Nutrition in Popcorn

For years doctors have been telling their patients that there is good nutrition in popcorn, making it a healthy snack. Even people with diabetes can enjoy popcorn without fear of altering their sugar levels. Although it is also a good snack for children, it is never a good idea to allow children less than two years of age to consume it. Because of the size of the popped corn, it is considered to be a choking hazard for little ones.

Naturally, the nutrition in popcorn depends on many variables. It is a whole grain which is very good for you. It is also high in complex carbohydrates as well as fiber. All of these are essential for healthy bodies.

Nutrition in Popcorn: By Popping Method

The healthiest way to eat popcorn is by popping it in an air popper. It is best if you don't add anything to it. One full cup of plain, air popped popcorn only has thirty calories. This is the ideal way to benefit from the nutrition in popcorn while minimizing the "less healthy" impact of oils and flavorings. There are six grams of carbohydrates, one gram of protein and one gram of fiber.

Some people still prefer to use the oil popping method. This gives the popcorn a little more flavor than when it is air popped. One cup of oil popped popcorn has sixty calories. There are six grams of carbohydrates, five grams of saturated fat and ninety-five milligrams of sodium. Oil popped popcorn also has one gram of protein and one gram of fiber.

Nutrition in Popcorn: By Flavoring

A lot of people prefer their popcorn flavored with cheese. This doesn't mean that it isn't a healthy snack. Cheese flavored popcorn typically has sixty calories. It has one hundred milligrams of sodium, two milligrams of riboflavin, six grams of carbohydrates, five grams of saturated fat, one gram of protein and one gram of fiber.

Carmel coated popcorn with peanuts is a favorite with popcorn lovers. One cup is a whopping two hundred thirty calories. There are five grams of saturated fat, forty-five grams of carbohydrates, one hundred seventy milligrams of sodium, two grams of protein and two grams of fiber.

It really doesn't matter which way you like your popcorn, there is always good nutrition in popcorn. This delicious snack is healthy and has been satisfying people for centuries.