Does Popcorn Make You Fat?

Popcorn is an easy-to-prepare and addictive snack, so it’s no surprise that so many people eat it regularly. However, how does this affect our health? In this article, we will answer the question whether popcorn makes you fat.

The question of whether popcorn makes you fat is asked very often – especially by those who are especially afraid of gaining weight. So what is the answer? Can you afford this snack with the right diet?

Though the topic has gotten many myths and controversies, nutritionists often recommend popcorn as a healthy option. Why? Since this snack can bring some benefits to the body. Read on and find out more about it.

Does popcorn make you fat?

Popcorn, or popcorn, is made from corn kernels. When exposed to heat, the grains will explode due to overheating of the water and the starches they contain. This creates a characteristic spongy mass.

In fact, largely because they are easy to prepare, they are eaten in many countries, most often as an inseparable movie companion or a casual snack. Okay, but why the popular belief that popcorn makes you fat?

Perhaps this is related to the finished popcorn marketed in general, which is produced to have an added energy value. This means it has an increased content of salt, sugar, caramel, and even butter, unlike home-made.

So, when we roast popcorn for our own consumption, we only use the oil and then season it to your personal taste. To accurately answer the question in the title, let’s look at a study published in the journal Antioxidants.

Researchers analyzed the composition of homemade popcorn. They found that 1 cup of homemade popcorn provided only 30 calories.

How to prepare popcorn?

If you’ve never toasted popcorn, write down this simple recipe. You only need 2 tablespoons of oil, a large pot with a lid and half a cup of dry corn kernels. 5 minutes is enough to enjoy your own snack.

• The first thing you need to do is heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
• When you notice the oil is hot, add the corn, mix it in the oil and cover the pot.
• After a while you will hear that the corn starts to “shoot”. Wait for the noise to stop for a few seconds to make sure the popcorn is ready.

• To add flavor, add sugar, salt, caramel, butter or your favorite spices. You can also eat without seasoning. Remember that if you want popcorn to stay healthy, you shouldn’t overdo the spices.

What nutrients does popcorn provide?

Apart from the fact that popcorn is a practical and economical proposition, it provides the body with various substances. When it comes to nutrients, popcorn contains carbohydrates, dietary fiber, fats and proteins. Thus, it also has vitamins and minerals.

According to data from Nutrition Data, this snack consists of the following ingredients:

• vitamins B1, B3 and B6,
• Vitamin E,
• minerals such as iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and copper

• phosphorus and potassium,
• fibers,
• polyphenols.

In addition, scientists suggest that – like oats, wheat and rice – corn has an excellent antioxidant capacity due to the participation of phenolic compounds (chemicals that protect cells). Fortunately, an explosion of grains caused by roasting does not deteriorate or change these properties.

What are the benefits of consuming popcorn?

Few people know that consuming popcorn can bring significant benefits to the body. Due to the nutrients it provides, corn helps to improve overall health and well-being. How exactly is this manifested? Here are some positive effects.

Mass and digestion control

Popcorn is an option for those looking to satisfy their hunger. In addition to being low in calories, it contains dietary fiber that has a satiating effect. In this way, as a snack between meals, it allows you to reduce your appetite.

This has a positive effect on weight management. In addition, popcorn fans can improve the functioning of food transit through the gut by reducing gas.

Disease prevention

The fiber content and the presence of phenolic compounds work to lower blood cholesterol levels. It is a protective factor against atherosclerosis and causes a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases.

In addition, it lowers blood pressure if eaten without salt and normalizes glucose levels. What’s more, research suggests that it prevents heart disease and reduces the risk of diabetes.

Popcorn does not make you fat

So it’s time to stop thinking that the popcorn will translate into unwanted folds on your belly. Compared to other snacks, it is considered a healthy alternative. First of all, it is low in calories and has nutrients that contribute to well-being.

If you want to satisfy your hunger, control your weight or you just like to snack and you are looking for an alternative, you can bet on popcorn without worries. Of course, try to avoid ready-made industrial products, because the additives they contain are harmful. Time for home roasting!