Popcorn: useful properties and harm to the child. Possible harm snacks. Crunch in the cinema

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Popcorn is a traditional Western snack food used primarily at mass events and is relatively inexpensive. This product is made from corn kernels that expand when heated. Useful properties and harm of popcorn? How many calories is this product? Benefits and harms of popcorn for children? You will read about this and much more in our article.

Popcorn or puffed corn, despite the entourage of a modern edible attribute in cinemas and at public events in a number of Western countries, is a fairly traditional form of snack and has been used for thousands of years by the ancient Indians of the American continent.

What is useful popcorn

Is popcorn good for the body? As numerous studies show, puffed corn created from classic cereal, contains a relatively moderate amount of calories, as well as a diverse composition, including B vitamins, magnesium, iodine, potassium, zinc. Also useful properties of popcorn is the presence of a large amount of polyphenols - powerful antioxidants that potentially reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and tumors.

Popcorn is also rich in carbohydrates, protein and fiber., and flakes based on this product are included in various diets, since they have a moderate calorie content, dull the appetite and quickly fill the stomach. The most useful for the body popcorn, prepared at home from a natural product without pesticides, as well as a variety of additives.

Possible harm snacks

Despite the above positive points, in general, modern Doctors say popcorn is bad for fast food or fast food. Why is popcorn harmful to human health? It's all about the technology of production of this product, as well as the features of its application.

In the modern world, it is quite difficult to find absolutely natural puffed corn, because to improve the taste and overall attractiveness, manufacturers add a lot of synthetic components, flavors, and dyes to it. This is how products with a strong aroma of red caviar, cheese, caramel and even chocolate are obtained.

In addition, certain concerns are caused by vegetable oil, on which popcorn is prepared. When it is heated, as well as a fairly rare change, dangerous carcinogens are released into the structure, which can potentiate the development of cancer. Do not forget about a significant amount of salt or sugar. One large dose of submissive can contain the daily allowance.

As a result, the total calorie content of a product manufactured industrially and at home can differ by 4 times. This makes the product undesirable for consumption by children, obese people, the elderly and pregnant women.

Summing up all of the above, it can be categorically stated that in most cases the negative properties of popcorn clearly prevail over the useful ones.

Can kids have popcorn

It is unequivocally impossible to answer this question, since a number of factors should be taken into account, based on which a decision should be made on the advisability of using popcorn in a child’s diet:

Age. Regardless of the origin of popcorn, it is not recommended to use it for children under 8 years of age, due to the fact that the basis of the product in the form of corn is heavy enough for the whole cereal to be digested;
Being overweight. Popcorn is a fairly high-calorie food. Even a homemade dish with a volume of 100 g contains more than 300 kilocalories. If the child is inclined to be overweight, then popcorn is contraindicated for him;

Eating popcorn during pregnancy

A woman in an interesting position very often likes to treat herself to various delicious products. Popcorn is no exception in this regard, as it is equally loved by both children and adults. Can pregnant women eat popcorn?

It should be understood that industrial cooking of popcorn involves the use of a large amount of oil, dyes and various additives, so this type of product is undesirable to use, regardless of the circumstances. However, if fresh grains are purchased for a pregnant woman and cooked at home with a minimum of salt, sugar and other components, then you can treat yourself to a rare inclusion of a designated nutritious product in the diet.

At home, it is better to cook popcorn directly in a pan, and not in a "microwave", because in this situation you can control the opening of the grains and prevent them from burning. Besides dose must be regulated. It should be no more than 100 grams of popcorn during the day, it is desirable to eat it no more than several times a week.

If you develop any negative and pathological symptoms after eating popcorn during pregnancy, you should immediately stop eating popcorn and seek the advice of your doctor.

Product calorie content

Almost all people who consume or want to eat popcorn are wondering about its calorie content. According to official data, the energy value of popcorn is as follows: 100 grams of popcorn contains on average about 375 kilocalories. At the same time, popcorn also contains 4.5 grams of fat, 74 grams of carbohydrates, 11 grams of protein, as well as dietary fiber, sugar, potassium, sodium iron, magnesium, B vitamins.

However, it should be understood that the above data are rather averaged and generalized. For home-made products, the calorie content can even be lower if a minimum of oil is used in cooking. Industrial samples of products, as shown by separate studies, sometimes contain 4 times more calories than the recommended 375 kcal per 100 grams of the final product.

