Popcorn - A Hidden Health Food?

Photo: ccharmon, Flickr

Stop feeling guilty about munching away on those fluffy, delicious kernels of goodness -- it turns out popcorn is a source of antioxidants and fiber. Hooray!

Now, the caveat -- you can only consider it a health food if you air pop it and season it lightly with salt, reports ABC News. Adding butter (or caramel, or large quantities of salt), like most of us do, puts it right back in the "sometimes food" category.

On its own, popcorn is a whole grain. Unfortunately, on its own, popcorn also doesn't offer a lot of flavor. But, if you're able to keep the unhealthy additives to a bare minimum (a little olive oil and a dash of salt can go a long way), it's a great snack option. It's light, so you can snack throughout a movie, but it's filling, so it won't leave you hungry. And it's fun -- how many other foods are so easy to toss in the air and catch with your mouth?

Trying to lose weight? You might want to reconsider limiting your snack options!