Air-popped, white plain popcorn can provide a nutritious, low-calorie snack as well as a number of health benefits. Popcorn comes from the corn kernel, which expands into a white, crunchy puff upon being heated.
Calories
According to MyFitnessPal.com, there are 31 calories in 1 cup of generic, air-popped white popcorn. White popcorn also contains 6 g of total carbohydrates, 1 g of dietary fiber and 1 g of protein. Vitamin and mineral content of white popcorn also includes potassium and iron.
Health Benefits
Grains provide energy, vitamins and minerals, are naturally low in fat and provide dietary fiber. MayoClinic.com notes that foods such as popcorn that are high in dietary fiber help normalize bowel movements, lower blood cholesterol levels, help control blood sugar levels and aid in weight loss.
Recommendations
Whole grains such as white popcorn can be a healthy part of a nutritious and balanced diet. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, you should strive for 6 servings of grains in your daily diet, half of which should come from whole-grain sources. A snack consisting of 1 cup of air-popped white popcorn can provide one-sixth of your daily grain needs.
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