Discover popcorn's healthy side (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest popcorn to eat? ›

Yes, popcorn is fun, but it's also healthy. Popcorn is a whole grain and a good source of fiber. And 3 cups of plain, air-popped popcorn weighs in at only about 95 calories. For the healthiest results, pop your corn in an air popper or in the microwave.

Popcorn can indeed be a valuable addition to a weight loss diet. Its low-calorie, high-fibre, and whole-grain characteristics make it a filling and nutritious snack option. If you are looking to lose weight, it is essential to consume popcorn healthily, without excessive butter, oil, or sugar.

Even so, microwave popcorn can be extremely high in saturated fat and sodium, both of which increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. To reduce your risk, either choose "light" microwave popcorn or use an air popper. You should also go light on the salt and butter, or skip them altogether. American Cancer Society.

Even though it is much more filling than many other snack foods, it can still be fattening if you eat too much of it. Popcorn is high in fiber, relatively low in calories and has a low energy density. Eating it in moderation may help with weight loss.

Worst: Lance's Movie Theater Butter Popcorn

"With 11 grams of fat 2.5 cups serving, Lance's Movie Theater Butter Popcorn is on the unhealthier side when it comes to bagged popcorn," says Megan Huff, RD, LD, Cardiac ICU Dietitian.

Even though popcorn is healthy, it is possible to eat too much of it. Both dietitians say that eating an excessive amount of popcorn can lead to bloating, gas and constipation because of its high-fiber content—especially for people who aren't used to eating a lot of fiber.

However, overloading on fiber-rich popcorn could put you over the daily recommendation. While this isn't the worst thing, it may land you on the toilet with an upset stomach, gas, or bloating until your fiber levels even out. The impact on your heart health is more concerning, of course.

Another health benefit of popcorn is its high satiety. Because of popcorn's high fiber content, its low calorie count and its low energy density, popcorn is considered to be a food that can aid in weight loss. For example, popcorn has been shown to make people feel fuller than a similar calorie amount of potato chips.

Like any other food with carbohydrates, popcorn can raise blood sugar levels. Its impact on blood sugar depends on the serving size, how it's prepared, and any additional toppings or ingredients added. Plain air-popped popcorn has a modest impact on blood sugar levels compared to high-GI foods.

Can I eat popcorn at night? ›

A midnight munchie to get excited about! Popcorn is a whole grain packed with fiber and carbs. Carbohydrates make tryptophan, an amino acid important for sleep, more available to the brain. A study found that food such as popcorn and nuts provided a longer sleep duration than food such as burgers and pizza.

Popcorn offers people with diabetes a low-sugar, low-calorie snack option. It will not increase a person's blood sugar levels by a significant amount, making it a safe choice between meals. However, people should keep toppings to a minimum and avoid eating excessive portions.

Best: Simply Smartfood Sea Salt

"It's not only tasty, but it has only popcorn, sunflower oil, and sea salt for ingredients and gives you 2 grams of fiber per serving," Pacheco adds.

The trouble with PFCs is that they break down into perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical that's suspected to cause cancer. These chemicals make their way into the popcorn when you heat them up. When you eat the popcorn, they get into your bloodstream and can remain in your body for a long time.

Air-popped, unsalted, and unsweetened is the most healthful type of popcorn and, per serving, it contains : 0.21 g of sugar.

Nutritional Value

Approximately 31 calories and 1.2 grams of fiber are found in one cup of air-popped white popcorn, while 35 calories and 1 gram of fiber are found in one cup of air-popped yellow popcorn. Both varieties of popcorn are regarded as nutritious treats despite these minor variations.

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.