Savory Vegan Popcorn

Savory Vegan Popcorn

The cheesy nutty popcorn is big on taste and better for you than movie popcorn. 

Healthy benefits

Organic popping corn does not have the pesticide residues or other toxic residues commonly found on conventionally grown corn, and it has not have been genetically engineered (as genetic engineering is not allowed in production of certified organic foods).

Popcorn is an abundant source of fiber, and that it has some B vitamins and minerals such as manganese, magnesium, iron, zinc and phosphorous. Being 100% whole grain, it has antioxidant properties which help protect against cancers, heart diseases, and other illnesses that are caused by free radicals (cells that attack other healthy ones).

Nutritional Yeast is very rich in B vitamins, including B12, which is what gives it that yellow color. Vitamin B-12 is essential for a healthy nervous system, proper food metabolism, and the construction and regeneration of red blood cells. One serving of nutritional yeast, about ½-1 Tbsp, provides the full amount of B12 needed for an adult in day.  It is a great source of 18 amino acids, protein, folic acid, biotin and other vitamins.  It is also rich in 15 minerals including iron, magnesium, phorphorus, zinc, and chromium, and selenium.

Ingredients (4 servings – 86 calories per serving)
1/2 cup of organic popcorn kernels
2 tbsp of Earth Balance butter
1 tbsp of Bragg's nutritional yeast
1/4 tsp of sea salt

Preparation

- Cook air popcorn
- Melt Earth Balance butter in microwave for 20 seconds
- Drizzle butter over freshly popped popcorn (allows nutritional yeast to stick)
- Add Nutritional Yeast
- Add Sea Salt

Note to vegan chef

Corn is one of the most commonly genetically modified foods on the market. In fact, 85% of US corn is genetically altered. A growing number of health officials are concerned that genetically engineered foods have dire consequences on the environment—and our health. Sidestep the issue by choosing organic popcorn.

Nutrition (per 8 oz. serving)
Calories: 86
Total fat: 5.9 g
     Sat. fat: 2 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 205.6 mg
Carbohydrates: 6.7 g
     Fiber: 1.2 g
     Sugars: 0 g
Protein: 1.8 g

Reference:  The Surprising Popcorn Power, The Health Benefits of Popcorn, Popcorn's Surprising Health Benefits, The Health Benefits of Nutritional Yeast, Bragg Nutritional Yeast FAQ's, Loseit.com