When it's air-popped and lightly seasoned, popcorn is an efficiently healthy snack. That's because it is a whole grain, and high-fiber whole grains have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and other health problems.
It's low in fat, calories, sugar, and sodium.
As long as you stick the to the appropriate serving size, which is about one cup, plain popcorn is a much better choice than junk food, such as potato chips and cheese crackers. And even if you eat three times the serving size, you'll still clock in at only 96 calories.
There are a few health benefits to eating popcorn. In addition to being high in fiber, popcorn also contains phenolic acids, a type of antioxidant. In addition, popcorn is a whole grain, an important food group that may reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension in humans.
Premade popcorn often contains a high level of salt, or sodium. Eating too much sodium can cause high blood pressure and lead to other health complications. Some brands also include a lot of sugar. Added butter, sugar, and salt can make popcorn an unhealthful snack.
Yes, popcorn is generally healthier than chips. Popcorn is a whole grain food that's high in fiber and low in fat and calories. Chips are generally fried in fat and heavily salted. There are unhealthy popcorn options like movie theater popcorn or caramel corn, and there are healthy chip options.
When it's air-popped and lightly seasoned, popcorn is an efficiently healthy snack. That's because it is a whole grain, and high-fiber whole grains have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and other health problems.
What's the healthiest way to eat popcorn? Air-popped popcorn doesn't use oil and is the healthiest way to enjoy the snack, according to Cleveland Clinic. Popping it on the stovetop using oil can be a way to add healthy fats to your diet, just opt for walnut, avocado, canola, or extra virgin olive oil.
Popcorn and glycemic index
Share on Pinterest Popcorn does not cause a spike in blood sugar due to its low GI. For people with diabetes, the glycemic index (GI) is an important number to consider when choosing what foods to buy and eat.
Ask your doctor to check your iron and zinc levels. If either of them is low, it could lead you to binge on popcorn even when you don't really want it. When people crave non-food substances such as clay, cornstarch or ice, doctors call the condition pica.
What is a healthy portion size of popcorn? A healthy portion size of popcorn is about 25-30g. While plain popcorn can be enjoyed as a low-calorie snack, portion size is key to keep calories in check. Flavoured varieties are best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than as part of a regular balanced diet.
The report in Antioxidants also notes that the particular phenolic acids in popcorn are highly bio-available, meaning your body can easily digest and absorb them. Eating popcorn every day, in addition to plenty of vegetables and low-sugar fruits, like berries, is a good way to get in a good dose of these antioxidants.
Other popped grains, freeze-dried fruits, and low carb veggie chips are some low-calorie popcorn substitutes. Puffed foods are often puffed with air, making the food bigger without increasing the calories. High calorie popcorn substitutes include nuts, seeds, pork rinds, and unpopped grains (such as pretzels).
So should you put down that apple and grab a bowl of popcorn instead? "Popcorn is most definitely a healthful snack option," say SELF contributing editors Stephanie Clarke and Willow Jarosh, registered dietitians and co-founders of C&J Nutrition.
Popcorn is an excellent low-calorie, high-quality carbohydrate made from fiber-rich whole grains. And, as long as you aren't dousing it with butter and salt, it's healthy too! All that makes it a fabulous choice for a midnight snack. Air-popped is best.
Great for "movie nights,' popcorn's antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties also make it a good anytime snack.
Is popcorn low in cholesterol? Popcorn without added sugar or salt may have low levels of cholesterol. However, popcorn can have high levels of cholesterol if people prepare it with butter or a sugary coating, such as caramel.
The researchers found that people who ate microwave popcorn every day over the course of a year had levels of PFAS that were up to 63% higher than average. Considering the questions that continue to surround the safety of consuming PFAS, we think it would be reasonable to curtail the daily use of microwave popcorn.
The Vitamins and Minerals
The shocking thing about popcorn as a superfood is how many vitamins and minerals you'll find in each puffed kernel. The big hitters for popcorn nutrients are Calcium, Potassium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin K. Popcorn also includes other vitamins and minerals in the mix.
A:With just over a gram of fiber, 1 gram of protein, and 6 carbohydrates, one cup of air-popped popcorn is the better belly fat fighter. It is cholesterol-free, virtually fat-free, and a filling five popped cups is just 100-150 calories.
Ask your doctor to check your iron and zinc levels. If either of them is low, it could lead you to binge on popcorn even when you don't really want it. When people crave nonfood substances such as clay, cornstarch or ice, doctors call the condition pica.
So stop wondering No, Popcorn does not affect your liver. However, some of the ingredients in Popcorn may have negative effects on your liver if consumed in large quantities. For example, trans fat and saturated fat can increase your risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.