Featured On Delish: Nutrition Benefits And Considerations Of Popcorn
Yes, popcorn is a nutritious snack! I get this question a lot and it can be quite divisive, so I was excited when Delish asked me to provide my input on the topic and how, as with anything in nutrition, it all depends on how it’s prepared and what goes into the bowl.
Read the full story here. And here’s a little more about why this snack is one of my favourites.
Popcorn is really an underrated snack. It’s easy to eat by the handful, satisfying, and packed with nutrition. On a macro level, it’s a whole grain, meaning it provides complex carbohydrates that have a good amount of fiber for steady energy and to keep digestion happy and support gut health.
On a micro level, popcorn retains the nutritional benefits of corn, offering B vitamins for energy production, magnesium for muscle function and relaxation, and antioxidants like polyphenols, which support heart health and help reduce inflammation. If you prepare it with a healthy fat like avocado oil, you’re also getting beneficial omegas.
Making homemade popcorn is an awesome way to go! You can air-pop it for the lightest version and then add toppings, or use a pot on the stove with coconut oil or avocado oil for some added healthy fats.
For flavour that helps you add nutrition to the snack try:
Savoury: Toss with nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami flavour (bonus: it’s high in B vitamins!), add herbs like parsley (rich in vitamin K and antioxidants), or a sprinkle of garlic powder and smoked paprika for a flavour boost.
Sweet: Mix in some dark chocolate chips and nuts for a nutrient-dense treat, and go for a sprinkle of Ceylon cinnamon (which can support blood sugar balance). If you want a little stickiness to hold things together, drizzle with pure maple syrup.