Popcorn: benefits and harms to the human body

It's hard to imagine a movie show without a bucket of popcorn. This is a mandatory, one might say classic, “accessory” for a pleasant stay with friends or family. Tasty popcorn is loved by both adults and children. Manufacturers are constantly offering new flavors to satisfy a wide variety of needs.

What is popcorn?

Popcorn or popcorn is a dish that is cooked using heat treatment of a particular kind of corn kernel. Under the influence of high temperature, the walls of the grains burst or, as they say, “explode”. This mass preserves the resulting shape, which is why the volume of popcorn is much larger than the size of the grains. It is served with a variety of additives, both sweet and savory.

What are they made of?

Traditionally, popcorn is made from certain varieties of corn. Suitable corn seeds contain a drop of water with starch. Under the influence of high temperature, the water heats up, turning into steam, which begins to put pressure on the walls of the grain and breaks it inside.

What corn is suitable for popcorn?

The desired ratio of starch and water “guarantees an explosion” of corn, turning it into a delicious popcorn. This requires special varieties that differ in a hard and glassy shell. The remains of the shell remain on the final product, which adds to its appetizing appearance.

Suitable grain for popcorn has a number of features:

• thin walls that should burst easily;
• varnished surface, which is sometimes stored on the finished product;
• low percentage of starch;
• high in fat and protein.

But the main thing is the “right” amount of water that is contained in the grain. With its lack of explosion is impossible. In this case, an excess of moisture in the grain will lead to the fact that it will require too high a temperature for making popcorn.

Varieties of Corn for Popcorn

For the production of popcorn, several proven varieties are used that meet all the necessary requirements:

1. Red popcorn. Its grains are distinguished by a rich shade similar to mahogany.
2. The hotel. The most undemanding variety in care, and therefore often used. Grains have a uniform yellow tint.
3. Pop-Pop. It differs in fairly large ears (18-21 cm). The grains themselves are painted sunny yellow. The shape is long and quite wide. They have a pleasant sweet taste.
4. Volcano. Corn of this variety is distinguished by grains similar in shape to rice. Their color can vary from pale yellow to bright saturated. Popcorn fans appreciate this variety for its excellent palatability. The cobs are quite large and completely filled with seeds. Each ear gives up to 120 g of selected grains.
5. Vnuchkina joy. It is rarely used, as the variety is rather moody. The grains are small, pale orange in color.

All of these varieties are suitable for self-cultivation, and then cooking delicious popcorn at home.

Appearance story

According to legend, popcorn appeared back in the days of the Indians, who cooked it at the stake in clay pots.With the advent of the English colonies, the first settlers adopted the recipe for cooking an unusual dish. Industrial production of popcorn dates back to 1886, and the process was launched in Chicago. Complement the movie viewing with a crispy dish of steel since 1912, which can be considered a landmark for moviegoers and popcorn lovers.

What is more harmful: chips or popcorn

Unlike such “quick” snacks, like chips, popcorn is considered almost harmless, especially if you do not use additives. Pure "empty" popcorn, without additives, salt, sugar or butter, is a better snack than chips, even for those who want to lose weight.

American scientists, after conducting a series of experiments, proved that popcorn is a healthier option for a light snack than potato chips.

Composition and calorie content

The calorie content of popcorn, first of all, depends on the method of its preparation. If you use oil or other additives, the level of fats and carbohydrates increases significantly, and, accordingly, the calorie content of the product increases. So, in the sweet version with the addition of caramel (one of the most popular) per 100 grams, 420 kcal. The calorie content of salted popcorn does not exceed 400 kcal. The highest rate is cheese popcorn or with the addition of butter - in this case, the figure is about 500 kcal.

The main composition of corn grains is fast carbohydrates. The ratio of the remaining components is as follows:

• Proteins - 8.1.
• Carbohydrates - 63.7.
• Fats - 6.5.

Of course, popcorn is considered a high-calorie snack and can harm the figure, but if you use this product without additives that increase its energy value, then the harmful effects can almost be eliminated.

Vitamin chemical composition is represented mainly by the B-group. So, popcorn is rich in fiber and potassium, polyphenol - a chemical compound with antioxidant properties. Popcorn is also a storehouse of useful minerals such as: Na, P, Mg, Zn, Fe, etc.

What is useful popcorn

This product is useful due to the composition of corn grains, which are a valuable source of vitamins, calcium and fiber. The cereal product itself is considered low-calorie, but at the same time nutritious and quickly satisfies hunger. Of course, this applies only to popcorn without additives, which not only add calories to it, but are also considered harmful. They contain artificial dyes and flavor enhancers that are not only not beneficial, but also addictive.