Popcorn poisoning and first aid for intoxication

Popcorn is a classic plant-based food product, so under certain circumstances, it can cause poisoning. Despite the fact that the product, subject to the rules of storage, transportation and use, is not a perishable product.

However, after the expiration of time, a violation of the production technology, bacteria, as well as various pathogenic microorganisms, can start in it. Possible clinical manifestations are formed during the first days after the use of low-quality popcorn and develop gradually. Typical symptoms:

Increased gas formation. Often accompanied by flatulence and bloating, sometimes intestinal colic;
Stomach ache. It is formed mainly in the epigastric region.
Nausea and vomiting. They are usually expressed with medium intensity and proceed relatively gently;
Diarrhea. The chair becomes liquid, Sometimes plentiful, but without admixture of blood;
Other manifestations. The above dyspeptic disorders may be accompanied by general weakness, lack of appetite, headache, dizziness, and rarely, fever.

First aid for symptoms of popcorn poisoning: You will be interested...

Rinse the stomach. The corn base of popcorn breaks down in the stomach for a long time, so an effective method of removing it from the stomach is to flush the organ. Prior to this, the victim must drink about 2 liters of clean water, then induce artificial vomiting and repeat the measures until particles of the product cease to appear in the vomit;
Take an enterosorbent. As a recommended supplement, any available sorbents are usually used that bind the remains of pathogens and toxins, as well as remove them from the body in a safe way. Typical preparations are Polysorb, Enterosgel, Laktofiltrum, activated charcoal. The dosage is calculated individually based on the instructions for the selected drug;
Ensure normal drinking regimen. In the presence of active diarrhea and severe vomiting, the victim quickly loses fluid and may become dehydrated. To minimize the risks of pathology, it is advisable to give a person to drink clean water in small sips once every 15 minutes.

With a significant deterioration in the condition, the development of secondary acute symptoms and the progression of primary manifestations, you should immediately consult a doctor or call an ambulance team at home.

Doctors will qualitatively and quantitatively assess the condition of the victim, after which they may decide to hospitalize the patient to the nearest hospital for emergency medical detoxification, symptomatic therapy and other qualified treatment.

Mankind is familiar with popcorn much longer than you can imagine. Corn pollen was found near Mexico City in a fossil that is over 80,000 years old. It is quite possible to imagine the situation that people could learn about popcorn when an ear of corn fell into a fire. Today it is a fairly common delicacy. But what are the benefits and harms of popcorn?

The benefits of popcorn

Popcorn It is a source of quality carbohydrates and a complete grain product. It can be used in weight loss programs. So, one serving of popcorn contains only 70 kilocalories. Popcorn is satisfying and at the same time does not spoil the appetite, as it is quickly evacuated from the stomach. Its main advantage is that it contains a large amount of fiber.

Harm of popcorn

As such, this product does not bring direct harm, but the methods of its preparation can be dangerous to human health.

Firstly, popcorn is often cooked in microwave ovens, and what we have already written. Also cooking popcorn can lead to lung disease not only among food industry workers, but also among ordinary consumers, American doctors warn. The first case of the development of a life-threatening pathology, allegedly associated with the frequent preparation of popcorn at home, was described by employees of the National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver, Colorado.

ABOUT popcorn linked to risk of lung disease became known several years ago. It is believed that harm of popcorn for humans may represent substances formed when diacetyl, a flavoring in oil that is added to corn kernels when preparing a popular product, is strongly heated. Currently, several hundred Americans who worked in popcorn factories are seeking health compensation from manufacturing companies.

Cecile Rose, an employee at the Denver Clinic, wrote to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about a case of lung disease in a person who had no relation to industrial production. popcorn. A patient seeking medical attention complaining of cough and breathing problems ate several servings of popcorn every day for seven years, which he prepared at home. On physical examination, he was diagnosed with progressive expiratory dyspnea.

In the patient's kitchen, measurements of harmful substances were made, which showed that the concentrations of diacetyl there corresponded to the levels recorded near factory ovens in popcorn factories. Doctors persuaded the patient to give up his favorite dish, after which his condition stabilized.

“We cannot say for sure that the disease is caused by the harmful effects of flavorings in popcorn oil, but we have no other plausible explanation.” Rose notes.

