Popcorn is an indispensable attribute of film screenings. It is often frowned upon as a junk, unhealthy food. Is there really no redeeming qualities of popcorn? Let’s find out.



The history of popcorn began in 1885 in the United States, when Charles Crythors came up with a machine for popping up corn kernels. He called it Popper. Charles put wheels on it and started rolling it around the city selling popcorn. He may not have achieved such success if not for the flourishing of the film industry. As it turned out, popcorn is the ideal food while watching movies in the cinema. Since then, a trip to the cinema is associated with a large bag of crunchy popcorn.

Credit: Freepik

Credit: Freepik

How is popcorn made?

When heated, the shell of corn grain does not let water through and does not allow water to evaporate, strong pressure from inside increases, the grains bursts, and turns inside out, resembling white flowers.

Since our favorite cinema snack is corn in its pure form, they have the same properties:

#1. Popcorn is rich in fiber, carbohydrates and proteins, vitamins B1 and B2. It improves metabolic processes and is able to interfere with the processes of fat deposition in the body.

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#2. Popcorn is low-calorie. Therefore, it can be safely eaten by anyone who wants to lose weight, or tries to keep themself in shape. Thanks to large consumption amounts, it "clogs" the stomach and reduces the feeling of hunger.

Credit: Freepik

Credit: Freepik

#3. Popcorn removes carcinogens and cleanses the intestines.

#4. Popcorn contains polyphenols. These are natural chemicals that hinder the development of cancer and heart diseases. They are powerful antioxidants, and are capable of removing free radicals from the human body (free radicals are substances that can destroy tissues and cells).

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But all this applies only to "pure" popcorn. As a rule, they sell “tasty” bacon, cheese or caramel-flavoured popcorn at the cinema.

Credit: Freepik

Credit: Freepik

Which is not as healthy.

#1. Salted popcorn makes us thirsty, keeps water in the body and hinders the water balance.

#2. Sweet popcorn is very caloric and seriously loads the pancreas.

#3. Buttered popcorn is the most dangerous form. It contains a lot of fat and calories (a large portion can contain about 1200 calories). In addition, oil used for frying corn can cause big problems with the lungs. When heated in the flavored oil containing diacetyl, which is used for frying popcorn, very toxic substances are formed that can affect the lungs, cause shortness of breath, and even cancer.

Credit: Freepik

Credit: Freepik

#4. Popcorn with flavor additives (bacon, cheese, onion, etc.) can provoke gastritis and ulceration in the gastrointestinal tract.



The best way for popcorn fans is to prepare it at home. Buy ordinary corn kernels (sold in large supermarkets), fry in a frying pan using ordinary vegetable oil, or cook them in a microwave. Sprinkle your homemade popcorn with your favorite spices and munch on!

Credit: Freepik

Credit: Freepik

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