Carbs in popcorn
carbs in popcorn and Keto popcorn have a lot of research to answer their suitability for this diet. So in this article, we will try to find out how many carbs in popcorn? And is the popcorn keto diet?
We’ll answer that and more to help you figure out if popcorn is compatible with a low-carb lifestyle and popcorn carbs.
Most Frequently Asked Questions about carbs in popcorn
By completing this post you will the correct answers for all the below questions and more , so please keep reading till finish and if you have any unanswered question , just leave it in comments
- Is popcorn allowed on keto?
- How many net carbs are in 1 cup of popcorn?
- How many carbs are in white popcorn?
- Can I eat popcorn everyday?
- How many carbs in popcorn
- How many carbs are in popcorn
- How many carbs in buttered popcorn
- How many carbs in microwave popcorn
- How many carbs in popped popcorn
- How much carbs in popcorn
- How many carbs in a cup of popcorn
What is popcorn?
Corn is one of the ancient crops known to man for more than 10,000 years, making popcorn a common and widely spread food.
Popcorn is a hot popcorn, as there is a small amount of water inside the corn kernel, which causes it to pop when exposed to heat, as the corn kernel expands and becomes larger and takes a semi-random shape in white color.
In the Great Depression, popcorn was an inexpensive and light meal, as sweet production decreased and popcorn became a source of livelihood for farmers. And the spread of popcorn has increased among people in recreational places, and it has become easier to prepare when using the microwave to roast it.
Carbs in Popcorn (How many carbs are in popcorn?)
Carbohydrates are a macronutrient that the body uses to produce energy. Therefore, your body needs carbohydrates to function correctly. Contrary to popular belief, carbohydrates are not harmful to your body, as long as you consume the suitable types of them.
Sugar and refined carbohydrates such as sweets and white bread are also carbohydrates, but they are high in calories and low in nutritional value. The bulk of your carbohydrates should come from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. For example, popcorn is a whole-grain food.
One serving of popcorn contains about 30 grams of carbohydrates. One serving of air-popped popcorn — not by frying the kernels in oil — is about 4 to 5 cups of ready-to-eat popcorn, which is the amount you get from 2 tablespoons of corn kernels. So one serving of air-popped popcorn contains about 120 to 150 calories.
As for the carbs in popcorn, although popcorn contains approximately 30 grams of carbs per serving, it only covers 9-13% of your daily carb limit. In other words, eating just one serving of popcorn a day won’t cause you to go over your daily carb limit.
Fiber in popcorn
Fiber is a type of complex carbohydrate. Complex carbohydrates are less processed and digested more slowly than simple carbohydrates such as refined white sugar. As a result, fiber promotes regular bowel movements and helps control cholesterol levels.
It can also help you maintain your weight and protect you from type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In addition, fibers play an essential role in long-term health.
One serving of popcorn contains about 6 grams of fiber. Men under 50 should eat 38 grams of fiber per day, and women under 50 should eat 25 grams. If you’re over 50, eat about 30 grams per day if you’re a man and 21 grams if you’re a woman.
Can You Eat Popcorn on a Keto Diet or Low Carb Diet?
Popcorn can be allowed on a keto or low-carb diet if it is within the daily carbohydrate limit that a person eats. According to the nutritional value information for the popcorn mentioned in the article, popcorn may be compatible with the keto diet but with conditions.
Three cups (24 grams) of air-popped popcorn contain 4 grams of fiber and 18 grams of carbs, so popcorn can easily fit into a keto diet that allows for 50 grams of net carbs per day. Plus, this serving of popcorn contains only 90 calories, which is just the right amount for those on a weight loss diet.
Although popcorn is allowed on Keto, you must calculate the number of carbohydrates that are consumed from other sources so as not to exceed the upper limit of allowed carbohydrates per day, as you will have to limit other high-carb foods so that the person does not get out of the situation ketosis; It’s also essential to count the amount of popcorn when eating it because it can be easy to overeat.
Preparing popcorn to suit Keto
It is important to calculate portions when eating popcorn on a keto diet because it can be easy to overeat. Fats from coconut oil, butter, or olive oil can be added to the popcorn, and making popcorn at home can help. Instead of buying pre-made items to control how much is eaten and what is added to it, to prepare popcorn at home, it is important to follow these steps:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or butter in a large saucepan over medium to high heat and add 2 popcorn kernels.
2. Cover the pot with a lid while the popcorn starts to explode, and after the popping stops, remove from the heat and season with oil or butter and salt.
Does microwave popcorn cause cancer?
The possible link between microwave popcorn and cancer is not from the popcorn itself but from chemicals called perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) found in the bags. PFCs resist grease, making them ideal for preventing oil from seeping through popcorn bags.
PFCs have also been used in:
- Pizza boxes
- Sandwich wrappers
- Teflon basins
- Other types of food packaging
The problem with PFCs is that they break down into perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical suspected of causing cancer.
These chemicals make their way into the popcorn when heated. So when you eat popcorn, it enters your bloodstream and can stay in your body for a long time.
Perfluorocarbons have been used so widely that 98 percent of Americans already have this chemical in their blood. That’s why health experts are trying to determine if PFCs are linked to cancer or other diseases.
Keeping popcorn healthy
Here are the best healthy ways to prepare popcorn:
1- A smart way to make popcorn
When making popcorn, try not to use oil as it includes high calories. And if you want to add oil to the popcorn, you should eat a small amount of it to control its fat.
2- Avoid cooking popcorn in the microwave
Microwave popcorn is the least healthy option because popcorn boxes contain a lot of salt and processed flavors.
3- Control the amount of corn
The calories in popcorn vary according to the type you eat. For example, one cup of regular popcorn contains about 30 calories. But the more flavors you add to it, the more calories go up very quickly.
4- Choose your cooking oil carefully
When making popcorn, use palm and coconut oil because they contain saturated fat. Avoid using corn, sunflower, and soybean oils.
5- Avoid using butter
When you buy ready-made popcorn, one of its most prominent ingredients is butter. This means there is a chemical in the food. And if you add butter when cooking, you get at least one and a half times the amount of regular butter. Therefore, use small amounts of butter (2 to 3 teaspoons).
6- Cut down on salt
Popcorn, mixed with refined sugar, salt, and oil, is the worst nutritious option because it’s high in calories and salt; instead of getting 2,300 mg of sodium per day, or about one teaspoon, this amount doubles. Thus, it isn’t easy to control the amount of sodium and calories.
7- Beware of artificial sweeteners
Avoid buying popcorn that contains artificial sweeteners because the sugars in them burn in the microwave. Also, having prepackaged items such as caramel or dark chocolate is an unhealthy hearty meal.
8- Put a little spice in the popcorn
If you want to spice up your popcorn, you can opt for hot sauce or melt a little cheese over the popcorn. You can also sprinkle balsamic vinegar or eat it with pickles or peppers. But beware of artificial flavorings or a lot of salt.
9- Add protein to popcorn
When eating popcorn, you can add a tablespoon of peanut butter, a couple of slices of cheese, or any other protein source you like.
The Bottom Line
Popcorn does contain some carbs, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The carbs in popcorn come in dietary fiber, and the fiber is good for your overall health. Popcorn is an example of grain food that is large in size and low in calories. If popcorn is cooked the right way, it will be a healthy and filling snack.
You can’t make a “low-carb” version of popcorn. So, if you want to eat popcorn, limit your portion and choose the natural ones with added natural butter and salt-free.
Even better, you can cook your popcorn at home in the microwave oven or on the stove.