Sai Pallavi's beauty secret is a simple, oil-free snack on set. What is it? Doctor explains whether it's healthy or not

Actress Sai Pallavi is known not just for her powerful performances and natural beauty but also for her grounded lifestyle. The Premam star, who often skips heavy makeup in favour of a fresh, real look, has always promoted clean living, and that includes her eating habits. In an old interview, when asked about her favourite snack on set, she simply said: "Popcorn." It’s a choice that surprised some fans but also raised an interesting question: Is popcorn actually good for your health, especially gut health?

Is popcorn healthy for gut?

Popcorn is more than just a movie-time treat. When made correctly, it can be a wholesome, high-fibre food that supports digestive wellness. Popcorn is a whole grain, which means it contains all parts of the grain kernel: bran, germ, and endosperm. This makes it a natural source of dietary fibre, which is essential for smooth digestion, preventing constipation, and keeping you full for longer periods.


But to really understand how popcorn impacts gut health, Dr. Pal Manickam, a U.S.-based gastroenterologist and gut health educator, recently shared on social media that Popcorn is nothing but dried corn kernels popped using heat. Plain popcorn, without butter or added flavour, contains a good amount of fibre, around 10 grams of protein per 100 grams, and about 380 calories. Doctor also shared that he use this as a snack option for gut health.


He added that plain popcorn is low in FODMAPs, making it safe for those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The fibre acts like a broom, cleaning your gut and keeping your digestive system regular. But he also offered a caution: “Store-bought microwave popcorn often contains trans fats and preservatives that can disrupt gut health. It's best made at home.”

Besides this, Dr. Pal’s shared a simple gut-friendly popcorn recipe:
Ingredients:
¼ cup popcorn kernels
½ to 1 tsp olive oil or coconut oil (or butter if preferred)
¼ tsp salt (optional)
Instructions:
Lightly coat the kernels with oil in a bowl.
Heat a large pot over medium heat, add the kernels, and cover with a lid.
Shake the pot every few seconds to prevent burning.
Once the popping slows (about 2 seconds between pops), turn off the heat.
Season with salt or mild spices and enjoy!

Tip: For an oil-free version, use an air popper or microwave the kernels in a brown paper bag.

Sai Pallavi’s snack choice clearly shows her lifestyle, clean, minimal, and rooted in natural health. Her glowing skin and high energy are testaments to the benefits of eating real food.


In fact, according Healthline, popcorn can be one of the healthiest snacks in the world, but only when it's prepared without unhealthy toppings. Their report notes that while popcorn offers fibre, antioxidants, and other nutrients, it can easily go from healthy to harmful depending on how it’s cooked.

So yes, if you’re a Sai Pallavi fan, or just someone looking for a guilt-free snack, popcorn can be a great addition to your diet, as long as you keep it simple and skip the artificial extras. Your gut will thank you for it.