Popcorn is the most popular food in the cinema; without it, not a single movie is watched. It is tasty and light, due to which it got its name. However, is this product as useful as it seems? Is it possible for pregnant popcorn? The article will discuss the composition of the product, its benefits and harm to women during the period of bearing a child.
What are popcorn made from?
The history of the product dates back to 1885, when the American Charles Critors created a machine for "blowing" corn kernels. She got the name "Popper."
What are popcorn made from? It is made from corn grains, which "explode" in the process of heating them. Inside the grains there is water with dissolved starch. After heating to 100 degrees Celsius, it boils, but cannot go into a gaseous state. There is no free space.
When the temperature rises to 230 degrees, the pressure inside the grain breaks the shell and the steam rushes out.
The heated liquid softens the starch, which expands and hardens after cooling. Therefore, the volume of finished popcorn is several times larger than the raw materials used.
Composition and calorie content
Corn grains include starch, fiber, polyphenols, and B vitamins. Macro and microelements are present in the popcorn, including potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, zinc, and phosphorus.
The nutritional value of corn grains is only 70 kcal, but when frying, this figure increases. Calorie content of 100 g of product is:
- without additives - 380 kcal;
- in salt form - 400 kcal;
- in sweets - 450-500 kcal.
There are several varieties of popcorn. A classic product is made with butter, salt or sugar.
To give a special taste to corn grains, additives are used. It can be spices, cheese, bacon, cinnamon, chocolate, peanuts and more.
Benefits
What is more in popcorn for pregnant women: benefit or harm? The product can have the following positive effects on the female body:
- Improves digestion. Fiber, minerals and vitamins in 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 trimester of pregnancy. Popcorn as a source of protein helps in the delivery of amino acids to the body.
- Prevents premature birth. Selenium, which is part of popcorn, reduces the complications associated with childbirth, and helps to make this process timely.
- Proper fetal development. The product contains antioxidants that fight free radicals. This protects cells from damage, and reduces the likelihood of future respiratory infections in the fetus.
- Low calorie popcorn without additives. During pregnancy, a woman is recommended to eat foods that do not contribute to excessive weight gain. This is especially important because being overweight can lead to a risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or miscarriage.
- Reduces blood cholesterol. Thanks 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 this does not affect the baby, it can affect the heart of a woman in the future.
- Stabilizes blood sugar. Fibers in popcorn can reduce this figure. In this regard, the product is able to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes.
When women are interested in whether it is possible for pregnant popcorn, they initially consider its positive properties. However, besides them, the product also has disadvantages.
How to eat a product?
Can I get pregnant popcorn in the first trimester? In the first months of gestation, the child should be limited in consumption, due to the negative impact on the body of the future mother.
Pregnant women in the following months can use salt, oil and seasonings, but reduce their amount. If the expectant mother is sure that the popcorn is properly cooked, without the addition of flavors, then you can enjoy its taste.
What are the risks of popcorn during pregnancy?
In addition to benefits, the product also has a negative effect on the body. It is not recommended to include popcorn during pregnancy because of:
- Additions to the product of dyes and flavorings that can adversely affect a woman’s liver.
- A large amount of salt leads to a violation of the water balance, and which is especially dangerous during pregnancy - to edema.
- Flavoring additives lead to an exacerbation of diseases of the digestive tract (ulcers, gastritis).
- Diacetyl (a carcinogenic chemical) that causes Alzheimer's disease and lung dysfunction is used to make strong-flavored popcorn.
Can pregnant popcorn be sweet in cinemas? Women are not recommended to use the finished product due to the increase in blood glucose.
The abundance of flavors and fats makes the treat extremely dangerous for the health of mother and child.
At the same time, women are not forbidden to consume popcorn prepared on their own. For this, corn grains are purchased without any additives. Then fry in a pan. Ready flakes should not be sprinkled with salt or sugar.
Opinions of experts
Popcorn, which attracts women with pleasant smells and a variety of tastes, is best eliminated from the diet. Doctors are sure of this. The harm of such a snack exceeds the benefits that popcorn does not have a pronounced smell and flavor enhancer in the composition.
A product prepared in the microwave has a particular danger. Pregnant women should avoid it.
The simplest home-made popcorn will not negatively affect either the state of health of the expectant mother or the development of the child.
A woman should observe safety measures when preparing delicacies and not abuse them. Just some of them have a huge appetite and begin to eat for two. This does not have a positive effect on health, but only leads to obesity.
How to make popcorn yourself?
Is it possible for pregnant popcorn? The product should not be consumed in large quantities, but it is best to cook it yourself. Such a product will deliver the body of a pregnant woman only benefit.
To prepare it, you will need the following products:
- corn grains without any additives in hermetic packaging;
- sunflower or edible coconut oil.
The process of making popcorn is as follows:
- It is necessary to take a pan of 3-4 liters, 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 understand when it is time to throw corn, you can add one seed and wait. If it burst, then the oil is sufficiently heated.
- Pour some popcorn into the pan so that it spreads evenly across the bottom. It is imperative that the grains interact with the oil. It should be borne in mind that the volume of the finished product is several times higher than the raw materials.
- Top the pan with a lid and wait for 2-3 minutes.
- It is removed from the fire when the grains cease to "explode."
Thus prepared popcorn can be consumed in small quantities during pregnancy, because it will not harm the body.
Conclusion
Popcorn does not apply to products that must be consumed continuously during pregnancy. Indeed, despite its beneficial properties, it can have a negative effect on the body of the mother and child. The one exception is a home-made product that does not contain any additives.