Short answer
Popcorn can be a very healthy snack, though it will depend on how it's prepared. Stay away from processed and microwavable popcorn.
Recommended Alternative
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.
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
Processed popcorn (usually the kind you have to microwave) has long been associated with health risks and is usually high in sugar and salt. Some bags that are used for microwave popcorn are coated with a Teflon-like material which can break down with heat into other substances such as perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA. This chemical can be absorbed into the bloodstream once you consume the popcorn and has been linked to kidney cancer, testicular cancer, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, increased cholesterol, and pregnancy-induced hypertension... not fun! Processed popcorn is also known to contain hydrogenated oils, artificial flavors, and TBHQ, all which can be detrimental to your health.
Wholegrain (natural) popcorn kernels - which are free from additives - are a much healthier option. This kind of popcorn is full of fiber and antioxidants and is a healthy snack that you can consume throughout the day. When popcorn is dry popped in hot hair, there are no sugars, fats, or oils added to it. According to a study by Scranton University, a single portion of popcorn actually contains more antioxidants than the vegetables and fruit most people eat in a day.
Natural popcorn contains a large amount of vitamin A, B, E, and K, as well as folate, niacin, thiamine and riboflavin. Rich in iron, potassium, and zinc, the antioxidants in popcorn can help to fight against cardiovascular problems and some cancers. This snack is also low in calories, making it an extremely popular choice for weight loss. In fact, a single cup of corn that has popped in the air contains only 30 calories.
Possible short-term side effects
- processed popcorn can cause:
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dizziness
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blurred vision
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nausea
Possible long-term side effects
- processed popcorn can cause:
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increased blood pressure
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increased cholesterol
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cancer
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disease
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diabetes
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weight gain
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- natural popcorn benefits:
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great source of fiber
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great source of antioxidants
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enhance satiety
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helps protect cells
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boosts immune system
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slows aging
Healthier alternatives
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
LesserEvil Organic Popcorn
- Himalayan Pink Salt
- Premium Organic Quality
- Minimally Processed
- No Vegetable Oil
- Convenient Snack Size
Learn More!
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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