Tomorrow is National Popcorn Day!

Popcorn is a quick, easy and depending on the popcorn, a healthy snack. 

Traditionally you think of getting popcorn when you go to a movie theater.  You can also pop it or buy it and enjoy watching a movie at home.  It’s also a great snack if you are on the go!

We’ll talk about the packaged brands later but if you pop it yourself and limit the salt and butter you’d be amazed at some of the health benefits. 

Find a brand that you can add your own salt and oil.  To make it healthy, use a light butter or olive oil rather than butter.  You might also try grated cheese or chili flakes for some variety!  

According to WebMD, you’ll find in a three cup serving of air-popped popcorn (low in salt and butter) the following stats:

Calories:  only 93

Protein: 3 grams

Carbs: 18.6 grams

Fiber: 3.6 grams

Sugar: .02 grams

Fat: 1.1 grams

Add on some antioxidants and vitamins like B6, A, E and K and you get more nutrition.  

If you are looking to purchase popped popcorn from the store, Livestrong.com worked with dietitians to come up with the top 10 healthiest popcorn brands. 

Their criteria:

• Nutrition (especially calories, fat, fiber and sodium)
• Flavor
• Ingredients list
• Packaging

Here are some of their suggestions:  Skinny Pop Original, Lesser Evil Himalayan Pink Salt, Quinn Aged Parmesan and Rosemary, Boom Chicka Pop Sweet and Salty Kettle Corn, Newman’s Own Organic Touch of Butter, Whole Foods 365 Organic Yellow Popcorn, Trader Joe’s Organic Popcorn with Olive Oil.

Private Home Health Care loves to eat popcorn for a quick healthy snack.  You might just find us eating some on National Popcorn Day tomorrow!

#NationalPopcornDay