A Medium Sized Buttery Popcorn Contains More Fat Than Bacon & Eggs, Big Mac & Fries & Steak Combined? That headline broke in many news stories on September 27th, 1992.
In 1992, this groundbreaking study found that a bag of microwave popcorn popped with coconut oil contained more fat than a McDonald’s burger. This was a wake-up call for many people who had long believed popcorn to be a healthy snack option. However, as time passed, researchers continued to study the fat content of different foods, and a new discovery was made: a bacon and eggs breakfast, a Big Mac and fries for lunch, and a steak dinner with all the trimmings combined have less fat than a bag of popcorn.
The new findings were met with surprise and confusion. How could it be that a meal known for its indulgence and decadence could be healthier than a simple bag of popcorn? The answer, it turns out, lies in the type of fat present in different foods.
Now, before you excuse yourself to get some fast food and eat unhealthy.. read the whole article and BE SURE to watch the video at the very end. This explains it all.
The bacon and eggs breakfast, for example, contains a high amount of protein, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer. The bacon itself contains fat, but it is primarily monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat, which are considered “good” fats that can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Eggs, on the other hand, contain healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, as well as protein and a range of vitamins and minerals.
A Big Mac and fries may not seem like a healthy choice, but compared to a bag of popcorn, it contains less fat. The burger patty itself is made from ground beef, which is a good source of protein and iron. The cheese, lettuce, and pickles provide additional nutrients, while the bun and fries are high in carbohydrates, which can provide energy for the body.
A steak dinner with all the trimmings, including mashed potatoes, vegetables, and a glass of red wine, is often associated with indulgence and luxury. However, when compared to a bag of popcorn, it is a much healthier choice. The steak itself is a good source of protein, iron, and other essential nutrients. The mashed potatoes contain carbohydrates, which can provide energy, while the vegetables offer a range of vitamins and minerals. Red wine is also known to have health benefits when consumed in moderation.
The reason that these meals contain less fat than a bag of popcorn is due to the type of fat present in each food. Popcorn contains coconut oil, which is high in saturated fat. Saturated fat is known to raise cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems. In contrast, the meals mentioned above contain fats that are considered “good” for the body, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
But is this actually true? This is what the media reported back in 1992, and at the time popcorn sales plummeted because of it. Do you think fast food sales went up? Probably so. How misleading of a new story. Think about it. Does coconut oil really contain fat that harms your body? Or does the fat in the oils that Fast food burgers are cooked in harm your body and health? This isn’t a trick question, but the media does lie to you about your health and confuses you with terms like ‘saturated fat’ and ‘unsaturated fat’ what does it all really mean?
The discovery that a bacon and eggs breakfast, a Big Mac and fries for lunch, and a steak dinner with all the trimmings combined have less fat than a bag of popcorn is an important one. It highlights the importance of looking beyond the label of a food and considering the type of fat present in it. It also emphasizes that indulging in the occasional “unhealthy” meal is not necessarily a bad thing, as long as it is balanced out with a healthy diet overall.
Of course, it is important to note that while these meals may contain less fat than a bag of popcorn, they are not necessarily “healthy” choices. A diet that is high in saturated fat, even in small amounts, can have negative health consequences over time. It is important to aim for a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.
In conclusion, the discovery that a bacon and eggs breakfast, a Big Mac and fries for lunch, and a steak dinner with all the trimmings combined have less fat than a bag of popcorn isn’t saying much. It highlights the importance of considering the type of fat present in a food, but doesn’t explain how that fat is metabolized by the body.
Do you know what oils your fast food burger is cooked in? Probably not. I can guarantee you that it is far worse than coconut oil, directly from nature.
Take a look at this video which David Benjamin from @healthywildfree on Instagram explains the difference between macronutrients and micronutrients and why this popcorn story is misleading:
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Ultimately if you want to burn fat, trim your waistline, improve immune health and digest and metabolize foods better you need more fermented foods and drinks in your diet. You can do this by heading over to FermentationMethod.com. This website shows and teaches you how to create the best foods for metabolic health and digestive health.