There are a lot of dieting misconceptions out there. From the idea that you should be on a highly restrictive, low-calorie diet in order to shed pounds to the concept that sugar-free snacks are always better (they come with their own health risks!), you could be receiving a lot of bad advice. This can even be true when it comes to the types of foods you should or shouldn’t be eating.
While there are definitely many unhealthy foods you should actually be avoiding as much as possible throughout your weight loss journey (including highly processed varieties), there are also several foods you may have been told are harmful but are actually quite healthy and good for weight loss.
To uncover one particular snack that’s been deemed “unhealthy” but can actually help you slim down, we spoke to nutritionist Trista Best. She told us that, as it turns out, popcorn makes a fantastic, weight loss-friendly snack. Learn about the benefits of this unexpectedly healthy food below.
Why popcorn is good for weight loss
Next time you're craving something crunchy and savory to tide you over before dinner, don't be afraid to reach for some popcorn! Despite the fact that it may have a reputation for being a junk food favored by couch potatoes, Best says that this high-fiber snack is a good choice for anyone looking to lose weight—as long as it's prepared right.
"Popcorn can be an excellent, nutrient-rich snack food depending on how it is prepared," she tells us. "Popcorn is a whole grain, which is a little-known fact, and therefore an excellent source of fiber and polyphenols." Who knew?!
Polyphenols, which are found in a range of other superfoods, are a type of antioxidant that your body loves. "When we consume them through whole food sources we are aiding our body in ridding itself of free radicals and toxins that can cause cellular damage, leading to inflammation and ultimately chronic illnesses," Best says. By keeping your body protected from that damage and inflammation, you may also be able to lose weight faster.
Then there's the fiber content, which can do wonders for your waistline. "The fiber provided in popcorn helps the body remove cholesterol from the body, thereby reducing this substance that can be harmful for heart health," she points out.
Of course, adding unhealthy ingredients, such as an overload of salt, butter, and inflammatory oils, could negate these benefits. For this reason, it's best to air-pop your popcorn at home and enjoy it with minimal ingredients (maybe just a bit of olive oil and salt) rather than choosing microwavable varieties. Your body will thank you!
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