Mashed spoke with Brookell White, MS, RD, a nutrition consultant at MyFitnessPal, who says that, yes, popcorn can be a healthy snack — as long as it's unsalted and air-popped. Too much sodium can cause water retention, which leads to swelling in your extremities, weight gain, and eventually high blood pressure. The American Heart Association notes a diet high in sodium can also put you at risk for headaches, kidney disease, osteoporosis, stroke, kidney stones, and other illnesses.
White shares that popcorn contains 3.6 grams of dietary fiber, representing 15% of what people need daily and one-third of the USDA's recommended serving of whole grains for teens and adults. "Fiber is a cardioprotective nutrient because it can help to lower LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation, all of which contribute to reducing your risk of heart disease," White says, citing 2017 research published by the National Library of Medicine.
Per the USDA, there are healthy flavor alternatives to add to your popcorn that aren't butter. While the popcorn is hot, drizzle a little olive oil and sprinkle herbs and spices such as rosemary or smoked paprika for a savory option. Add a dash of cinnamon and dark chocolate chips to satisfy a sweet tooth. Just go easy on the salt. And if you can't make popcorn at home, White suggests reaching for SkinnyPop's snack packs, which contain 100 calories per serving.
Is It Safe To Eat Too Much Popcorn? - Mashed
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