More than a happily edible decoration 'ingredient', popcorn is not just a 'fun food'. It is a wholesome, good-for-you food. Popcorn is a product that can help sustain and energize your body. What is popcorn made of? Unpopped, the popcorn kernel's general composition is more than 71% carbohydrate (principally starch), about 10.5% protein, 3% fat, 13.5-14% water (as generally adjusted by processors to ensure maximum popping) and the remainder, mineral water. How does popcorn energize the body? Like other cereal grains, popcorn has one important nutritional function: to furnish the body with heat and energy (expressed as calories). These calories, however, are not empty. The Nutritional Chart included shows popcorn - along with carbohydrate - contributes certain amounts of body minerals and vitamins. The carbohydrate in popcorn also 'spares' body protein by serving as body fuel. Furthermore, scientists now believe adults need at least 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of carbohydrate a day in order to avoid excessive breakdown in body protein and other undesirable bodily changes. Can popcorn help in weight loss? Popcorn is an economy grain for dieters. One ounce (at least two tablespoons) of popcorn kernels, produces about one quart of popcorn flakes when popped. A quart, or four cups, of popcorn flakes supplies about 90 calories--an exceptional bargain for waist watchers. As a high-carbohydrate food, popcorn is ideal for between-meal nibbling. Since it's starchy and not sugary, popcorn, when eaten reasonably far ahead of mealtimes, satisfies the appetite without spoiling it. Calorie counters can easily program popcorn into their diets in order to enjoy its many nutrients--along with its great taste. In fact, many well-known diets now include a cup of popcorn as an allowable exhange for a slice of bread. Fiber is important in the diet. Is popcorn high in fiber? Popcorn contains 18.3% total dietary fiber, which is chiefly the cellulose of the hull. Cellulose makes up much of the bulk fiber necessary in the diet as roughage. Popcorn's 'mechanical' value can be compared roughly to that of bran flakes, cereal with raisins or whole-wheat toast - and it's a lot more fun to eat. What do health and medical groups say about popcorn? Popcorn's high-fiber content has earned recommendations from both the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI). It's also included on the American Dental Association's (ADA) list of sugar-free snacks.