Popcorn As a Health Food?

By The Health is Wealth Team • September 29, 2013 • Healthy Eating

It might sound odd to think of popcorn as a health food, but it can be. We’re not claiming that a massive tub of popcorn, drenched in hydrogenated oil and dripping with calories and saturated fat, is healthy. On the contrary, it’s far from it. But it turns out that popcorn prepared simply, with minimal or no oil, is an extremely healthful snack. There are several reasons why:

• Popcorn is a whole grain; as such, it contains a great deal of fiber. Three cups of air-popped popcorn (a typical serving from a microwaveable bag) contains about 3.6 grams of fiber—more than 10 percent of the average daily fiber intake recommended by experts.
• It’s very filling while being low in calories. Three cups of air-popped popcorn contain less than 100 calories, while the same amount of oil-popped popcorn has about 120 calories. That’s without adding butter, of course.
• A study from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania revealed that popcorn has higher levels of disease-preventing antioxidants called polyphenols than many fruits and vegetables.

Keep in mind that these health benefits apply to air-popped corn or popcorn made with minimal oil. Adding loads of butter and salt almost negates the benefits popcorn has for the body. But if you’re looking for healthier ways to snack, home-popped popcorn—topped with herbs and spices to add flavor—is a terrific alternative to chips or other unhealthy options.