Popcorn

Ok this may sound like a dumb question but I keep hearing different things about this...haha

Is popcorn healthy?  I pop my own (put kernels in a brown paper lunch sack and use the microwave) so there isn't any butter or salt or anything extra like that.

I've heard it has a lot of fiber (and I believe it!) but then my grandma told me that she was watching a health show and they said popcorn is one of the worst things you can eat...I'm not sure why exactly.

I eat about 1/4 cup of kernels (120 cals) every day, and yes it fits in my calorie intake but I can't help but wonder if all of the starch is going to catch up to me in some way?  Or if it is unhealthy in any way?

Thank you much =D

Anyone have an opinion, or thought?

I've been reading more on it and people say it isn't good because it is too tough on your digestive tract, plus they are saying corn really isn't that good for you??

But then others say the fiber is really good for you and it is a healthy snack...

I have no idea what to think =\

Isn't the reason it's given such a bad rap because it's usually smothered in butter? I think that's why.

I've often wondered this myself...

I hear that it spikes your sugar and that you end up crashing bad from eating too much of it. like eating a candy bar when you're feeling weak and dizzy rather than a piece of fruit.

Here is some information on nutrition from www.popcorn.org:

Popcorn is a whole grain food which makes it a complex carbohydrate that is not only low in calories, but a good source of fiber.

Popcorn is low in calories -- only 31-55 calories in one cup of unbuttered, and when lightly buttered, one cup still only has 133 calories.  

The butter/oil addition really does jack up the calories, as fat, and maybe that's the objection.  I'd also quibble with the complex carb part.  Yes, the hulls are indigestable fiber, but the white part is nearly pure cornstarch.  It's about as simple a carbohydrate as you can eat.

popcorn is one of my favorite snacks. i make it on the stove top with oil but no butter but i use crazy salt, basil, garlic powder and red pepper flakes. the oil probably isn't so healthy.

 how do you make it in the microwave w/o oil?

I've never popped my own popcorn, I buy 94% fat free Act II popcorn. they sell them in mini 100 cal bags that are filling and convenient.  Popcorn can be unhealthy when lots of butter and oil are used, but if you take those two ingredients away, it's a great snack.

I eat popcorn on a regular bases. I also cook it in the micro in a paper bag with no oil or butter. I don't see anything wrong with it. both of my grandparents age (82and  84) love it as well. My grandfather is a diabetic.

 

Actually popcorn is the only thing my grandmother will let my grandfather snack on...but I've caught him in the cookie jar...haha

I think it's fine to eat just as a snack (air popped) of course.

Microwave Reduced Calorie popcorn is a staple of my diet (whatever brand is on sale).  The fiber makes it filling.  It's crunchy and a wee bit salty.  I even found 100 cal packs of kettle corn (sweeter) which is a nice switch up now and again.  I don't eat it every day, (maybe once a week,) but keep a box at work for when I'm reeeeally hungry around 3 p.m.  For the 3+ serving bags I look for someone to share it with me.  I steer clear of popcorn at the movie theater, but will have it maybe once a year (if that).  Even if you leave off the butter, the oil they use makes it unhealthy.  Moderation is key...