Another significant factor is the way the grain is opened. The safest method is air disclosure, when the fruits of corn are opened with hot air, without the intervention of "harmful" production.

The use of properly prepared popcorn can be compared with corn, which brings undoubted benefits to the body, namely:

• contributes to the proper functioning of the intestines;
• Helps lower blood sugar
• improves skin and hair condition;
• acts as a natural antioxidant.

In addition, the use of nutritious popcorn has a positive effect on the activity of the nervous system and accelerates metabolic processes in the body. The latter is especially highlighted by people who want to lose weight. By the way, Madonna used popcorn as a diet and was pleased with the results.

Is it possible to popcorn to pregnant and lactating women

Doctors do not recommend eating popcorn for pregnant and lactating mothers, even a home-cooked product is prohibited. During this period, the woman’s body is weakened, so doctors recommend her to eat only natural food.

Popcorn contains monosodium glutamate, which compromises the health of the expectant mother and baby. Salt retains fluid in the body, causing a violation of the water balance, which negatively affects the functioning of the kidneys. A high sugar content has a negative effect on the pancreas.Therefore, it is not recommended for regular use by small children, nursing and pregnant women, as it can provoke a number of serious diseases.

At what age can children popcorn

The child's body is extremely susceptible to food, especially in the first two years of life. Doctors strongly advise making the child’s diet useful and varied, and most importantly, saturated with the necessary vitamins for growth and development. Therefore, not all adult foods are suitable for young children.

Popcorn is no exception, its composition and method of preparation are not suitable for a child’s weak stomach. Therefore, occasionally you can pamper your baby with a delicious treat starting from 4 years old, not earlier. This is mainly due to fiber, which is part of corn, and, accordingly, popcorn. It can lead to digestive upsets and cause diarrhea in young children.

Can I eat popcorn while losing weight?

With limited use of popcorn, it can be used as a snack in dietary nutrition. Of course, we are talking only about a “pure” product, without additional additives in the form of caramel, chocolate or salty flavor enhancers. They increase the calorie content of popcorn and prolong the process of losing weight.

An additional bonus, thanks to which it can be included in the diet menu, is a high fiber content. It effectively fights toxins and slags, cleansing the body of their harmful effects and increasing the level of metabolism, and it is directly related to the process of losing weight.

Popcorn in medicine

If we consider only the composition of the product, then it can not cause harm to health, and even vice versa - it can bring obvious benefits. But we are talking only about popcorn without additives, and such options are rarely found on sale.

Important! Industrial-made popcorn contains diacetyl, which has a negative effect on the body, leading to respiratory diseases. Often, it is even found in bags of grains, which are sold for self-cooking in the microwave.

With diabetes

Allowed only homemade popcorn, excluding harmful additives. Thus prepared popcorn is nutritious and helps lower blood glucose. In addition, it speeds up the metabolism due to the low glycemic index.

With pancreatitis

Eating any corn products for this disease is only in a limited amount and only self-cooking, since the fiber contained in popcorn is quite complicated for the stomach, especially weakened by the disease.

With gastritis

In order not to provoke acute attacks and not aggravate the disease, you should forget about regular intake of popcorn. Sometimes you can afford a small amount of the product, but only on the condition of home cooking, eliminating harmful manufacturing additives.

For constipation

With proper preparation, this corn product can even help combat regular stool problems. Fiber cleanses the body well, acting as a laxative. Of course, it is worth considering the individual reaction of the body to the product.

With gout

Fiber helps remove salts from the body, and gout is nothing more than putting them off in certain places. Therefore, the use of pure popcorn will have a good effect on the general condition of the body and will not aggravate the disease.

With cholecystitis

The diet for this disease involves a fractional nutrition system, at least 5-6 times a day, which means that you need to make small snacks. Natural popcorn is a great option for a nutritious snack that you can take with you.The main condition remains unchanged - you need to cook it yourself from high-quality grains, the origin of which guarantees the exclusion of any additives and treatments.

Harm and contraindications

The main disadvantage of popcorn is the production process, which contains a number of harmful additives. Fans of ready-made popcorn should pay attention to the main features of this process.

1. The popcorn makers use a special oil that is very harmful to the body in order to give it the very flavor that attracts consumers so much.
2. Chemical additives and flavor enhancers with regular use of popcorn cause allergies and digestive upsets in children.
3. Salty popcorn traps water in the body, causing thirst attacks and the occurrence of edema.
4. Sweet foods are harmful because of their calorie content, especially for overweight people. They are also banned for those who suffer from diabetes.
5. Prefabricated popcorn, which is sold for self-cooking, also contains harmful additives. A microwave is suitable for its preparation, and this method kills all the useful properties of grains, in addition, microwave rays adversely affect health.

