What are the benefits and harms of popcorn

Today is one of the most important days of the year for all movie lovers - Popcorn Birthday! This indispensable attribute of movie viewings is traditionally considered junk food. But is there really nothing useful in it at all? We don't believe in this, and decided to look into it!

The history of popcorn began in 1885 in the USA, when the American Charles Critors invented a machine for popping corn kernels and called it “Popper”. The car was on wheels, so Charles began driving it around the city, selling popcorn. This story most likely would not have been successful if the film industry had not begun to flourish in those years. As it turns out, popcorn is the perfect food to eat while watching movies in the theater. Since then, everyone associates going to the movies with a big glass of crispy popcorn.

How popcorn is made
When heated, the shell of corn grains does not allow water to pass through and does not allow water to evaporate, as a result of which strong pressure increases from the inside, the grains burst, turn inside out and become like little white flowers.

Since our favorite movie delicacy is corn in its pure form, they have the same beneficial properties:

1. Popcorn is very rich in fiber, carbohydrates and proteins, vitamins B1 and B2. It improves metabolic processes and is able to prevent fat deposition in the body.
2. Popcorn is low in calories. Therefore, it can be safely eaten by anyone who wants to lose weight or is trying to keep in shape. Due to its large volume, it “clogs” the stomach and reduces the feeling of hunger.
3. Popcorn removes carcinogens and cleanses the intestines.
4. Popcorn contains polyphenols. These are natural chemicals that prevent the development of cancer and heart disease. They are powerful antioxidants and are able to remove free radicals from the human body (free radicals are substances that can destroy tissues and cells).

But all this applies only to “pure” popcorn. Usually in the halls of cinemas they sell delicious popcorn with bacon, cheese or caramel.

It is in this form that it is very harmful to the body, and here’s why:

1. Salty popcorn causes thirst, retains water in the body and disrupts water balance.
2. Sweet popcorn is very high in calories and seriously strains the pancreas.
3. Buttered popcorn is the most dangerous product. It contains a lot of fat, and therefore calories (a large serving can contain about 1200 calories). In addition, oil used to fry corn can cause very serious lung problems. When the diacetyl flavoring oil used to pop popcorn is heated, it creates highly toxic substances that can damage the lungs, cause shortness of breath, and can even cause cancer.
4. Popcorn with flavors (bacon, cheese, onion, etc.) can cause gastritis and ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract.

The best way out for popcorn lovers is to make it yourself. But ready-made bags with semi-finished products are not suitable for this; for “healthy” popcorn you need to buy ordinary corn grains for popcorn (they are sold in large supermarkets). They can be fried in a frying pan with regular vegetable oil or cooked in the microwave. And if you also sprinkle homemade popcorn with your favorite spices, it will turn out no worse than movie theater popcorn.

Crunch with pleasure and health benefits!

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