These include healthful eating habits, regular physical activity, and balancing the number of calories consumed with those that the body burns. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are an essential part of a healthful diet. Foods that are low in saturated fat, trans fats, cholesterol, and added sugars, are also good choices.

However, added butter, sugar, and salt can make popcorn an unhealthful snack. Eating foods high in sugars and fats can lead to weight gain. The CDC recommend that people limit their salt intake.

Popcorn can be high in salt, and so checking the nutrition labels on the packaging to find out how much salt or sodium each item has is sensible. Healthful eating should be about balancing, rather than restricting which foods people eat.

This means that a reasonable portion of salted or sweetened popcorn as an occasional treat will not do any harm. Air-popped, unsalted, and unsweetened is the most healthful type of popcorn and, per serving, it contains :. A serving of oil-popped, unsalted, and unsweetened home-made popcorn contains :.

In contrast, a serving of caramel-coated peanut popcorn contains :. Fat and sugar in caramel popcorn can vary significantly, depending on the brand. Microwave popcorns vary by type and brand too. People can check the product label for the nutritional information they need to make a healthful choice.

Air-popping means heating the hard popcorn seeds, or kernels, in hot air until they burst and become popcorn. People can add oil or butter for flavoring, but the popcorn does not need any oil to pop. If someone wants to add oil, they can use a version that contains healthful polyunsaturated fats, such as avocado oil.

Find the recipe here. People can buy unpopped popcorn kernels from supermarkets or online stores. If someone prefers not to use the stovetop method, they can choose between a range of popcorn makers online. Air-popped, unsweetened, unsalted popcorn contains around 78 percent carbohydrates.

This means that it is healthful for people with diabetes only if they eat it in moderation. People with diabetes have trouble making enough or being sensitive enough to insulin , a hormone which controls the levels of sugar in the blood.

Because carbohydrates break down into sugars once they are in the body, people with diabetes monitor how much carbohydrate they eat to avoid complications. Daily and per meal carbohydrate goals vary, according to many factors. It is best for those with diabetes to work with their healthcare team to determine the right amount for them.

The American Dietetic Association define 1 serving as around 15 g of carbohydrate , which is equal to 3 cups of air-popped popcorn. Once a person knows their specific carbohydrate goal per meal and per day, this definition can help them work out whether popcorn can fit within a meal or their day.

When air-popped, unsweetened, and unsalted, popcorn contains plenty of fiber, vitamins, and minerals that the body needs. That said, added butter, sugar, and salt can make popcorn an unhealthful snack. Checking the labels of foods before buying them and preparing ingredients at home can help people make more healthful dietary choices.

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Both peanut butter and almond butter are versatile ingredients and good sources of protein. They also have a variety of other health benefits. In this…. Researchers say bariatric surgery can help with weight loss, but it can also help improve cognitive functions including memory.

Researchers say running can help with weight loss but only in the short term. This form of exercise does have other health benefits from maintaining…. That's because popcorn made at movie theaters may be popped with tons of high- calorie butter and seasoned salts.

Even microwave popcorn might contain added, salt, and other ingredients that tack on calories and affect its overall health. Still, most popcorn offers several health benefits. Popcorn is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants, and snacking on it can help you increase your fiber and whole grain intake.

Yes, as long as you're keeping it simple. Here are a few reasons as to why popcorn is healthy. Popcorn is a whole grain , and Walsh says eating whole grains is linked to a lower incidence of heart disease and diabetes.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that at least half of your grain intake be whole grains, which means you need about 48 grams of whole grains a day. Snacking on popcorn every day has been shown to increase overall whole grain intake, according to the Journal of the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

As a whole grain, popcorn is a good source of fiber. According to the American Heart Association , popcorn contains more fiber per serving than whole wheat bread. A 3-cup serving of popcorn contains 3 to 4 grams of fiber, Walsh says. Fiber helps control blood sugar and cholesterol, regulates bowel movements, and helps with weight management, according to Mayo Clinic.

The airiness of popcorn makes it a high-volume food, and Walsh says that keeps you feeling full. One cup of plain air-popped popcorn—without butter, salt, or other toppings—contains about 30 calories, according to the U. Department of Agriculture.

So, three whole cups is just under calories. The fiber, too, can contribute to your overall feeling of satisfaction and satiety, both of which can help you consume fewer daily calories overall.

Popcorn contains polyphenols, which are a type of antioxidant found in plants, Walsh says. Polyphenols have been shown to combat UV damage and lower the risk of developing some cancers, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other diseases.

Hoffman K, Webster TF, Weisskopf MG, Weinberg J, Vieira VM. children years of age. de Souza RJ, Mente A, Maroleanu A, et al. Intake of saturated and trans unsaturated fatty acids and risk of all cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

Hajihashemi P, Azadbakht L, Hashemipor M, Kelishadi R, Esmaillzadeh A. Whole-grain intake favorably affects markers of systemic inflammation in obese children: a randomized controlled crossover clinical trial.