Is it possible to poison popcorn

If the product is poorly prepared or the shelf life of the main raw material is violated, then the threat of poisoning exists. When buying, it is worthwhile to carefully study the composition and shelf life of the product in order to avoid negative consequences. This can be completely eliminated only by making popcorn independently from naturally grown grain.

How to make popcorn at home

There are several ways to make popcorn yourself:

• in a pan on a regular stove;
• in the microwave;
• using special equipment.

The popcorn maker is very convenient to use. It evenly heats corn grains and does not consume much oil. In a few minutes, this machine allows you to cook popcorn that does not contain harmful food additives.

The only drawback of this machine is the need for the cost of its purchase, as well as the need to purchase a non-stick additive, without which sugar added to corn can ruin the device.

In the microwave

For this, a semi-finished product that is packaged in special packages is suitable. It is placed in an oven and cooked for several minutes. Quick and easy!

In the pan

A container with high sides and preferably a glass lid is used so that you can observe the process. At the bottom you need to pour a small amount of refined oil, and pour out the grain. Cover tightly with a lid. When the grains begin to explode, turn off the gas. The lid can only be removed when all the grains are open.

In a slow cooker

The process is similar to cooking on the stove. The only difference is that there is no way to observe the cooking, so you should clearly follow the instructions. As a basis, you can use any kind of popcorn grains, coconut or corn oil, only refined. For cooking, the “frying” or “cooking” mode is selected. Popcorn is ready when the characteristic sounds of explosions cease when opening the grains.

How to make Sweet Popcorn

For the preparation of sweet popcorn, it is best to use powdered sugar. It is very sweet and can be used in small quantities. You can also use hot chocolate or caramel, they are placed separately and used according to the fondue principle.

How to make buckwheat popcorn

For the preparation of popcorn, not only corn, but also buckwheat is suitable. To do this, use the so-called air buckwheat, which can be purchased at the supermarket. It is prepared according to the same principle as corn.

Buckwheat can be cooked on its own.To do this, it is pre-boiled until half cooked, then dried in the oven. After that, you can cook healthy popcorn.

Can I make popcorn in the oven?

An oven is also suitable for cooking, especially an electric one with a clear temperature regime. This is a key factor for the end result. The oven must be evenly heated to ensure high-quality grain opening. For cooking, you need a special heat-resistant container, deep enough, with a tight-fitting lid. The whole process takes no more than 20 minutes.

Shelf life of ready-made popcorn

Popcorn is stored depending on its preparation. So, if the corn was cooked in palm oil, then you can store the finished product for 12 months. This period is often indicated by many manufacturers, which indicates the quality of the goods.

When refined sunflower oil is used for cooking, the shelf life is significantly reduced - up to 4 months. If the choice fell on ready-made popcorn, then it is better to dwell on this option. You can store a homemade product for 1-2 days, while it retains its beneficial properties. In addition, it quickly loses its characteristic crisp effect, as it is too susceptible to moisture.

Can I give popcorn to animals?

It is not advisable to feed pets with human food, especially cooked in an unconventional way. Nuts, chips and popcorn will not benefit the animal at any age, and even harm the little ones. They can choke on large pieces.

Interesting Popcorn Facts

This dish has a long and interesting history, which can be seen by reading a few interesting facts about popcorn.

1. The first popcorn machine was invented in Chicago in 1885. Charlie Critors did it. The device in the form of a trolley easily moved through the streets, and the seller offered the walkers a tasty, unusual treat.
2. It was popcorn that contributed to the invention of the microwave. This happened in 1945, when Percy Spencer, conducting a series of experiments with corn grains, saw that they “explode” from the emission of characteristic waves as well as when heated on a stove.
3. American merchants have been selling popcorn since the end of the 19th century. And a few years later they decided to supplement the movie watching at the cinema with popcorn.
4. Popcorn appeared in Russia only in 1946, and delivery was carried out directly from the United States.
5. Cinema workers made an interesting observation. According to them, when watching thrillers and horrors, twice as much popcorn is eaten as when watching light entertainment movie genres.
6. January 19th is considered National Popcorn Day in the United States. The residents of Great Britain gladly accepted the fun holiday, believing that they are directly related to the history of the creation of popcorn. Perhaps, it was thanks to their ancestors who discovered this culture that popcorn became an integral attribute of pleasant movie trips.

Popcorn Photo