If you're a popcorn lover, you may have been horrified by headlines about popcorn sold at movie theaters, exposing fat content rivaling---and in some cases, exceeding--three to five Big Macs. In reality, popcorn itself is a very nutritious snack, reports KeepKidsHealthy.com; the trouble occurs in the preparation. Popcorn made with trans fats or prepared with buttery toppings can significantly increase the fat and calorie content of this inherently nutritious, high-fiber food. Air-popped popcorn is one way to ensure that the popcorn you and your family eat is pure, low in fat and healthy.
Low in Calories
According to KeepKidsHealthy.com, a three-cup serving of hot air popcorn contains 93 calories and less than 1.5 grams of fat. This is a significant calorie savings from a small buttered popcorn at a movie theater, which, according to MyFitnessPal.com, contains 630 calories and 50 grams of fat. While some of the light microwave popcorn varieties are also low in calories and fat, the "movie theater butter" types of microwave popcorn are often problematic. According to KeepKidsHealthy.com, about one-third of a bag of this type of popcorn can contain up to 130 calories and eight to 12 grams of fat.
High in Fiber
According to KeepKidsHealthy.com, popcorn is a very healthy choice for anyone seeking to increase their daily fiber. It contains 0.9 grams of fiber per cup, which makes it a preferable alternative to "simple carb" snack foods made with refined flour. Not only is fiber known to play a key role in lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart disease, it can also increase a feeling of fullness, which is a boon to dieters. While all popcorn is high in fiber, you might negate these benefits if you eat popcorn high in trans fats.
High in Antioxidants
According to Medical News Today, popcorn contains high levels of polyphenols, a type of antioxidant thought to play a role in fighting cancer. Medical News Today cited a study led by chemist Joe Vinson at the University of Scranton, which found that popcorn, along with other whole grains, contains a high concentration of polyphenols. These antioxidants are useful in their ability to combat free radicals, which cause damage at the cellular level.
Diacetyl-free
Another potential hazard of some microwave popcorns is the use of diacetyl, a chemical used to add a buttery flavor to some types of microwave popcorn. According to DrBenKim.com, the vapor produced from heated diaceytl has been linked to a serious lung condition called bronchiolitis obliterans. This condition causes swelling and scarring of the lungs, DrBenKim.com reports. While some makers of microwave popcorn have removed this chemical from their products, making your own air-popped popcorn can give you a great deal more assurance and control over this situation.
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