A staple for studying, movies, social gatherings and just about any occasion or event, popcorn is arguably one of the best creations of humankind.For those who are looking for a healthier snacking option but can’t give up that satisfying crunch, air-popped popcorn is the way to go! With only about 30 calories per cup, it has fewer than half the calories of a cup of regular potato chips. Popcorn is also low in sugar and fat, high in fibre and nutrient-dense. Many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin K and calcium, can be found in unsalted, air-popped popcorn. All of this means that popcorn will fill you up while providing you with protein, antioxidants and nutrition. Guilt-free snacking? Sign me up!
Popcorn kernels contain a small amount of water inside of their golden shells. When you heat popcorn kernels, that heat energy makes the water molecules vibrate. The longer you heat the kernels, the faster those water molecules vibrate… Which creates a lot of pressure inside of the kernels. Once the pressure reaches a certain level, there’s too much energy for the kernels’ shells to contain it all… So they burst open and pop!
If you’re following a gluten free diet, you can still eat popcorn! Popcorn is naturally gluten-free, but sometimes facilities that make popcorn process foods with gluten as well. If you’re buying popcorn, remember to double-check with the manufacturer to be completely sure the popcorn is safe. Better yet, make your own popcorn at home!
Here’s what people had to say about popcorn
“I love popcorn. It’s really the only reason I decide to accompany my husband to the movie theatre. (Love you honey)”
“I could eat popcorn for dinner every day and still not get sick of it, though I would never stick to more than one seasoning during the week.”
“It’s especially tasty if you pop it up on the stove and add butter and cinnamon sugar to it. Popping it on the stove is more fun as well. Just don’t remove the top too early or hot half-popped kernels will come flying out and make a mess.”
“Popcorn and I have a love-hate relationship. In one hand, the idea of popcorn as a semi healthy alternative to a more decadent snack makes me happy. For very few calories, you’re allowed to indulge and a seemingly endless bag of popcorn.”
