
What are the health risks of eating popcorn?
The Effects of Too Much Popcorn
- Immediate Effects. Eating too much popcorn in one sitting will cause a bloated and uncomfortable feeling. ...
- Weight Gain. The Center for Disease Control recommends choosing popcorn that is air-popped as opposed to kernels popped in fat as this reduces your calorie intake.
- Increased Sodium. ...
- Raised Cholesterol. ...
Is Your 'Healthy' popcorn really good for You?
What Type of Popcorn Is Healthy?
- Air-Popped Popcorn. The healthiest type of popcorn is air-popped. That’s because it does not have any added fats from butter or oil.
- Oil-Popped Popcorn. The next best type of popcorn is oil-popped (Here’s how to make popcorn on the stove, the old-fashioned way!).
- Buttered Popcorn. Finally, buttered popcorn ranks last due to its fat content. ...
What are the health benefits of eating popcorn?
Popcorn is more than just a tasty treat; it's also high in fibre, antioxidants, and a number of other nutrients. The fluffy snack is not only tasty, but it also has health benefits. No, we're not talking about butter-and-salt popcorn or microwaveable ...
Is popcorn actually healthy or what?
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.
What are the nutrients in popcorn?
How many calories are in 3 cups of popcorn?
How to get popcorn kernels to pop?
How is popcorn made?
How to make popcorn at home?
Does popcorn lower blood pressure?
Does popcorn have a low glycemic index?
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Is it OK to eat popcorn everyday?
Popcorn is high in several important nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and polyphenol antioxidants. Not only that, but it is also incredibly tasty and one of the world's best sources of fiber. At the end of the day, popcorn is very healthy and consuming it in moderation may even help with weight loss.
What are the benefits of eating popcorns?
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.
Why is popcorn not good for you?
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.
Is popcorn a junk or healthy 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.
What is the healthiest popcorn to eat?
9 Healthy Popcorn BrandsEliza's Organics Organic Microwave Butter Popcorn.Act II Light Butter. ... SkinnyPop Sea Salt Microwave Popcorn. ... Pop Secret Homestyle. ... Angie's Boom Chicka Pop Sea Salt Microwave Popcorn. ... Orville Redenbacher Simply Salted. ... Newman's Own Sea Salt. ... Black Jewell Natural Popcorn. ... More items...•
Is popcorn the healthiest 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.
Is popcorn anti inflammatory?
Yep, you read that right. According to a 2019 analysis in the journal Antioxidants, popcorn is loaded with polyphenols, compounds found in plants that act as antioxidants and reduce inflammation.
Does popcorn cause belly fat?
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 your liver?
Here are some foods to avoid on a liver cirrhosis diet: Highly processed foods: fast food, convenience meals, canned soups, packaged snacks. Unhealthy fats: margarine, vegetable shortening, fried foods. Salty snacks: chips, crackers, pretzels, microwave popcorn.
Is it OK to eat popcorn 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 popcorn make you poop?
Go for air-popped popcorn or a healthy variety of microwave popcorn. Popcorn is a whole grain, and increasing the whole grains in your diet is an effective constipation remedy.
Why do I crave popcorn everyday?
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.
How many calories are in a cup of popcorn?
Popcorn is known to be a low-calorie snack with one cup of air-popped popcorn containing about 30 calories; this is five times fewer calories than one serving of plain potato chips. In addition, the fiber content helps to reduce hunger by slowing the rate of digestion, prolonging satiety.
How much water is in popcorn?
Also, popcorn consists of only 4 percent water whereas fruits and vegetables have 90 percent water, causing polyphenols to be diluted. However, it is important to consider the preparation method when determining polyphenolic bioavailability.
When was popcorn invented?
Simple heating of dried corn over a fire would have created the very first popcorn, what a pleasant surprise! The earlier archaeological discoveries of popcorn were in Peru, but New Mexico and Central America also showed remnants of popcorn creation approximately 5,000 years ago.
Does popcorn help with constipation?
The high fiber content in popcorn promotes normal bowel movements and prevents constipation. Fiber stimulates the peristaltic motion of the smooth intestinal muscles and induces the secretion of digestive juices, both of which help to keep your entire digestive system healthy. [7] [8]
Is popcorn good for you?
