How Is Popcorn Good For You?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

In addition to fiber, popcorn also is

a good source of polyphenols, which are antioxidants that have been linked to better blood circulation and digestive health, as well as a potentially lower risk of certain cancers

. Another health benefit of popcorn is its high satiety.

Is popcorn good for you yes or no?

So, is popcorn healthy? In a word, YES. Popped corn is just a vegetable turned into a sometimes-indulgent snack. By itself,

air-popped popcorn is nutritious, plus it’s filled with fiber and even some antioxidants thanks to the fact that it’s a plant-based food.

Is popcorn good for losing weight?

Not only is popcorn high in fiber, it even delivers some protein. A 1-ounce serving (about 31⁄2 cups) has 4 grams of fiber, almost 4 grams of protein and clocks in at 110 calories. This combination makes it a snack with staying power with very few calories, which

can help with weight loss

.

Is popcorn good for your digestive system?

Fiber source

As a whole grain,

popcorn is high in fiber, which is good for digestive health and promoting regular bowel movements

. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a typical 3-cup or 24-gram (g) serving of air-popped popcorn contains 3.5 g of fiber.

What is the healthiest way to eat popcorn?


Air popped popcorn

uses no oil, meaning it has the fewest calories. “Popping it in oil, however, is a great way to consume a healthy portion of fat to control hunger,” Jeffers says. Not only can you manage serving size, but you can also make it in under 10 minutes in most cases.

Is popcorn a junk food?


Popcorn is a healthy snack substitute for junk

because it a loaded with fiber but how it is cooked is important. Air popping, cooking in a little canola or olive oil, or microwaving are all good methods.

Is popcorn healthier than chips?

When it comes to popcorn and chips,

popcorn is the healthier snack option

. Popcorn is lower in calories and fat, but it has a higher fiber content so it is more filling than chips. Air-popped, lightly seasoned popcorn is the healthiest type of popcorn for snack food.

Is popcorn fattening at night?

Popcorn: Popcorn is a complex carb, so it contains serotonin, which is a hormone that helps you relax.

It’s a great snack to munch on in the evenings because you can have a lot of it (3 cups popped) for only 100 calories if you skip dousing it in butter

.

Does eating popcorn before bed cause weight gain?

The Bottom Line. Physiologically, calories don’t count for more at night. You won’t gain weight by merely eating later if you eat within your daily calorie needs. Still, studies show that

nighttime eaters typically make poorer food choices and eat more calories, which can lead to weight gain

.

Does popcorn cause belly fat?

Air-Popped Popcorn:


Popcorn is a great flat-belly snack as long as you choose the air-popped version

—you can eat a 3-cup portion for only 100 calories! Not only that, but popcorn is also a whole grain, and studies show that people who eat whole grains have less belly fat than those who eat refined grains.

Is popcorn good for losing belly fat?

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.

Is popcorn good for skin?

Polyphenols are healthy antioxidants that promote not only brain and cardiovascular health, but are

said to help protect your skin from UV-radiation

. Since popcorn is comprised of 86 percent less water than fruits and vegetable, these polyphenols are less diluted, making them considerably more healthy.

Does popcorn clean the colon?

Popcorn kernels are pure, insoluble fiber, which means they will not digest at all, and according to the Kingston Regional Cancer Center,

popcorn is a food that will increase your number of bowel movements

, which you do not want to do if you are experiencing diarrhea.

Does popcorn help poop?

4. Popcorn for constipation relief.

Air-popped popcorn is a good choice for a high-fiber snack that can help provide relief from constipation

. A filling 3 cups of air-popped popcorn contains 3.5 g fiber, and less than 100 calories.

Is popcorn good for hair growth?

4.

Popcorn is a great way to stay young

: Also these antioxidants existing in popcorn will help you stay young. Antioxidants reduce wrinkles, aging signs like hair loss, weak muscles, weak visions and even Alzheimer.

What can I put on popcorn instead of butter?

  • Spices and Herbs. Sprinkling some dry spices on your popcorn instantly gives it a flavor boost, and there’s a wide variety of combinations to use. …
  • Citrus. Freshly squeezed citrus juice gives popcorn an eye-opening boost. …
  • Olive Oil. …
  • Trail Mix.

Is microwave popcorn a healthy snack?


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 can you put in popcorn instead of salt?

  1. Cinnamon.
  2. Cocoa powder.
  3. Chili powder.
  4. Minced lemon or lime zest.
  5. Garlic powder.
  6. Black pepper.
  7. Curry powder.
  8. Nutritional yeast.

Why do I crave popcorn?

Craving popcorn or crisps can be an indication of

stress hormone fluctuations or a deficiency in chloride or Essential Fatty Acids

. Try incorporating some meditation or breathing exercises and light exercise such as walking into your day and eat more leafy greens and ‘oily’ foods such as flaxseeds, nuts, olives.

Is popcorn healthier than corn?

A cup of yellow or white corn kernels of the kind we eat has only about 85 calories partly due to their much higher moisture content. Not only is

popcorn low in calories, it’s really good for you

. Three cups of air-popped popcorn has 4 grams of fiber but less than 100 calories.

Is popcorn a protein or carbohydrate?

Takeaway.

Popcorn does contain carbs

, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. One-fifth of the carbohydrates in popcorn are in the form of dietary fiber, which is good for your overall health. Popcorn is a good example of a high-volume, low-calorie whole grain.

What is healthier popcorn or nachos?

The Winner:

Nachos

!

If you planned for the treat and split it with your movie date, you won’t walk away with too much damage. However, the medium popcorn from the theater packs more than 1,100 calories and an artery-clogging 90 grams of fat (138% of your daily value).

Which is better for you popcorn or pretzels?

The Winner: Popcorn!


Popcorn triumphed over pretzels

for a number of reasons, as Joyce Hendley originally reported for EatingWell. Whole Grain: First, popcorn is 100-percent whole grain. Most Americans don’t get enough whole grains, and they provide a healthy boost of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants.

Is popcorn healthier than Doritos?

New SmartFood Doritos Nacho Cheese-flavored popcorn has the flavor of Nacho Cheesy Doritos, but

each cup of the popcorn packs just 70 calories and 6 grams of carbs

. (For comparison, 12 Doritos is 150 calories and 18 grams of carbs.)

What is a healthy bedtime snack?

Whole, minimally processed foods like

berries, kiwis, goji berries, edamame, pistachios, oatmeal, plain yogurt and eggs

make easy, tasty and healthy late-night snacks. Many of these foods even contain sleep-supportive compounds, including tryptophan, serotonin, melatonin, magnesium and calcium.

What can I eat at night to burn fat?

  • Greek Yogurt. Greek yogurt is like the MVP of yogurts, thanks to its high protein and low sugar content (in unsweetened varieties). …
  • Cherries. …
  • Peanut butter on whole grain bread. …
  • Protein shake. …
  • Cottage cheese. …
  • Turkey. …
  • Banana. …
  • Chocolate milk.

What should I eat after 8pm?

  • 1) Popcorn. Popcorn is both delicious, and healthier than other foods. …
  • 2) Avocado. …
  • 3) Bananas. …
  • 4) Greek yoghurt. …
  • 5) Dark chocolate. …
  • 6) Cereal. …
  • 7) Hummus. …
  • 8) Blueberries.
Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.