Popcorn is a great snack that is low in calories, sodium and sugar, high in fiber and is a whole grain. A serving of popcorn (3 cups popped) has 3.5grams of fiber which is equal to the fiber content in one ounce of almonds,1 cup of brown rice or 1 banana. Plus it’s easy to make for a night with friends, for parties, or as an on-the-go snack! Although microwaving popcorn is the most common way to make it, you should consider alternative preparation methods to make it even healthier. If you choose to use microwavable popcorn, look for an organic one that does not contain diacetyl. This chemical is used in artificial butter flavoring and when heated, has been proven to be hazardous to our health.
One alternate mode of preparation to microwaving popcorn is popping popcorn on the stovetop (an almost lost art). WhirlyPop makes an inexpensive stove-top popcorn popper, complete with an old fashioned crank handle. The popcorn made on the stovetop has a much richer flavor and results in less non-popped kernel waste (called old maids). Try popping it with a small amount of grape seed oil. This polyunsaturated vegetable oil has a light neutral flavor and a high smoke point, which makes it suitable for frying, or in this case, popping corn. Grape seed oil also contains beneficial compounds such as linoleic acid (an omega 6 fatty acid) and Vitamin E.
Another substitute to the stovetop and microwave is the hot air popper, which requires no oil at all! Air-popped popcorn has only 31 calories per cup vs. oil-popped popcorn with 55 calories per cup. Look for organic kernels, and pop some corn for a fun activity for a night in! Give blue popcorn a try -which pops up super white. Give an example of a healthy butter substitute to make….
- Popcorn is a whole grain, making it a good-for-you food.
- Popcorn provides energy-producing complex carbohydrates
- Popcorn contains fiber, providing roughage the body needs in the daily diet.
- 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 hunger and doesn’t spoil the appetite.
- 3 cups of popcorn is equal to one serving from the grain group.
Check out these tasty popcorn recipes.