Eating Popcorn Has An Unexpected Effect On Your Poop – Health Digest

The less solid your stool, the more challenging it can be to pass — hello, constipation. Mayo Clinic experts explain that fiber can help ease this discomfort by bulking up your poop while simultaneously softening it, thereby making it easier to have a bowel movement. The indigestible carbohydrate accomplishes this by withdrawing water from your stool while also adding to its weight and size. The type of fiber found in popcorn, specifically, is known as resistant starch, which helps promote a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut, relieve diarrhea, and support excretion of waste from the body (via EC Gastroenterology and Digestive System).

Some types of popcorn are healthier than others, however. While buttered microwavable popcorn may be rich in fiber, these products can also come with a hefty amount of sodium. In fact, that 100-gram serving of microwavable popcorn we referenced earlier may contain 10 grams of fiber, but it also comes with 763 milligrams of sodium (via USDA). For this reason, air-popped popcorn is considered the healthiest option. Experts at Men’s Health suggest reaching for 3 cups of air-popped popcorn the next time you’re feeling a little backed-up. (But wait a minute, does Smartfood popcorn potentially have health benefits?)