Several health benefits of popcorn include its ability to regulate blood sugar, lower cholesterol levels, improve digestion, protect against chronic diseases, delay aging, and aid in weight reduction.
Does popcorn have antioxidants?
Buttery and oily toppings may also diminish the beneficial effects of antioxidants in popcorn. Eating antioxidant-rich foods like popcorn may not only help you reduce the development of a chronic disease, but also prevent the development of age- related symptoms such as wrinkles and age spots. [14]
Can you cook popcorn with olive oil?
Furthermore, heat alone is enough to create popcorn, so avoid cooking with olive oil or other vegetable oils, since it can impact the polyphenolic content of the hull once it “pops”, decreasing its health benefits. Popcorn is a popular snack amongst people of all age groups. Photo Credit: Shutterstock. Nutrition Facts.
What is the purpose of popcorn?
Popcorn helps in metabolism and provides energy. Popcorn is rich in vitamin B, including vitamin B3, B6, folate, and pantothenic acid. Vitamin B is essential for regulating bodily processes across multiple systems. The two examples of these are the production of energy and the metabolism of various nutrients.
Why do women eat popcorn?
Adult women, on the other hand, need 18 mg per day because of the blood they lose during menstruation. According to some surveys, almost 10% of women are iron deficient. Hence having popcorn in one’s diet provides the body with enough iron and helps to keep away problems like anaemia.
What is the name of the corn that pops in a popcorn puff?
Some strains of corn (Zea mays) are cultivated specifically as popping corns. The Zea mays variety everta, a special kind of flint corn, and is commonly used for making of pop corns.
What is popcorn made of?
Popcorn is a variety of corn kernel, which forcefully expands and puffs up when heated. A popcorn kernel's strong hull contains the seed's hard, starchy endosperm with 14-20% moisture, which turns to steam as the kernel is heated. The pressure continues building until it exceeds the hull's ability to contain it.
What minerals are in popcorn?
Popcorn contains phosphorus, a mineral that aids in supporting healthy bone function, as well as the function of many types of cells throughout the body. Manganese is another mineral found in popcorn which also support healthy bones,
Where did popcorn originate?
The history of popcorn is not entirely documented, but it seems that its popularity soared in the United States first in the Great Lakes region where the Iroquois people settled in large numbers.
When was popcorn invented?
Popcorn as a snack has been discovered in Mexico in archaeological sites dating back to 3600 B.C., and unsubstantiated claims say that Squanto himself taught European settlers how to popcorn during the growth of North America.
How many calories are in popcorn?
One serving of popcorn contains 16 percent of your daily recommended fiber intake, which is impressive considering there are only 93 calories in one serving. It’s incredibly important to eat a high-fiber diet for many reasons: Fiber helps protect the heart, aids in digestion and can even help prevent diabetes.
When did popcorn become normal?
Then came the early 20th century, when the occurrence of popcorn in a movie theater began to become normal. Street salesmen, known as “hawkers,” would come to sell individual bags of popcorn within movie theaters. At first, theater owners were resistant to this idea, but that all changed during the Great Depression.
How to make air pop popcorn?
Here are some instructions for air-popping your own homemade popcorn: Purchase plain, organic popcorn kernels at a local natural foods store. Use a healthy oil ( coconut oil or organic butter work great) and pour 3 tablespoons into a heavy stainless steel pan.
What is microwave popcorn coated with?
•. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that the bags used for microwave popcorn are coated with a chemical that breaks down into perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a cancer-causing agent. ( 2) PFOA, also found in nonstick cookware, release toxins once it’s heated.
Is popcorn good for bones?
Because popcorn contains a significant amount of manganese, it’s one good source of nutrition that can help you build and maintain dense, healthy bones. Manganese is a known supplemental nutrient that helps support bone structure (especially in people susceptible to weak bones, such as menopausal women) and protect against osteoporosis, arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Is popcorn a GMO?
The type of corn used to create popcorn is never a GMO food (awesome!), but it’s often laden with pesticides (no!). Certain types of popcorn contain an entire day’s worth of calories in one bucket (I’m looking at you, movie theaters), and others have a relatively small calorie count for such a filling treat.