In turn, the American Association of Extracts and Flavoring Manufacturers recommended sponsored enterprises to reduce the content of diacetyl in their products if possible, noting, however, that the use of this substance in the food industry is allowed by the FDA.

pop corn occupies a place of honor among people who regularly visit the cinema. It is also consumed in amusement parks and family homes. Popcorn is loved by many for its sweet and, on the contrary, salty taste. On this basis, many questions arise that relate to the benefits and harms of treats. Let's consider all aspects in more detail.

nutritional value of popcorn

Popcorn is known to be made from corn. It includes many nutrients, including starchy compounds. At the same time, the calorie content grows in proportion to how the corn is dried, then turned into popcorn. During heat treatment, water evaporates, the grains become almost weightless. Read more:
However, after drying, corn does not lose its useful qualities. Popcorn concentrates about 80 gr. carbohydrates per 100 gr. product. At the same time, the calorie content of the snack is 400 Kcal. Due to the fact that popcorn is light, you need to try very hard to consume this amount of calories.
In the process of making popcorn, vegetable oil is used, which increases the calorie content by an order of magnitude. Sugar and other sweeteners, salt are also added. The calorie content of caramelized popcorn is 460-470 Kcal.

a product with salt increases blood pressure, which is important for hypotensive patients;
popcorn in caramel cheers up;
removes bad cholesterol, therefore it is used to prevent atherosclerosis;
prevents the development of osteoporosis;
enhances intestinal motility;
contributes to the rapid digestibility of food;
prevents oncological diseases;
keeps cognitive functions in good shape;
participates in weight loss, despite the high calorie content;
preserves the youthfulness of the tissues of the whole organism.

The benefits of popcorn

Corn grains include germ, bran, endosperm. All these elements are concentrated in barley, wheat, rice and other cereals. Valuable substances are necessary for the human body to function properly.
The product is rich in B-group vitamins, fiber, mineral compounds. Dietary fiber improves intestinal motility, kills harmful microflora, and fights constipation. With the systematic intake of popcorn, you will improve the absorption of food and prevent its fermentation in the cavity of the internal organs.
B vitamins, namely riboflavin and pantothenic acid, have a positive effect on the non-psycho-emotional environment of a person. Popcorn helps to cope with anxiety, insomnia, lethargy and bad mood.
Tocopherol in combination with retinol forms a powerful duo of antioxidants. These vitamins prevent premature aging of tissues, improve the condition of the skin and hair.
Popcorn contains special compounds that have the ability to remove harmful cholesterol from the walls of the blood channels. All this leads to the prevention of atherosclerosis, varicose veins, thrombophlebitis.
Popcorn dilates blood channels and improves blood flow to internal organs. The latter, in turn, begin to work harmoniously and in full force.
Experienced cardiologists unanimously argue that corn in any form should be eaten by people who have a tendency to cardiovascular pathologies. Popcorn prevents coronary artery disease, stroke, myocardial infarction.
The shell of corn grains accumulates a lot of fiber and polyphenols - the most powerful antioxidant substances. Popcorn promotes the outflow of bile, normalizes the functioning of the liver and cleanses its cavity of toxic compounds.
Numerous studies by scientists have proven that more antioxidants are concentrated in one serving of popcorn than in 100 grams. fruits or vegetables. This allows you to remove free radicals that damage the cells of the body.
It is useful for elderly people to eat popcorn to prevent the formation of senile dementia. Also, this type of corn is used to prevent Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, night blindness, osteoporosis.
Despite the calorie content, popcorn is a low glycemic food. For this reason, one or two servings will not harm the health of people with diabetes. In addition, patients with celiac disease will not have health problems due to the content of gluten in popcorn.

Do not buy ready-made popcorn in street stalls, in the bazaar, in the store. Opt for dried fruits or unsalted nuts instead of corn.
If there is a sharp desire to eat popcorn, buy grains from a trusted seller, which subsequently form a treat. You can purchase the item loose.
When choosing ready-made popcorn, you run the risk of gaining excess weight or “feasting on” preservatives and palm oil. And corn kernels do not contain these substances, you can cook popcorn at home using a microwave or stove.
Microwaves have a negative effect on corn kernels. It is better to pour the contents into a deep saucepan and cook on the stove. If desired, grease the bottom of the container with corn or olive oil, but not vegetable oil (it releases carcinogens when heated).
Lovers of sweet popcorn pour sugar syrup over the popcorn during the cooking process. Those who like salty dishes sprinkle salt on corn. Act according to personal preference.

