What Is the Glycemic Index of Popcorn?

If you have diabetes, it is very important to control your blood sugar levels by limiting your intake of carbohydrate-rich foods. In order to do this, you need to be aware of how quickly different foods can raise your blood sugar.

This information will help you avoid foods with a high glycemic index since they can potentially harm diabetics. For instance, many people often wonder whether popcorn is safe for diabetics. What is the glycemic index of popcorn?

Definition of Glycemic Index

The glycemic index is a numerical scale running from one to 100 that measures how drastically a certain food will raise your blood sugar. The higher a food’s glycemic index, the faster it will raise your blood sugar and vice versa.

Glycemic index values are divided into 3 categories:

1 to 55: Low glycemic index
56 to 69: Moderate glycemic index
70 to 100: High glycemic index

Popcorn Glycemic Index

Popcorn from the corn variety zea mays everta has a glycemic index of about 55-65, depending on the popping method and the type of oil or flavorings used. It is considered a moderate glycemic index food.

Is Popcorn Good for Diabetics?

People with diabetes are advised to consume foods with low to moderate glycemic indexes. Plain popcorn eaten in moderation is a good food for diabetics.

Foods with a high amount of fiber, protein, or fat tend to have a lower glycemic index. This is because the body takes a longer time to digest these foods. Hence, the sugars will be absorbed into the bloodstream at a slow pace, leading to a mild increase in blood sugar.

On the other hand, processed or sugary foods have a high glycemic index. This is because the body digests these foods very fast, causing a sudden spike in blood sugar levels.

Since diabetics are unable to naturally control their blood sugar levels, the ingestion of high glycemic foods can lead to symptoms such as excessive hunger, excessive thirst, and frequent urination.

How Can You Reduce the Glycemic Index of Popcorn?

If you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes and are looking for ways to reduce the glycemic index of popcorn, we’ve got some great ideas for you.

Here are some effective tips on making your favorite snack healthier for the whole family and not worry about popcorn gi index.

Use an Air Popper

When it comes to making popcorn a bit more diabetes-friendly, the first step is to use an air popper. This is because plain, air-popped popcorn has a lower glycemic index of about 55 since it does not contain the additional calories that are found in oil-popped popcorn.

If you do not have an air popper, you can pop the kernels in your microwave instead. All you need to do is place the plain kernels in a paper bag and seal the bag by folding the top twice.

Next, place the bag in your microwave for about two to three minutes, and voila! You will have a freshly popped batch of healthy, oil-free popcorn.

Use Healthy Toppings

This is another useful tip that can go a long way toward reducing the glycemic index of popcorn. Artificial toppings such as caramel and butter are quite unhealthy for diabetics. In fact, according to an article on LiveStrong, a single tablespoon of the best movie theater popcorn has up to 130 calories.

For this reason, experts advise that you should replace artificial toppings with healthier options such as:

Garlic
Cinnamon
Chili powder
Low-fat cheese
A drizzle of olive oil

Reduce The Size Of Your Servings

Even though plain popcorn has a moderate glycemic index, excessive popcorn consumption can still cause blood sugar spikes. An article on Medical News Today advises that people with diabetes should avoid eating more than their doctor recommends between meals.

The recommended serving size is about three cups of oil-free popcorn. This contains approximately 90 calories.

What Is the Glycemic Index of Other Popcorn Grains?

Did you know that, apart from corn, other types of grains can pop too when exposed to heat? Here are some other grains to consider when trying to figure out the glycemic index of popcorn:

Sorghum

Popped sorghum looks quite similar to popped corn, only that the pieces are smaller. Furthermore, popped sorghum can be prepared in the same way as popped corn by heating the grains on a stove or in a microwave. Popped sorghum has a mild sweet taste.

The glycemic index of sorghum is 70, and this makes it a high glycemic index food. Hence, diabetics should avoid consuming popped sorghum.

Amaranth

This is another great corn alternative that pops when heated in a pan or microwave. Moreover, amaranth popcorn is much smaller than popped corn, and, furthermore, it has a nutty flavor. In addition, puffed amaranth tends to be softer than popcorn and is rich in protein.

The glycemic index of amaranth is 70, meaning that it is a high glycemic food.

Buckwheat

Buckwheat seeds produce small crunchy popped pieces when heated. Furthermore, popped buckwheat has a toasty or nutty flavor, making it perfect for garnishes and soups.

The glycemic index of buckwheat is 50. Hence, it is a healthier alternative to popped corn.

Which Snacks Have a Low Glycemic Index?

Everyone likes an occasional snack or treat. If you have diabetes, you should only eat snacks with a low glycemic index. Some of these include:

Nuts
Snap Peas
Protein bars
Carrot sticks
Plain marshmallows

What is the Glycemic Index of Popcorn with Olive Oil?

The GI value of popcorn can vary depending on various factors, including the type of popcorn, the method of preparation, and any toppings or seasonings added.

When popcorn is cooked with olive oil, it can lower the GI value due to the presence of healthy fats that slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in popcorn. In general, plain popcorn has a low to moderate GI value, which is around 55 on the glycemic index scale.

This means that consuming popcorn can provide a slower and more sustained release of energy, which can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

What is the Glycemic Index of Popcorn with Butter?

When it comes to popcorn with butter, the GI value can be moderate to high, depending on the quantity of butter added. Generally, plain popcorn has a low to moderate GI value of around 55, which is considered a relatively low GI score. However, when butter is added, the GI value can increase due to the high content of saturated fat, which can affect the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in popcorn.

This can result in a more rapid release of glucose into the bloodstream, causing a spike in blood sugar levels. It is worth noting that consuming small amounts of butter with popcorn may not significantly impact the GI value. Still, excessive amounts of butter or other high-fat toppings should be avoided to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. To enjoy the benefits of popcorn without raising the GI value, consider using healthier toppings like olive oil or herbs instead of butter.

Is Popcorn Safe for Diabetics?

Popcorn is crunchy, tasty, and surprisingly healthy. It contains a wide variety of nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are necessary for a healthy diet. According to a 2014 study published by the Journal of Education and Health Promotion, popcorn without salt, hydrogenated oils, or butter is a healthy snack for people with diabetes.

Hence, if you have been searching for a healthy and tasty snack, then popcorn is a great option to choose.

Next, check out our article Will a Popcorn Kernel Dissolve?