Mol Nutr Food Res. By Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, is a health writer with over a decade of experience working as a registered nurse. She has practiced in a variety of settings including pediatrics, oncology, chronic pain, and public health.

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Develop and improve services. Use limited data to select content. List of Partners vendors. Diet and Nutrition. By Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH. Medically reviewed by Melissa Nieves, LND. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Benefits of Snacking on Plain Popcorn. Popcorn Nutrition Breakdown.

Health-Conscious Popcorn. Salt Swaps and Popcorn Toppers. It also contains chemicals that may be harmful to your health, including: Diacetyl : A chemical that gives microwave popcorn its buttery taste. Although human studies are still needed, animal studies have found that inhaling diacetyl can cause wheezing and shortness of breath.

Perfluorooctanoic acid PFOA : It has been linked to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD and thyroid problems in high doses.

Partially hydrogenated oils : Microwave popcorn usually contains these oils and has been linked with increased heart disease. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles.

Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. h Hajihashemi P, Azadbakht L, Hashemipor M, Kelishadi R, Esmaillzadeh A. See Our Editorial Process.

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You're probably aware that fiber is a healthy nutrient , but what does it actually do for your body? Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that's naturally found in many plant food. But while other carbs are quickly digested by the body, fiber is slowly processed in your intestines, which is why it keeps you feeling satiated.

Fiber is classified as either soluble or insoluble in form, according to the Mayo Clinic. Soluble fiber — found in oats, peas and beans — dissolves in water, forming a gel-like material that can help lower cholesterol levels. On the other hand, insoluble fiber — found in popcorn, cauliflower, green beans and potatoes — doesn't dissolve in water but helps keep the digestive system regular.

While there seems to be plenty of healthy popcorn options on the market these days, nothing beats making your own at home right on the stove. This Grecian popcorn recipe takes 11 minutes to make and requires only a handful of ingredients.

This recipe is not only high in fiber but healthy, unsaturated fat, too. Unsaturated fats can benefit your cholesterol levels, inflammation levels and overall heart health but can also help keep you satiated, according to Harvard Health Publishing.

This is the perfect movie night snack, in our book. Nutrition Nutrition Basics Nutrition Facts. Is Popcorn a Good Source of Fiber? By Nina Hauptman Updated Dec 5, There are many different ways to make popcorn. And some of these can affect its health content, says Walsh. That includes the amount and type of oil used, added salt or other flavors, and cooking method matters.

For instance, air-popped popcorn made at home with no oil is much healthier than the massive tubs of popcorn that you get at the movies. That's because popcorn made at movie theaters may be popped with tons of high- calorie butter and seasoned salts.

Even microwave popcorn might contain added, salt, and other ingredients that tack on calories and affect its overall health. Still, most popcorn offers several health benefits. Popcorn is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants, and snacking on it can help you increase your fiber and whole grain intake.

Yes, as long as you're keeping it simple. Here are a few reasons as to why popcorn is healthy. Popcorn is a whole grain , and Walsh says eating whole grains is linked to a lower incidence of heart disease and diabetes. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that at least half of your grain intake be whole grains, which means you need about 48 grams of whole grains a day.

Snacking on popcorn every day has been shown to increase overall whole grain intake, according to the Journal of the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

As a whole grain, popcorn is a good source of fiber. According to the American Heart Association , popcorn contains more fiber per serving than whole wheat bread. A 3-cup serving of popcorn contains 3 to 4 grams of fiber, Walsh says.

Fiber helps control blood sugar and cholesterol, regulates bowel movements, and helps with weight management, according to Mayo Clinic. The airiness of popcorn makes it a high-volume food, and Walsh says that keeps you feeling full.

One cup of plain air-popped popcorn—without butter, salt, or other toppings—contains about 30 calories, according to the U. Department of Agriculture. So, three whole cups is just under calories. The fiber, too, can contribute to your overall feeling of satisfaction and satiety, both of which can help you consume fewer daily calories overall.

Popcorn contains polyphenols, which are a type of antioxidant found in plants, Walsh says. Polyphenols have been shown to combat UV damage and lower the risk of developing some cancers, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other diseases.

Research shows that polyphenols are more concentrated in popcorn compared to sweet corn or other vegetables. Popcorn is loaded with vitamins and minerals, according to the USDA. Popping it on the stovetop using oil can be a way to add healthy fats to your diet, just opt for walnut, avocado, canola, or extra virgin olive oil.

If you want to add flavoring to the popcorn you make at home, Cleveland Clinic recommends using hot sauce, balsamic vinegar, herbs and spices, peanut butter, or a bit of shredded cheese. Just check the nutrition label and remember that 3 cups of air-popped plain popcorn contains about calories and no sodium or fat unless you add it.

Microwave popcorn often contains high amounts of salt and flavorings, and may contain chemicals. Movie theater popcorn can contain to 1, calories , depending on the size and toppings.