Is Popcorn Healthy? (vitamins, cheap, treat, salt)

[mike1003]

https://www.health.com/popcorn-benef...de3cf39ca039bd

Popcorn is a type of corn kernel that puffs up or "pops" when heated. As a whole grain, popcorn is low in calories and a good source of fiber. However, not all popcorn is created equal.



When kept in its purest form, popcorn can be a nourishing snack. But many forms of popcorn—such as the buttery movie theater-style popcorn—can be high in sodium, saturated fat, and potentially harmful preservatives.




While there’s little risk in enjoying a well-topped bucket of popcorn on occasion, if popcorn is one of your staples, it’s worth optimizing how you prepare the crunchy snack. For example, homemade air-popped popcorn with minimal salt offers whole-grain nutrients while minimizing extra salts and fats.

We love popcorn. Usually have it once a week

[Parnassia]

So glad the local supermarket is now carrying Skinny Pop. Hardly any waste kernels and straightforward flavor without all the salt or added junk. So many snack foods in this country are drowned in salt!

[elnina]

Popcorn is high in several important nutrients, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It has also lots of fiber and low calories content.

Yes, popcorn is healthy, but only if is NOT saturated with butter, sugar and other unhealthy toppings.
https://www.collegenutritionist.com/...corn-toppings/

Here is why you should NOT buy microwave popcorn:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/is-po...ethods-7967381

[elnina]

Originally Posted by Parnassia

So glad the local supermarket is now carrying Skinny Pop. Hardly any waste kernels and straightforward flavor without all the salt or added junk. So many snack foods in this country are drowned in salt!

There are better choices, though

https://www.consumerreports.org/heal...-healthy-snack

[Stacey27520]

Popcorn is my favorite go-to snack several times a week. I pop mine right in sauce pan with some salt and dill weed. I am not fond of the microwave popcorn. It tastes like chemicals to me. It's so cheap to buy it in a bag and pop myself, healthier too. Sometimes I treat myself to making kettle corn, which adds some sweetness to it.

[Parnassia]

Originally Posted by elnina

There are better choices, though

https://www.consumerreports.org/heal...-healthy-snack

All fine and dandy but if no one within 160 miles stocks them...

I prefer less salt not because I need to avoid salt, I just don't like it. Skinny Pop has less than some "healthier" brands mentioned in that article.

Of course, I could pop my own from scratch but that requires advance planning and performing cookery-related motions.

[elnina]

Originally Posted by Stacey27520

Popcorn is my favorite go-to snack several times a week. I pop mine right in sauce pan with some salt and dill weed. I am not fond of the microwave popcorn. It tastes like chemicals to me. It's so cheap to buy it in a bag and pop myself, healthier too. Sometimes I treat myself to making kettle corn, which adds some sweetness to it.

And for a reason.
The chemical taste is most likely related to the chemicals in bag lining.
Read here:
https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/de...harmful-745984

[elnina]

Originally Posted by Parnassia

All fine and dandy but if no one within 160 miles stocks them...

I prefer less salt not because I need to avoid salt, I just don't like it. Skinny Pop has less than some "healthier" brands mentioned in that article.

Of course, I could pop my own from scratch but that requires advance planning

True. Making it from scratch would eliminate the feeling of quick gratification when it's needed the most.

[OutdoorLover]

It's all relative... popcorn is generally going to be healthier than e.g. potato chips (let alone a snickers bar ;-))... and it will usually be pretty low in calories... but, if the bag is slathered with tons of fat and caked with lots of salt, not the best. You can find popcorn with healthy olive oil and moderate salt though - nothing wrong with that.

The healthiest snacks will be stuff like an apple or a handful of baby carrots - it's very hard to beat plain, unadulterated veggies and fruits.

[LKJ1988]

Beats me. I never think to eat it much unless i find a free bag in a Apartment.