When was corn first introduced to the world?
Popcorn as a snack has been discovered in Mexico in archaeological sites dating back to 3600 B.C., and unsubstantiated claims say that Squanto himself taught European settlers how to pop corn during the growth of North America.
How much fiber is in popcorn?
100 grams (3.5 ounces) of popcorn contain 15 grams of fiber, which goes a long way towards satisfying your daily fiber requirements ( 5 ). Bottom Line: Popcorn is very high in fiber, which has been linked to several health benefits. This includes weight loss and a decreased risk of many diseases.
Why is a sandbox so popular?
Over the years, it has become increasingly popular. It became especially popular during the Great Depression because it was so cheap. Today around 1.2 billion pounds (500 million kg) are consumed by Americans every year, making it America’s most popular snack food by volume.
Is popcorn high in antioxidants?
It is High in Polyphenol Antioxidants. Polyphenols are antioxidants that help protect our cells from damage by free radicals. A study done at the University of Scranton showed that popcorn contains very large amounts of polyphenols. Polyphenol are linked to various health benefits.
Is microwave popcorn hydrogenated?
Many brands of microwave popcorn are made using hydrogenated or partially-hydrogenated oils, which contain harmful trans fats. Studies have linked trans fats to an increased risk of heart disease and other serious diseases ( 23, 24. Trusted Source. , 25.
Is popcorn healthy?
Real Popcorn is Super Healthy. Popcorn is high in several important nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and polyphenol antioxidants. Not only that, but it is also incredibly tasty and one of the world’s best sources of fiber.
Is popcorn a low calorie snack?
Popcorn Nutrition Facts: A Healthy, Low-Calorie Snack? Written by Kayla McDonell, RD on June 17, 2017. Popcorn is one of the world’s healthiest and most popular snack foods. It is loaded with important nutrients and offers a variety of health benefits.
Is popcorn a whole grain?
Popcorn Nutrition Facts. Many people don’t realize it, but popcorn is a whole grain food, making it naturally high in several important nutrients. Many studies link whole grain consumption to health benefits like reduced inflammation and a decreased risk of heart disease ( 1. Trusted Source.
How many calories are in a cup of popcorn?
The healthiest type of popcorn is air-popped, which only has 30 calories per cup. Meanwhile, the Center for Science in the Public Interest found that the medium and large popcorn sizes at Regal theaters each had 1,200 calories and 60 grams of saturated fat.
How many polyphenols are in popcorn?
One serving of popcorn can contain up to 300 mg of polyphenols, according to a prior study from the University of Scranton, which would account for 13 percent ...
How many calories are in a large popcorn bowl at AMC?
A large popcorn at AMC wasn’t much better: 1,030 calories and 57 grams of saturated fat. At home, you can use a hot air popper, like this Cuisinart Hot Air Popcorn Maker or Colonel Popper Microwave Popcorn Popper Bowl to make your own. iStock/OJO_Images.
What are some good toppings for popcorn?
You can put way more on popcorn than just butter and salt. Add cinnamon or apple pie spice for a sweet treat, or go spicy with hot sauce, wasabi, or curry. You can also give your snack an Italian flair with grated Parmesan and a dash of olive oil.
Is popcorn good for you?
If so, we've got some great news for you—yes it is. Eating popcorn is one of the healthiest snack habits you can have. It's filled with fiber, has more antioxidants than some fruits and vegetables, and may even help fight cancer.
Is popcorn a whole grain?
Popcorn gives you your fill of whole grain. Popcorn is one snack that is 100 percent unprocessed whole grain. Just one serving of popcorn such as SkinnyPop Popcorn Original contains more than 70 percent of the recommended daily whole grain intake. Plus, eating more popcorn is one of 30 ways to get more fiber in your diet without even trying.
Is popcorn healthier than vegetables?
Popcorn could be healthier than fruits and vegetables. Yep, you read that right. According to a 2019 analysis in the journal Antioxidants , popcorn is loaded with polyphenols, compounds found in plants that act as antioxidants and reduce inflammation. Polyphenols are heavily diluted in fruits and vegetables, which are 90 percent water.
What are the antioxidants in popcorn?
