The Truth About Skinny Pop Popcorn- Is it Healthy Or Not?

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When you look at the packaging of Skinny Pop, you will see 80 calories per bag, Non-GMO, No Artificial Ingredients, Gluten Free

On the surface, you would think that it is a very healthy alternative…so let’s break down the ingredients:

Popcorn

Popcorn is a whole grain derived from corn kernels. It’s a healthy ingredient that provides fiber, antioxidants, and various vitamins and minerals

Popcorn itself is a nutritious snack option when prepared without excessive added fats or sugars.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is extracted from sunflower seeds. While it’s a source of unsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid (omega-9) and linoleic acid (omega-6), there are some concerns:

• It’s high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can be pro-inflammatory when consumed in excess.
• As a processed vegetable oil, it may undergo refinement processes that could reduce its nutritional value.

Natural Non-Dairy Cheddar Flavor

This is likely a blend of ingredients designed to mimic the taste of cheddar cheese without using dairy. While “natural” suggests it’s derived from food sources, the exact composition is unclear. Its health impact would depend on the specific ingredients used.

Rice Flour

Rice flour is made by grinding rice grains into a fine powder. It’s a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour and is generally considered a neutral ingredient in terms of health impact. It may add some texture to the product.

Rice flour, while generally considered safe, has some potential drawbacks:

1. Lower nutritional value: Rice flour contains less folate than whole wheat flour, which is important for cardiovascular health and cell development
2. Fewer phytonutrients: It has about 30% fewer lignans compared to whole grain wheat flour. Lignans are beneficial compounds that may help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer
3. Arsenic concerns: Recent controversies have arisen regarding arsenic levels in rice. Overconsumption of rice flour could potentially lead to increased arsenic exposure

Natural Flavor

The term “natural flavor” can encompass a wide range of ingredients derived from plant or animal sources. Due to the lack of specific information, it’s difficult to assess its health implications which is worrisome. The FDA regulates natural flavors, but the term is very broad.

Lactic Acid (for flavor)

Lactic acid is naturally occurring in many foods and can be produced through fermentation. It’s used as a flavoring agent and preservative. While it’s generally considered safe, some people may be sensitive to it.

While lactic acid is generally safe as a food additive, it’s worth noting some potential issues related to lactic acid in the body:

1. Exercise-induced lactic acidosis: Intense exercise can lead to a buildup of lactic acid in the bloodstream, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and muscle cramps
2. Medical conditions: Various health issues can cause lactic acidosis, including lung disorders, circulatory problems, liver failure, and sepsis
3. Severe cases: In critical situations, lactic acidosis can have profound hemodynamic consequences and even lead to death, though this is typically associated with underlying medical conditions rather than dietary intake

Overall Assessment

Skinny Pop uses relatively simple ingredients compared to many processed snacks. The popcorn base is nutritious, but the use of sunflower oil may be a concern for those watching their omega-6 intake

The other ingredients are primarily for flavoring and are likely present in small amounts.While Skinny Pop can be a better choice than many other snack options, it’s not without its nutritional drawbacks. As with any packaged food, moderation is key, and whole, unprocessed foods should form the majority of one’s diet.

Insiders Health Tip

Air-popped popcorn is the healthiest option, as it uses no oil and has the fewest calories. However, if you prefer to use oil, stovetop popping is a good alternative. This method allows you to control the ingredients and portion sizes.

Oil Selection

If using oil, opt for healthier options such as:

• Walnut oil
• Avocado oil
• Extra virgin olive oil

These oils are considered healthier fats that can help reduce cholesterol and provide cell-boosting nutrients.

Canola oil, while palm and coconut oils should be used sparingly due to their high saturated fat content

Toppings and Seasonings

Instead of butter and excessive salt, consider these healthier alternatives:

1. Nutritional yeast: Provides a cheesy flavor and is rich in B vitamins
2. Herbs and spices: Options like chili powder, cinnamon, or garlic powder add flavor without extra calories
3. Olive oil spray: A light coating helps spices stick to the popcorn
4. Nuts: Adding a small portion of nuts increases protein and healthy fats

Portion Control

Be mindful of portion sizes. A serving of plain popcorn is about 3 cups, which contains approximately 90-100 calories

What to Avoid

• Microwave popcorn: Often contains artificial flavors, excess salt, and hidden chemicals
• Movie theater popcorn: Typically high in calories, salt, and artificial butter flavoring
• Kettle corn: Usually mixed with refined sugar and salt, increasing calorie and sodium intake

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy popcorn as a healthy, whole-grain snack while maximizing its nutritional benefits and minimizing unhealthy additives.

References:

https://www.madisonmae.org/food-labels/is-skinnypop-healthy

https://www.freshbybrookshires.com/sm/pickup/rsid/800/product/skinny-pop-popcorn-id-00850251004001/

https://www.hersheyland.com/products/skinnypop-original-popped-popcorn-4-4-oz-bag.html

https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/exercise-and-lactic-acidosis

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470202/

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