Why does popcorn lose calories when popped? So far, the best companion to a good movie is a bag of popcorn. Why? Popcorn is not just food, it has become a movie-goer’s tradition. However, why does popcorn lose its calories when placed inside a pot and popped into crispy goodness? Here are 10 facts you need to know about popcorn, calories and movies.
Why Does Popcorn Lose Calories When Popped? Facts 1-3
Why Does Popcorn Lose Calories When Popped? Facts 1-3
1. In general terms, does popcorn really lose its calories when popped? Yes, popped popcorns are also called air popped corns, a favourably nutritious snack for dieters and calorie conscious individuals.
2. What is air popped corn? It is made from dry kernels – a specific variant – and placed inside a machine that warms up to a distinctly high temperature that causes the kernel to burst, or as some may say it, pop.
3. Why is air popped corn nutritious? Frying, with the use of oil, provides a large amount of calories from fats. Microwaved popcorn even has a dash of oil. However, when it comes to the air popped variety, there is none to count.
Why Does Popcorn Lose Calories When Popped? Facts 4-7
Why Does Popcorn Lose Calories When Popped? Facts 4-7
4. How much calories does air popped corn have? One serving of air popped corn – approximately one cup or 8 grams – yields about 31 calories. The calories are majorly from carbohydrates while 1 gram comes from fibre and 1 gram from protein.
5. How about fats? Unlike the popcorn variety smothered in oil, air popped corn yields zero per cent fat. It also has no saturated fat or trans-fat.
6. When it comes to benefits, air popped corn is an excellent source of polyunsaturated fats, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids which are the beneficial type of fats. To add, air popped corn has zero cholesterol.
7. In terms of nutritional value, air popped corn is high in manganese, vitamin A, folate, niacin, selenium, magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium, and phosphorous.
Why Does Popcorn Lose Calories When Popped? Facts 8-10
Why Does Popcorn Lose Calories When Popped? Facts 8-10
8. How about its glycemic index? Air popcorn’s rating scales 3 out of 10 which means that the amount of glucose is very low. It is extremely safe in terms of sugar content. It is also one thing for diabetics to consider.
9. Air popped corn is a much healthier version of popcorn. It doesn’t use oil for cooking, it is low in sugar, it is also low in calories, it is rich with vitamins and minerals, it scores low in the glycemic index and it is a good snack to bring in a movie.
10. Any drawbacks? It is important to know that the values mentioned only refer to air popped corn. It is healthy popcorn. However, when you add in cheese, chocolate, or caramel, the values may vary. Cheese may add in fats and cholesterol. Chocolate and caramel may add in tons of sugar and carbohydrates – not to mention scoring high in the glycemic index. Why does popcorn lose calories when popped? The method of cooking is pure, no additives, oil or flavourings added.
