Popcorn is usually associated with movies, candy and soda because it's most famous for being sold at movie theaters. Microwave popcorn is prepared quickly in the privacy of your own home and it can be a lot healthier than movie theater popcorn as well. Depending on the serving size and toppings, popcorn can be either very nutritious or very fattening.
Calories
A three cup serving of air-popped popcorn with no butter added has only 93 calories, according to Keep Kids Healthy. Without the butter, popcorn is a dieter's friend because you can eat a lot of it for very few calories. The buttered or kettle corn microwave varieties vary in calories from 100 to 200 calories per serving, depending on the brand.
Fat
Popcorn itself has very little fat. The amount of fat in microwave popcorn depends entirely on the topping, on whether butter or oil is added and how much is added. Microwave popcorn can be fat free, if it is the "no butter" type. Pop Secret Butter 94 percent Fat Free microwave popcorn has only 2 grams of fat per serving, but the heavy butter varieties can have a lot more. Most microwave popcorns are now free of trans fats, though this is not the case for all brands.
Protein
Popcorn is low in protein, generally having about 1 gram of protein per cup of popped popcorn, regardless of the type. According to Washington University, popcorn can be included as part of a low protein diet for people with medical problems which require a low protein intake.
Carbohydrates
Three cups of air popped popcorn has approximately 18.7 grams of carbohydrates, according to CalorieKing.com. Popcorn is a complex carbohydrate, meaning it takes a long time to be digested by the body and does not let blood sugar spike very quickly. Kettle corn is different in that has carbohydrates from added sugar, which are simple carbohydrates.
Fiber
Since microwave popcorn pops from a kernel of corn, it is high in fiber. A three cup serving of popcorn has approximately five grams of dietary fiber which helps you to feel full and keeps you regular. Adults need 20 to 30 grams of dietary fiber each day or more, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.
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