Is Air Popped Popcorn Bad For You?
Short answer
Air popped popcorn is a low-calorie, low-fat alternative to popcorn (such as the microwaveable kind) that actually carries many health benefits.
Recommended Alternative
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Popcorn is frequently renowned as a delicious, filling snack and remains a staple at movies, carnivals, and other popular events. However, movie theater popcorn, carnival popcorn, and even microwave popcorn that you can prepare at home is often smothered in butter, salt, grease and preservatives that can negatively impact your health. Fortunately, air popped popcorn provides a healthier spin on everyone's favorite movie treat.
One of the best things about air popped popcorn is that it is extremely filling, but also incredibly low in fat and calories. A hearty one-cup serving of air popped popcorn includes only thirty calories and less than one gram of fat. Popcorn is also made of fully unprocessed whole grains and contains a plethora of antioxidants that can help boost your immune system, reduce your risk for cancer, and even help fight age-related symptoms like wrinkles, macular degeneration, muscle weakness, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Air popped popcorn is a healthier alternative to popcorn that has been prepared another way primarily because making air popped popcorn does not involve high-fat, high-calorie oil. However, when making air popped popcorn, you still need to be careful about which toppings you use. Adding large amounts of salt and butter to your popcorn can up its calorie content by more than one hundred calories per serving and its fat content to more than ten grams. When making air popped popcorn, try adding cinnamon or olive oil to your popcorn to minimize fat and calories and keep your snack healthy (and of course tasty).
Benefits
- low calorie content
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low fat content
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aids weight loss
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great source of antioxidants
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boosts immune system
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reduces risk of cancer
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helps reduce age-related symptoms
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promotes digestion
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promotes stable blood sugar levels
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
LesserEvil Organic Popcorn
- Himalayan Pink Salt
- No artificial ingredients
- Coconut oil enriched
- Convenient snack size
- Organic certified
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Written by Shaylie F
Published on: 12-31-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Shaylie F
Published on: 12-31-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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