Freshly popped popcorn is one of the most eye appealing and satisfying snacks of all time. It is our favourite snack at movie time. However, there are mixed reviews about popcorn when it comes to health. Let’s dig in:
What constitutes a popcorn?
Popcorn is made from maize also known as corn kernels which puff up when exposed to heat.
Nutritional value
A popcorn which is unflavoured is mostly made up carbohydrates
It is low in fat and high in fibre which makes it a good snacking alternative compared to other high fat containing snacks. Popcorn also contains vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, magnesium and vitamin-B in small quantities.
An unflavoured popcorn does not pose much harm but when you start to butter the popcorn and add sugar, spice etc it starts to become unhealthy. Flavoured popcorn because of butter, sugar, should be consumed rarely rather than a daily diet affair. If you are eating processed popcorn from a grocery store, always check the labels to see what “extras” have been added.
Alternative creation
The best way to have popcorn is to make one yourself at home. This is because you know what all your putting inside your popcorn. You can also use herbs or spices such as cinnamon, paprika for a burst of flavours.
Is popcorn healthy?
Unflavoured popcorn is good for health. The plainer the popcorn the better. Flavoured popcorn because of its calories can be eaten rarely. However, the problem is the quantity. Since popcorn is usually eaten during movie times, we tend to eat more, and it will take our body to process and send signals that the stomach is full. The signal will be received late because you are busy watching movies. All the flavours make this even worse. A butter flavoured popcorn will give you twice as much as calories and five times fat compared to unflavoured one. Hence, if you are looking forward to diet then think again before having the butter flavoured one. Microwave popcorn can be avoided as there will be lots of trans fat and high amounts of saturated fat.
In conclusion, unflavoured popcorn is no harm to your body unless you overeat!