Popcorn for pregnant women

Girls during gestation should treat popcorn with caution. The benefits and harms of such a product are highly questionable. Therefore, the representatives of the weaker sex are interested in the pressing issue.
It should be borne in mind that popcorn, which is not prepared at home, cannot be beneficial in itself. When preparing the product, harmful food additives, not the first freshness oil and dyes are used. Therefore, eating popcorn during pregnancy is not recommended.
You can look from the other side. If you choose high-quality fresh corn, you diversify your usual diet. At home, popcorn is recommended to cook in a pan. Raw materials often burn out in a microwave oven. In small portions, homemade popcorn will be useful.

Popcorn for kids

All children love a fairly popular treat and can eat an almost unlimited amount. Parents should be aware that popcorn sold at entertainment centers has a lot of synthetic additives, dyes and flavor enhancers.
It is better to avoid such a product. Try to explain to the child that he is spoiled and should not be eaten. Find an alternative in the form of similar sweets, such as natural marmalade, fruits, nuts.
Use a little trick and feed your child a regular meal before going to the cinema. Purchase healthier snacks in advance that your child loves too. Make popcorn at home if possible.
Thus, you yourself will be able to control the amount of added sugar or salt when preparing raw materials. Natural popcorn in this case will bring undoubted benefits to the child. It is important not to give the child the opportunity to overeat. Otherwise, you will run into a number of problems.

It has been proven that popcorn is addictive, do not neglect the reliable fact. Nutritionists and adherents of a healthy lifestyle do not recommend eating popcorn more than once a month.
Keep in mind that diacetyl should not be included in the composition of the semi-finished product or finished raw materials. The substance is detrimental to the human body. Most often, diacetyl is found in ready-made popcorn, which is sold in entertainment centers.
Diacetyl is a flavor additive. The substance is extremely harmful to the respiratory system. Often, the abuse of such popcorn leads to the formation of fibrosis in the lungs.
Unnatural popcorn has been proven to contribute to Alzheimer's disease. Flavoring additives in the finished product have a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Often, gastritis develops, then an ulcer, gastric flatulence and colitis.
Often commercial popcorn is prepared with palm oil. The product is famous for its negative effect on the body. When heated, the plant composition releases dangerous carcinogens for humans. Substances promote the development of cancer cells by activating free radicals.
As a rule, when frying popcorn in palm oil, the finished product acquires a significant calorie content. Dried grains have about 400 kcal per 100 grams. After cooking popcorn, the indicator rises to the level of 1200 Kcal. Think that if you abuse the product, obesity will be added to everything else.
When the product is prepared on an industrial scale, manufacturers add a large amount of sugar or salt. An excess of the latter substance in the human body leads to serious disturbances, in particular, the water-alkaline balance. Sugar leads to rapid weight gain and the development of diabetes. Work of a pancreas worsens.

Undoubtedly, popcorn is good for the human body, if consumed in moderation. Kids enjoy popping popcorn while watching cartoons, and adults use it when going to the cinema. Due to the high calorie content, the product should not be abused. Then you will only benefit for yourself.

Homemade popcorn: cooking the famous popcorn at home

Popcorn has long been popular all over the world and has won the love of millions of people. This dish is a grain of a certain variety of corn, subjected to heat treatment.

Due to the effect of high temperature (about 200 degrees), liquid starch inside the grain explodes its shell, forming a foamy bulk mass, which instantly solidifies.

The calorie content of “pure” corn without additives is 300 kcal per 100 g, and with the inclusion of additional ingredients, it can reach up to 500 kcal.

This airy delicacy is immediately associated with relaxing in the park or going to the cinema. But often not entirely useful components are added to its composition, so many began to cook popcorn at home on their own. It is very simple and fast, and most importantly - harmless. Consider step by step and with a photo how to make popcorn at home in several ways.

Not all varieties of grains are suitable for cooking airy treats. Corn for popcorn should preferably be from wild-growing uncultivated varieties, where the kernels have a strong shell that can withstand exposure to high temperatures.

An ordinary culture intended for cooking will not work, as it will quickly burst without reaching the required degree of roasting. This is one of the main reasons why homemade popcorn may fail.

You can also purchase ready-made special grains for popcorn in dry form. The contents of the package are easily and quickly prepared in a microwave oven, or on a dry frying pan. You just need to follow the instructions on the pack itself.

