Can Popcorn Make You Gain Weight? 3 Questions Answered About the 'Healthy, Low Calorie' Snack

Popcorn may be one of the first choices when it comes to healthy snacking. But while you may think it is harmless, the calories in the cheesy popcorn might quickly show on your waistline. Here’s the right way to eat popcorn.

Are you someone who can down an entire bag of popcorn during one 30-minute episode of Friends? Or do you finish it in half the time especially if it is slathered in cheese? When it comes to popcorn, your choices really matter. The flavours you choose and the portions you eat, everything adds up and finally shows on your waistline. If you love popcorn as a snack, here’s what you need to know.

Is Popcorn Really Healthy?

Put simply, popcorn is a whole grain so even if you look at it as junk food, it is not. Popcorn also has a lot of volume, so it can keep you feeling full and satisfied – thanks to its crunch. That said, popcorn is also a vehicle for other flavours and that is where the good-crunch can go bad. Get it clear that while a plain bag of popcorn won’t pop your calorie quota,  the flavours can make you overeat which can, in turn, result in you taking in more calories than expected. Worried about high cholesterol levels? Avoid foods full of trans fats.

What Is the Nutrition Quotient of Popcorn?

Nutritionally speaking, at 31 calories, a gram of protein and a gram of fibre, air-popped popcorn is a solid choice. So even if you down three cups of popcorn, you typically consume less than 100 calories without going overboard on carbohydrate, sodium or fat.

However, these numbers quickly change once you add butter, cheese or caramel. Just three cups of buttered popcorn can fill you with 192 calories and 15g of fat which if you calculate is five times as much as plain popcorn. If you cannot limit yourself to a serving (and who does it when it comes to popcorn), you must look at the nutrition label to keep a track of how many calories you are consuming. Did you know food advertisements increase unhealthy cravings?

Is Microwave Popcorn Healthy?

It’s best to skip those microwave bags as a lot of them have high amounts of trans fat or saturated fat (beware of that butter!). Not only that, but you might also run the risk of suffering from popcorn lung, a type of lung disease associated with diacetyl (a chemical that is used in artificial butter flavouring in popcorn).

So the better option would be to just cook the popcorn on the stove. In a deep pan, just heat some olive oil or coconut oil and add three kernels. When the kernels pop, add the rest of them and shake it periodically. Then add some parmesan cheese, salt, and your favourite dried herbs and spices. While the oil will add some extra calories to the popcorn, this method will still make for healthy and delicious popcorn.

The Bottom Line

Popcorn is a healthy snack as long as you are keeping it plain or just adding a hint of flavour. Also, ensure not to go overboard on a full bag of popcorn in a movie theatre.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 08, 2019 12:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).