We all know that popcorn is a popular movie theatre snack, but is it a healthy one? It turns out that this crunchy treat can be good for you – as long as you don’t load up on the butter and salt. Popcorn is packed with fibre and other nutrients, making it a healthier choice than many other snacks. So next time you’re looking for something to munch on, reach for some popcorn instead.
The perfect snack
Popcorn has been called the perfect snack. It’s healthy, filling and delicious. In fact, It can help you stay slim by providing all of your required nutrients in one small package – plus more fibre than most whole-grain foods do on their own.
Popcorn is an excellent source of fibre and it also contains polyphenols, which are antioxidants with potential health benefits including better circulation. Furthermore, they may reduce your risk for certain cancers.
Helps you stay full.
Popcorn is a healthy, filling snack that can help you lose weight. The high fibre content means less calories per serving to start with so even eating just one piece will make your stomach feel satisfied until dinner time rolls around–you’re less likely to end up ordering another appetizer!
However, not all popcorn treats are created equal.
Popcorn at the movies
Popcorn at the movies is a different experience than home-cooked popcorn. Not only does it taste better, but movie theatre popcorn also contains much more salt and calories due to their unique ingredients like butter for flavour or corn syrup as an adhesive agent that holds together pieces of kernels so they don’t stick when cooking in hot oil.
A tub of popcorn cooked at the cinema may contain up to 1,090 calories and 2,650mg of sodium, which is way more than your body’s nutritional requirements.
Also, popcorn served at the movies has generous amounts of seasoning and additional flavourings that likewise rake in more calories, fats, and carbohydrates.
Air-popped popcorn
As air-popped corn becomes more popular, it’s easy to see why – this process gives you some control over the seasonings that will go into your popcorn. You can decide how much salt or butter is best for yourself and even add spices and other flavourings for you to enjoy your popcorn without going overboard.
Plus, when air popped or lightly seasoned with spices like cayenne pepper for example; popcorn is not only tasty but also very satiating too which means that if eaten as an afternoon treat it can keep you satiated for several hours.
Flavoured popcorn
Pre-packaged popcorn these days comes in various flavours. You can come across varieties such as chocolate popcorn, caramel popcorn, and even flavours inspired by local dishes depending on the country you’re in. While they are seasoned to perfection, you may want to check first their nutritional values per serving so you know what you are getting.
You may not be able to avoid trying out popular flavours such as chocolate popcorn, but it’s best that you are aware of their nutritional content especially when you are keeping tabs on your diet.