Popcorn in a frying pan

To prepare popcorn in this way, you need only two ingredients and a minimum amount of time.

You will need:

Large frying pan with a thick bottom and a lid (can be replaced with a saucepan);
Corn grains - 100 g;
Refined vegetable corn or sunflower oil - 30 ml.

The cooking scheme is very simple:

Pour oil into a frying pan and warm it up well, reduce the flame level to a minimum. Oil can not be used at all, but the dishes must be non-stick or Teflon coated;
Quickly spread the corn evenly in a single layer over the hot oil. This is necessary so that all the grains open and fry;
Close the lid tightly, add gas and wait. After a while, pops from bursting grains will begin to be heard. They can be very strong, so you may have to hold on to the lid to keep our popcorn from popping and spilling onto the stove;
When the frequency of pops decreases, you need to gently shake the pan without opening the lid;
After the mixing process, remove the corn from the flame and leave to cool for 10 minutes under the lid. During this time, the remaining grains should open in the hot oil. After this time, open the lid. The popcorn in the pan should be ready. The product should be consumed completely cold.

If you like salty popcorn, then immediately after removing the lid, sprinkle the corn with finely granulated salt, but ordinary or iodized salt can also be used. A sweet version can be obtained by sprinkling a hot treat with powdered sugar, which can also be additionally flavored with cinnamon or vanilla.

This method is particularly simple, so microwave popcorn is an ideal option for quickly preparing your favorite treat for a home movie show.

You will need:

Container or glassware with lid for microwave oven;
Corn kernels;
Vegetable oil.

How to make popcorn:

We lay the grains on the bottom of the container in one layer. It's best not to take too many at once. It is necessary to calculate the amount based on the fact that 25 g of corn during frying will fill a volume of 1 liter;
Pour a little oil over the corn so that it is slightly covered with an oil film;
Close the container tightly with a lid and send it to the microwave for 4 minutes at full power. As soon as intensive pops cease to be heard, then the product is ready. You can immediately sprinkle the treat with powdered sugar or salt, making popcorn sweet or salty, respectively.

You can also make caramel yummy. To do this, pour a glass of sugar and 30 g of high-quality butter into a small saucepan. Boil the mixture for 10 minutes on low gas, stirring regularly, at the end add two tablespoons of water and mix everything again. Pour the finished caramel in a thin stream into the popcorn and mix well.

An even simpler option is to make popcorn from prepackaged seeds. To do this, you need to carefully remove the bag, without violating the tightness and place it in the oven with the picture down.

You also need to make sure that during rotation the package does not touch the inner walls of the device, otherwise some grains may not open or burn. You need to cook a yummy for three minutes at maximum power. Once the crackling stops, the product is ready.

Popcorn in a special machine

The easiest and fastest way to prepare your favorite treat is with a popcorn machine. But at the same time, this option is more expensive, and it is rarely possible to purchase the unit itself in ordinary household appliance stores.

You can order it mainly in specialized online stores. In addition, it will be possible to purchase raw materials and additives for making popcorn.

Such devices differ in a variety of sizes, functions, appearance, and, accordingly, have different performance and cost. Therefore, when choosing a device, you should pay special attention to all these parameters.

The boiler is preheated to a high temperature, reaching about 300 degrees, under the influence of which the grains burst. In a word, everything is exactly the same as in a frying pan or in a microwave, only more automated.

But do not forget that any technique requires careful maintenance. Therefore, the apparatus must be washed after each cooking process, and each time cooking with new oil. Careful operation will help to avoid breakdowns and allow you to regularly delight yourself and loved ones with the freshest airy treat.

Such a popular delicacy today as popcorn is not at all an invention of our time. An interesting feature of corn grains - to explode with strong heating, turning into delicious flakes, people noticed 5 thousand years ago. This date dates back to the most ancient flakes found. And popcorn first became popular among the first American colonists who saw and tasted this delicacy from the Indians.

But the difference between modern popcorn and the one that the wise Indians treated their guests to is that a large number of additives are used in its production, as well as oil, which is not always of high quality. This has become a stumbling block for nutritionists. And anyone who loves popcorn. Calorie content from such manipulations grows two or three times, and useful trace elements and vitamins disappear. And it is not for nothing that such flakes are declared harmful. How to figure out if popcorn is healthy, and what kind of treat is more acceptable?

