2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21
Popcorn is the most popular food in the cinema, no movie is seen without it. It is tasty and light, due to which it got its name. However, is this product as useful as it seems? Can pregnant women have popcorn? The article will discuss the composition of the product, its benefits and harms for a woman during the period of bearing a child.
What is popcorn made of?
The history of the product dates back to 1885, when the American Charles Critors created a machine for "exploding" corn kernels. She got the name "Popper".
What is popcorn made of? It is made from corn kernels that "explode" when heated. Inside the grains there is water with dissolved starch. After heating to 100 degrees Celsius, it boils, but cannot go into a gaseous state. No free space.
When the temperature rises to 230 degrees, the pressure inside the grain breaksshell and steam rushes out.
Heated liquid softens starch, which expands and hardens after cooling. Therefore, the volume of finished popcorn is several times larger than the raw material used.
Composition and calorie content
Maize grains contain starch, fiber, polyphenols, B vitamins. Popcorn contains macro- and microelements, including potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, zinc, phosphorus.
The nutritional value of corn grains is only 70 kcal, but this figure increases when roasted. Calorie content of 100 g of the product is:
- no additives - 380 kcal;
- s alted - 400 kcal;
- in sweet - 450-500 kcal.
There are several varieties of popcorn. A classic product prepared with butter, s alt or sugar.
Additives are used to give a special taste to corn grains. It can be spices, cheese, bacon, cinnamon, chocolate, peanuts and more.
Benefits
What is more in popcorn for pregnant women: good or bad? The product can have the following positive effects on the female body:
- Improves digestion. The fiber, minerals and vitamins in the grains have a positive effect on this process. Eating popcorn reduces constipation in pregnant women, which is one of the main problems during this period.
- High protein content. The product, due to its composition, is useful for the growth of the child, especially in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. Popcorn as a source of protein helps in deliveryamino acids into the body.
- Prevents premature birth. The selenium found in popcorn reduces the complications associated with childbirth and helps make the process timely.
- Proper development of the fetus. The product contains antioxidants that fight free radicals. This protects the cells from damage, and reduces the likelihood of future respiratory diseases in the fetus.
- Low calorie popcorn without additives. During pregnancy, a woman is advised to eat foods that do not contribute to excessive weight gain. This is especially important because being overweight can put you at risk for preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or miscarriage.
- Reduces blood cholesterol levels. Due to the normalization of this indicator, the risk of a heart attack is reduced. During pregnancy, cholesterol levels may be elevated due to hormonal changes. Although it does not affect the child, it may affect the woman's heart in the future.
- Stabilizes blood sugar levels. The fibers in popcorn can reduce this. In this regard, the product is able to reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes.
When women are interested in whether pregnant women can popcorn, they initially consider its positive properties. However, besides them, the product also has disadvantages.
How to eat the product?
Can pregnant women eat popcorn in the first trimester? ATthe first months when carrying a child, you should limit its consumption, due to the negative impact on the body of the expectant mother.
Pregnant women can use s alt, oil and spices in the following months, but reducing their amount. If the expectant mother is sure that the popcorn is cooked properly, without the addition of flavors, then you can enjoy its taste.
What are the risks of eating popcorn during pregnancy?
In addition to the benefits, the product also has a negative effect on the body. Popcorn is not recommended during pregnancy due to:
- Additions to the product of dyes and flavors that can adversely affect the woman's liver.
- A large amount of s alt leads to a violation of the water balance, and what is especially dangerous during pregnancy - to edema.
- Flavor additives lead to exacerbation of diseases of the digestive tract (ulcers, gastritis).
- Diacetyl, a carcinogenic chemical known to cause Alzheimer's disease and lung dysfunction, is used to make popcorn with a strong flavor.
Can pregnant women have sweet popcorn in movie theaters? Women are not recommended to consume the finished product due to increased blood glucose levels.
The abundance of flavors and fats make the treat extremely dangerous for the he alth of mother and child.
At the same time, women are not forbidden to eat popcorn prepared by themselves. For thispurchase corn grains without any additives. Then fry in a pan. Cooked cereal should not be sprinkled with s alt or sugar.
Expert opinions
Popcorn, which attracts women with pleasant smells and a variety of tastes, is best excluded from the diet. Doctors are convinced of this. The harm of such a snack exceeds the benefit that popcorn will bring, which does not have a pronounced smell and taste enhancer in the composition.
Microwaved food is especially dangerous. Pregnant women should avoid it.
The simplest, home-cooked popcorn will not negatively affect either the he alth of the expectant mother or the development of the child.
A woman should observe safety measures when preparing treats and not abuse them. It’s just that some of them have a huge appetite and start eating for two. This does not have a positive effect on he alth, but only leads to obesity.
How to make popcorn yourself?
Can pregnant women have popcorn? The product should not be consumed in large quantities, but it is best to prepare it yourself. Such a product will only benefit the body of a pregnant woman.
For its preparation you will need the following products:
- corn kernels without any additives in sealed packaging;
- sunflower or edible coconut oil.
The process of making popcorn is as follows:
- It is necessary to take a 3-4 liter pot,after wiping it dry.
- On its bottom it is necessary to evenly distribute 2-3 tbsp. tablespoons of oil. Then put on the stove and heat to the desired temperature.
- To know when it's time to toss corn, you can add one grain and wait. If it bursts, the oil is hot enough.
- Pour a little popcorn into the pan so that it is evenly distributed along the bottom. It is imperative that the grains interact with the oil. At the same time, it must be taken into account that the volume of the finished product is several times higher than the raw material.
- Put a lid on top of the pot and wait for 2-3 minutes.
- It is removed from the fire when the grains stop "exploding".
Popcorn prepared in this way can be consumed in small quantities during pregnancy, because it will not harm the body.
Conclusion
Popcorn is not one of the foods that must be constantly consumed during pregnancy. After all, despite its beneficial properties, it can have a negative impact on the body of the mother and child. The only exception is a homemade product that does not contain any additives.
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