One of the tricky things to manage when it comes to a balanced diet is snacking. For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you can play around with healthy proteins, good carbs, and good fats, but what do you do when you’re hungry and on the go?
Sometimes you just want to give up the fresh fruit slices and carrot sticks for a day and reach for something a little more indulgent. And there’s nothing wrong with that. There should always be room for a treat—but if you must treat yourself then why not go for a healthier option?
An Alternative Snack
Popcorn chips are a good alternative for when you need a crispy fix. They’re made of corn but are flat and shaped like regular chips. PopCorners, in particular, are a great option not just because of the flavor and texture but also because of the way they’re made:
They’re not fried. Many chips are typically fried, a process that makes them crisp and delicious but, in the process, makes them unhealthy. Frying increases the calories of food, as well as the trans fats. Trans fats have been linked to a host of health problems like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity.
PopCorners have all the crispy goodness of chips without the bad stuff that comes from frying—they’re made using a patented air-popping technique combining heat and moisture under compression. So you can snack easy, knowing that your popcorn chips aren’t made with oil.
They’re made with non-GMO corn. According to the World Health Organization, genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, are plants, animals, microorganisms, and other organisms whose genetic makeup has been modified using genetic engineering or technology.
There's no conclusive evidence to show that GMOs are detrimental to health but many still wish to avoid them. A study suggests that switching to non-GMO foods may help keep tummy troubles at bay.
If you’d like to take a more cautious approach when it comes to your snacks and avoid GMOs, then PopCorners are a good option for you.
They’re kosher. A kosher diet is one that is followed by Orthodox Jews but only an estimated 8% of those who adhere to the diet are Jewish. Those who choose to follow it outside of religious beliefs adhere to it because of the perception that it is a healthier diet.
KLBD Kosher, Europe’s largest kosher agency, states that kosher foods are “highly beneficial for the consumer, because of the strict rules under which they are produced, and because of the close inspection and monitoring that certification requires. Vegetables and fruits are carefully monitored ensuring they do not contain any bugs, thereby ensuring the safety and healthiness of the product.”
They’re certified gluten-free. Gluten is the protein that helps food maintain its shape and it’s found in many grains. A small percentage of people suffers from celiac disease, meaning the intake of gluten can have grave effects on their health, damaging the lining of their small intestine and leading to other major health issues. Other people suffer from gluten sensitivity, which doesn’t lead to intestinal damage but can lead to digestive problems and other issues like tiredness and skin rashes.
Some say that going gluten-free can have positive effects on health even for those who aren’t sensitive to the protein. One study found that a gluten-free diet can increase energy, decrease feelings of fatigue, and boost brain power. As this particular study was backed by a company in the gluten-free industry, more independent studies need to be done to come up with stronger evidence.
Fortunately, corn is a gluten-free food, so popcorn chips are a gluten-free snack.
They’re made with no artificial preservatives. Preservatives are added to food to make them safer but consuming too much by having too many processed foods in your diet can have a detrimental effect on your health. PopCorners are made without artificial preservatives; neither are they made artificial flavors and colors so you avoid potentially harmful chemicals.
The Bottom Line
So, are popcorn chips healthy? If you’re craving for something crispy, they’re certainly a better alternative to fried potato chips. Just keep in mind that popcorn chips are still more of a treat than an everyday snack. It’s still best if your diet is mostly made up of whole, unprocessed, nutrient-rich foods.
sources:
https://www.popcorners.com/pop-corners/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/why-fried-foods-are-bad
https://www.klbdkosher.org/news-and-articles/health-benefits-of-a-kosher-diet/
https://celiac.org/gluten-free-living/what-is-gluten/
https://www.livestrong.com/article/325437-harmful-effects-of-preservatives-in-foods/
