps your digestive system.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are painful, swollen veins just inside the anus at the beginning of the rectum or outside the anus at the anal opening. They commonly occur during pregnancy and childbirth because of increased pressure in the veins in the anus, but hemorrhoids occur most often due to straining during bowel movements. Pressure makes the veins bulge and expand. To help prevent hemorrhoids from developing, it's important to try to prevent constipation.
Constipation
Constipation is defined as infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stools. It's a common problem and one that is usually temporary. You can try using laxatives to get some relief, but they're often not necessary. Getting more exercise, drinking more fluids and eating high-fiber foods can also help to relieve constipation. Since popcorn is a whole grain food, it may help to prevent or relieve constipation by putting more fiber in your diet. Grab a bowl of popcorn for a snack instead of potato chips or French fries.
Fiber
If you're trying to eat a balanced diet, 3 cups of popcorn equal one serving from the grain food group and contain 3.6 g total dietary fiber. Health officials recommend that when choosing foods from the grain group, look for items that contain at least 3 g dietary fiber per serving. Dietary fiber is also referred to as roughage or bulk. Fiber is not digested by the body but helps keep your digestive system running smoothly. It helps to normalize bowel movements by softening and increasing the weight and size of the stool.
Warning
Popcorn can be a healthy, low-calorie snack if you take it straight. A 3-cup serving of air-popped popcorn has just 93 calories. However, if you pop corn in oil or add butter, the calories begin to climb. Kettle corn and caramel corn add calories and sugar. When you top popcorn with salt, you may be getting too much sodium in your diet. Check nutrition labels on popcorn to find out how much fiber you're getting as well as how much sugar, salt and fat.
References
- PubMed Health; Hemorrhoids; May 2009
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; Preventing Constipation; 2005
- MayoClinic.com; Constipation; January 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Whole Grains: Hearty Options for a Healthy Diet; July 2009
- The Popcorn Board: Nutritional Information
- MayoClinic.com; Dietary Fiber: Essential For a Healthy Diet; November 2009