Corn itself is quite nutritious. All the useful substances contained in it, contains popcorn. Its calorie content is quite high, but it's not so bad. Sieving 40 g of a properly prepared treat for breakfast, you can completely satisfy your hunger and not harm your stomach. It contains polyphenols, which have high antioxidant activity. Cellulose and ballast materials. It is rich in B vitamins - B1 and B2. The trace elements contained in this delicacy are especially useful - potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium.

Why is there so much debate about whether popcorn is healthy? What are nutritionists right about, and how to avoid the threat of adding extra pounds by gobbling up this delicacy while watching a movie? Here are a few mistakes that people who love popcorn often make.

The calorie content of food largely depends on the method of preparation. No one argues with the fact that boiled meat is healthier than fried in a large amount of oil. So is popcorn. It acquires calories during the cooking process. Do not expect that by frying corn in a pan with the addition of a sufficiently large amount of oil or fat, as well as salt, you will get a dietary and healthy product. Try not to use them at all or reduce the amount.

The most healthy popcorn, the calorie content of which does not threaten the figure at all, is cooked with air under pressure, without salt, sugar and oil. Nutritionists advise using only spices for taste - black, red pepper or others.

Preparation of popcorn from semi-finished products. Such things are already stuffed with various dyes, flavors, sweeteners, etc. Popcorn made from natural corn is much healthier.

The ready-made popcorn that we buy in movie theaters is really bad. And for the figure, and for health. But not by itself, but because of the additives. Some of them are not recommended for use, for example, in the USA. But they are still used in popcorn. In addition, with strong heat treatment (much stronger than in a homemade frying pan), most of the beneficial trace elements and vitamins are destroyed.

Popcorn with various additives - cheese, caramel - has a much higher calorie content. If for a simple one it is about 300 kcal per 100 g, then for caramel (dipped in caramel syrup) it is already 900.

Popcorn is tasty and light, so you can eat a lot of it in one sitting. Especially if at this moment you enjoy a thriller. This is what destroys the figures of his fans. If you have such a weakness, take yourself only an acceptable amount. And keep in mind that after salty popcorn you will really want to drink. And lemonade is also quite high in calories.

And yet, if you choose between chips, crackers, chocolate bars and other snacks, then popcorn will be more useful. If you do not eat it in an amount calculated in buckets. But it already depends on us.

The American Indians were the first to try popcorn. When kindling a fire, the cob fell into the fire, frightened people with its pops. Having tasted the puffed grain, the ancient inhabitants appreciated the taste and aroma. They began to add it to the first dishes, fry it in oil, decorate their hair, and use it to make accessories.

The Indians shared their discovery with the British. In 1885, C. Keethors invented a specialized popcorn maker. It was called "Popper". The miracle machine was equipped with wheels, could move around the city, treating residents with a delicious treat.

Many people wonder why corn bursts loud enough? The cause of the explosion is simple, it is due to the smooth and dense skin, which is inherent in this particular variety of maize. When in contact with hot oils, the pressure inside increases, which leads to a loud pop and the opening of the grain. For corn to pop, the kernel must have a whole shell.

Popcorn is a favorite treat for many people, regardless of age. That is why everyone is interested in the benefits and harms of popcorn, what effect does it have on the human body?

Useful properties of popcorn

Popcorn is made from corn. It contains many nutritional compounds, including starchy components. Calorie content is determined by the method of preparation. During cooking, the liquid evaporates, which makes the "opened flowers" almost weightless.

After drying corn cobs, they do not lose their beneficial properties. There are about 80 g of carbohydrates per 100 g of product. At the same time, the calorie content of the snack is 400 calories. In the cooking process, vegetable oils are used, which increase the calorie content of the product. As well as granulated sugar, caramel, table salt and other ingredients.

What is the benefit of popcorn? A treat with salt helps to increase blood pressure, which is important for people suffering from hypotension. Popcorn with caramel is uplifting; removes excess "dangerous" cholesterol from the body. In addition, puffed corn improves intestinal motility, improves digestibility of food. It can be eaten without harm to the figure, despite the high calorie content, since 100 g is a fairly large volume.

