The Nutritional Value of Popcorn

Eating healthy does not have to mean that snacks are a thing of the past. The nutritional value of popcorn makes it one of the healthiest snacks you can incorporate into a well-rounded diet, especially considering the nutritional value of other common snack foods.

Why is plain popcorn considered to be a healthy snack?

Popcorn that is air-popped and eaten without toppings is high in fiber and important antioxidants while simultaneously being low in fat and calories. To ensure that you are eating the healthiest popcorn, you should compare nutritional labels and select the popcorn brand and variety that has the least salt and fat and the lowest calories. Plain, air-popped popcorn usually fits the bill better than packaged, microwave or stove-top popcorn because it is fresh and additive-free.

What is the nutritional value of popcorn?

Containing about 1 gram of fiber, 6 grams of carbohydrates and 30 calories per cup, plain air-popped popcorn is a healthy whole-grain food choice. Popcorn can easily be incorporated into a well-balanced diet that includes six daily servings of grains. Although it does not provide a significant amount of nutrients, popcorn supplies small amounts of the minerals manganese, magnesium, zinc, iron, phosphorous and copper. It also offers trace amounts of the B vitamins: B6, folate, thiamine and niacin. Popcorn provides more beneficial antioxidants, known as polyphenols, than any other common snack food. Furthermore, popcorn contains no unhealthy saturated or transfats. Instead, popcorn is a source of natural, healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

When air-popped and eaten plain, popcorn can be a filling and healthy snack. Low in calories from fat and high in fiber, popcorn can easily be incorporated into any healthy diet plan.