The popcorn contains large amounts of poly-phenolic compounds, one of the more powerful types of antioxidants that you can put in your body. Antioxidants are the powerful defensive agents that can eliminate free radicals.
How many calories are in popcorn?
Did you know that normal popcorn contains only 30 calories which is 5 times less than the greasy potato chips? The fibre content in popcorn will make you feel full and inhibits the release of the hunger hormone. It is also very low in saturated fats.
How much iron is in popcorn?
Popcorn Contains Iron. According to the USDA, 28 grams of popcorn contains 0.9 mg of iron. Adult men require only 8 mg of iron in their diet each day and adult women require 18 mg of iron per day. So, boost your iron intake by eating fresh and organic popcorn. 10.
Does popcorn lower cholesterol?
Popcorn contains fibre that can strip off excess cholesterol from the walls of blood vessels and arteries, thereby reducing your overall cholesterol levels. It can also help to lower the chances of cardiovascular conditions like heart attacks and strokes.
Is popcorn a whole grain?
Popcorn is a whole grain which contain s the endosperm, germ and bran. And being a natural whole grain, it contains all of the fibre that can help to treat digestion. It aids in proper bowel movements and will prevent constipation as well.
Does popcorn help with osteoporosis?
Popcorn contains a significant amount of manganese that can help build and maintain dense and healthy bones. Manganese helps to support the bone structure and protects against osteoporosis, arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Does popcorn help with age related problems?
Popcorn can treat age-related symptoms like wrinkles, age spots, macular degeneration and blindness, muscle weakness, and hair loss. Popcorn can keep you healthy, thanks to the powerful antioxidants present in it.
How many calories are in popcorn at the movies?
"Popcorn at the movies is very different than popcorn made at home.". A tub of movie theater popcorn can contain up to 1,090 calories and 2,650 milligrams of sodium.
Is popcorn a good 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.
Does popcorn help you lose weight?
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.
Is air popped popcorn good?
The same logic goes for popcorn coated in sugar, such as caramel corn, she said. "Air-popped would be a good way to prepare popcorn because it gives you some control over the seasonings that you add afterward – how much salt, or how much oil or butter," Vadiveloo said.
Is popcorn made with canola oil?
Vadiveloo said popcorn made with measured amounts of heart-healthy oils such as canola or olive oil can still be healthy. But, she said, it's better to have control over how the snack is prepared from the start.
What are the benefits of popcorn?
And there’s more good news: 1 Air-popped popcorn has only 30 calories per cup; oil-popped popcorn has only 35 calories per cup. 2 When lightly buttered, popcorn is about 80 calories per cup. 3 Popcorn is a whole grain and provides energy-producing complex carbohydrates. 4 Popcorn contributes fiber to the diet. Dietary fiber from whole grains or other foods may help reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart disease, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes. 5 Popcorn is naturally low in fat and calories. 6 Popcorn has no artificial additives or preservatives, and is sugar-free. 7 Popcorn is ideal for between meal snacking since it satisfies and doesn't spoil the appetite. 8 3 cups of popcorn equal one serving from the grain group. 9 Whole grains are important sources of nutrients such as zinc, magnesium, B vitamins, and fiber.
How many calories are in a cup of popcorn?
When lightly buttered, popcorn is about 80 calories per cup. Popcorn is a whole grain and provides energy-producing complex carbohydrates. Popcorn contributes fiber to the diet. Dietary fiber from whole grains or other foods may help reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart disease, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes.
Is popcorn good for diabetics?
Popcorn is a good snack for diabetics as it does not impact blood sugar levels. [4] . Additionally, the USDA Agricultural Research Service says “low GI diets have proven health benefits. They improve both glucose and lipid levels in people with type 1, as well as type 2, diabetes.
Is popcorn low in fat?
Popcorn is naturally low in fat and calories. Popcorn has no artificial additives or preservatives, and is sugar-free. Popcorn is ideal for between meal snacking since it satisfies and doesn't spoil the appetite. 3 cups of popcorn equal one serving from the grain group.
Is popcorn high in glycemic index?