Is popcorn healthy? Certainly yes. Its useful properties are as follows:

Corn grains abound in B vitamins, plant fiber, and mineral elements. Fiber improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, prevents constipation. Systematic use improves the process of assimilation of food, prevents decay in the intestines.
B vitamins have a positive effect on the psycho-emotional state of men and women. They struggle with increased anxiety, sleep disturbance, apathy, as they have a beneficial effect on the activity of the central nervous system.
Tocopherol and retinol are the most powerful combination of natural antioxidants. They prevent the natural aging of tissues, improve the condition of the skin, hair, and nail plates.
Sweet corn contains special elements that cleanse blood vessels from atherosclerotic plaques. Accordingly, popcorn is a good prevention of atherosclerosis, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins.
Air corn slightly dilates blood vessels, which increases blood circulation in the body, as a result, internal organs and tissues receive more oxygen and nutrients.
Popcorn has a low glycemic index, so it can be consumed by people with diabetes.
A small serving of popcorn contains more antioxidants than 100 g of vegetables or fruits. This effect allows you to remove free radicals that destroy cells from the body.

Practicing cardiologists note that corn in any form, including popcorn, is a good prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Puffed corn prevents the development of coronary heart disease, heart attack, cerebral hemorrhage.

Possible harm from popcorn

Popcorn is a delicacy that adults and children like. It can be eaten on a diet. Nutritionists note that it perfectly satisfies cravings for sweets, while it does not affect the process of losing weight. Of course, only in small quantities. It should be borne in mind that various additives - sugar, caramel, etc., significantly increase the calorie content.

It would seem that popcorn is a “healing” product. But this is on the one hand, on the other hand, like other food, it is harmful. Why is popcorn bad? It has been proven that popcorn is addictive, so doctors do not recommend eating sweets more than twice a month.

As part of the finished product, which is sold in cinemas and in stores, there is such an additive as diacetyl. It adversely affects the respiratory system, health in general. With abuse for a long time, not only the state of health worsens, but also the risk of pulmonary fibrosis increases.

Popcorn Harm:

Quite often commercial-scale popcorn is prepared with the addition of palm oil. It is famous for its negative impact on the human body. When heated, dangerous carcinogens are released that contribute to the development of oncological processes;
The additives contained in the finished product can lead to stomach diseases - gastritis, erosive or ulcerative lesions.

Definitely, the benefits of popcorn for the body are undeniable, if eaten in moderation. Children are happy to eat popcorn while watching cartoons, and adults cannot deny themselves a treat in cinemas. Due to the high calorie content, it is not recommended to eat often and a lot. That's the only way to benefit.

Popcorn poisoning and possible complications

Anyone can get poisoned by popcorn - both an adult and a child. Despite the fact that corn does not belong to products with a short shelf life, bacteria and fungi can start in it against the background of long-term storage. Also, poisoning is possible if sanitary standards are not observed during the cooking process. Dirty hands of staff increase the risk of infections and bacterial diseases.

The clinic of intoxication develops within 12 hours after consumption. The patient is sick, vomiting is observed, there are painful sensations in the abdomen. Also, increased gas formation, loose stools are detected. In severe intoxication, subfebrile temperature may be observed.

Sweet corn poisoning can lead to negative consequences. They are caused by the harmful effects of toxins on the stomach. Possible consequences include:

Gastritis (inflammation of the lining of the stomach).
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas.
Acetonemic syndrome (a complication that develops in children).

Treatment of poisoning involves the use of sorbents, drinking regimen - you need to drink plenty of clean water. Within 10 days, it is recommended to follow a diet - the rejection of fatty, spicy, salty and sweet foods.

Popcorn during pregnancy and for children

During the bearing of a child, popcorn should be eaten carefully, since in this case the benefits and harms of the product are in doubt. It is better to completely refuse a purchased product, since it always contains harmful food additives and dyes. That is why it is undesirable to consume popcorn during pregnancy.

If you want treats, you can cook it yourself at home. It is better to cook in a pan or in a deep saucepan, rather than using a microwave, as microwaves adversely affect the grains.

Almost all kids love popcorn. But in entertainment centers, corn is sold, which is always "flavored" with synthetic additives, flavors, dyes and flavor enhancers. Namely, these components are completely unhealthy for the child's body, on the contrary, they have a negative impact.

Is popcorn good for the body? The answer is yes, but on the condition that the popcorn was cooked at home. It is not difficult at all, and the result is a tasty and safe product. "Snow-white flowers" can be sprinkled with caramel syrup - this is an option for lovers of sweets or sprinkled with salt while still warm.