Popcorn can be a healthy snack. Many people believe that as long as the popcorn is air-popped, it can be healthy because it’s whole grain and high in protein. However, there are certain caveats to popcorn being a healthy snack which we will discuss in this article. It is important to note that people are constantly looking for a healthy snack that can help them feel better about themselves.
There is a lot of research nowadays into healthy foods and how they help us maintain a better lifestyle. In the article below, we will look into popcorn being a healthy snack and how it can lend you a better lifestyle.
Is Popcorn a Healthy Snack?
Popcorn is termed a healthy snack for many reasons. However, certain factors can make popcorn immediately unhealthy for you to snack on. One of the most important things to note is that popcorn is exceptionally rich in fiber and protein. Popcorn doesn’t have any carbs or fats, which translates into heavy eating.
However, it depends on how you prepare the popcorn. If you’re going to prepare the popcorn with a stick of butter and a handful of salt, it’s won’t be healthy for you. If you’re going for store-bought or instant popcorn, you will have to be careful as it can contain butter and salt in high quantities.
When popcorn is air-popped and seasoned very lightly, it’s one of the healthiest snacks for you to opt for. It is a whole grain, one of the best snacks you could opt for. It is also delicious. So, many people got it because they wanted a healthy snack.
When preparing the snack in your home, you can simply choose to pop it in the pan or with an air popper. You don’t have to use any sort of pan, and you can also add a little bit of salt.
Are There Health Benefits to Eating Popcorn?
Now that we know that it can be a healthy snack, let’s look further into the health benefits of eating popcorn. You can choose to opt for popcorn due to the following reasons:
Whole-Grain Benefits
Whole grain means more integrity to the grain than any other grain. You can opt for whole grain because it inevitably leads you to have a more healthy product. Refined grains cannot provide you with the same levels of nutrients that whole grains can. Whole grains contain dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial fats.
High Protein
When you’re trying to lose any fat and become fitter, you’re likely to focus on protein. Eating popcorn as a snack is healthy for you as you don’t have to feel bad about the food you’re ingesting. Instead, you can know that it has a high protein percentage and will likely help you build muscle. Many people trying to eat lean are also likely to opt for popcorn due to their protein-rich diets.
It is a Good Fiber Source
One of the major health benefits of popcorn is that it’s a good fiber source. One of the best ways to remain healthy is to have a healthy gut. There is a lot of research on the mind-gut connection and how necessary it is to establish that for a well-working brain. The more fiber you eat, the better your digestion will, and you are more likely to have a better cognition.
If you feel constipated, one of the best things you can eat is popcorn. It’s a healthier way to get rid of your constipation and improve your gut health.
It Is Rich in Vitamins and Minerals.
Generally, people opt for snacks that are heavy in sugar or fats. However, popcorn is the opposite, wherein it’s rich in vitamins and minerals. Popcorn has a lot of calcium and is also rich in vitamins A and K.
It Can Help With Cancer
If you’re opting for microwave popcorn, that’s not the case. However, if you simply cook your popcorn with an air popper, it can have all the nutrients required to help fight cancer. The American Institute for Cancer Research notes that Popcorn has polyphenols that stop cancer-promoting enzymes.
Is Popcorn a Healthy Snack For Weight Loss?
If you’re thinking of losing weight, popcorn is generally a healthy snack. As listed above, popcorn has a lot of health benefits. All of the health benefits also make it great for weight loss.
If popcorn is air-popped and low on the butter or any sort of seasoning, then it is unlikely to add to your weight gain. Instead, having popcorn will give you a feeling of fullness as it is a healthy and fulfilling snack. You can eat popcorn without seasoning or fat as part of your weight loss strategy.
However, it is necessary to note that eating popcorn isn’t enough. Instead, you will have to maintain a proper exercising regimen and eat as healthy as possible before it can be beneficial. Excess of anything is bad, and you should be careful not to eat too much or too less of it as a snack.
Final Thoughts
Many snacks may be healthy for you. However, popcorn is a healthy snack. You also need to prepare it in a certain way when opting for a healthy version. Many people think that they can’t have any fat at all. However, this simply isn’t the case as you can occasionally have buttered popcorn. However, if you want to eat popcorn as part of a regular snack, you will have to ensure you use less seasoning and additives.
People have many different definitions of what is healthy for them. You may opt for buttered popcorn and find it a healthy snack for you in combination with your daily eating and food.
You should ask your dietitian or nutritionist before you decide on a healthy regular snack so they can inform you better.