Popcorn has a good glycemic index (GI) of 55. [1] It contains no cholesterol, it is virtually fat-free (only 0.1 g per cup) and contains only 100 to 150 calories in a serving of five popped cups. Popcorn also has a number of essential vitamins including: folate, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, pantothenic acid and vitamins B6, A, E and K. [2] A serving of popcorn contributes about 8-percent of the daily value of iron, with lesser amounts of calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. [3]
What are the nutrients in popcorn?
In addition to these key ingredients, popcorn nutrients include: Folate. Niacin. Riboflavin. Thiamin. Pantothenic acid. Vitamin B6.
How many calories are in 3 cups of popcorn?
In a serving of 3 cups of air-popped popcorn, you’ll get: Calories: 93. Protein: 3 grams. Carbohydrates: 18.6 grams. Fiber: 3.6 grams. Sugar: 0.2 grams. Fat: 1.1 grams. Things to Watch Out For. Keep in mind that the health benefits of popcorn can be lessened or negated if you add a lot of butter and salt to the snack.
How to get popcorn kernels to pop?
Place the lid on the pot. You'll soon start to hear the kernels popping. When the pops are only occurring every few seconds instead of continuously, turn off the stove burner and let steam escape from the lid. Then , remove the popcorn and coat with additional oil or salt as desired .
How is popcorn made?
Popcorn is made by heating up kernels, which are filled with starch and have a hard exterior. When it’s not loaded with a bunch of other ingredients, the snack is a healthy light treat. It’s also popular because it’s fast and easy to prepare at home.
How to make popcorn at home?
How to Prepare Popcorn. When you’re not at the movie theater, popcorn is easy to prepare and enjoy at home. Start with about a half cup of popcorn kernels. Make sure you have a fairly large pot with a lid so that the kernels have room to expand. Heat your pot over medium heat and pour in the kernels.
Does popcorn lower blood pressure?
In addition to lowering the risk of diabetes and heart disease, eating popcorn without a lot of added salt or butter may help you lower your blood pressure or lower the risk of developing high blood pressure.
Does popcorn have a low glycemic index?
In addition, popcorn has a low glycemic index (GI), meaning that it may help you maintain your blood sugar levels more easily and avoid fluctuation associated with foods high in GI. Diets with a lot of low-GI foods can help people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes improve their glucose and lipid levels.

Benefits
History
- Historically, there is evidence that popcorn has been enjoyed by cultures for more than 6,000 years since corn (maize) has been an important part of many cultural diets in ancient times. Simple heating of that plant product over a fire would have created the very first popcorn, what a pleasant surprise! The earlier archaeological discoveries of popcorn were in Peru, but New Mexi…
Definition
- It is important to realize that popcorn is a whole grain, which is a designation for grains that contain the endosperm, germ, and bran. This is similar to whole grain cereals, rice, and bread that also contain all three of these vital parts. Since it is a natural whole grain, it contains all of the fiber from the bran, not to mention the minerals, B complex vitamins, and vitamin E that is store…
Significance
- The third vital role of fiber is its impact on blood sugar within the body. When the body has ample amounts of fiber, it regulates the release and management of blood sugar and insulin levels better than people with low levels of fiber. Reducing these fluctuations in blood sugar is a major bonus for diabetics, so popcorn is always a recommendation if you suffer from that difficult disease.
Health
- Joe Vinson, Ph.D., from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania, discovered that the hull of popcorn contains large amounts of polyphenolic compounds and fiber. He presented his research at the 243rd National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS) 2012. According to him, popcorn has concentrated levels of healthy antioxidants since it has only 4 pe…
Prognosis
- Free radicals do a lot more damage than cancer; they have been closely linked to of age-related symptoms like wrinkles, age spots, macular degeneration and blindness, muscle weakness, cognitive decline, osteoporosis, hair loss, and a wide variety of other things we generally dont look forward to as we age. Popcorn can keep you feeling healthy and happy well into your old age tha…
Risks
- Word of Caution: Popcorn certainly seems like a healthy snack, but the vast majority of people use large amounts of salt, butter, or other toppings that negate much of the positive impact that it can have on the body. Also, avoid pre-packaged microwave popcorn, as it usually has butter and salt. Once it begins to pop, some of the chemicals in the packaging material actually break down or d…
Quotes
- Other than these few words of warning, pop in a good movie, fix yourself a big bowl of popcorn, and get healthy!