How many calories are in sweet and salty popcorn at the cinema, types of popcorn, composition in bju. Salty popcorn Salty popcorn Calories 100 g

12.11.2015 admin

Popcorn This is the perfect option for a snack on a walk or at the cinema. The popularity of this snack came to us from the West, where going to the cinema is always accompanied by a portion of popcorn. At the same time, many people think that such a snack will not bring harm to the figure, because popcorn itself is voluminous and light.

But in fact, you can easily gain a couple of extra pounds by abusing this crunchy treat.

What is popcorn?

The word popcorn is translated from English as popcorn. And this is no coincidence, since white airy flakes are obtained from a grain of corn called popcorn, which, when heated, literally bursts from the inside, as water evaporates, it interacts with starch and breaks the shell of the grain.

For the preparation of this snack, a special variety of corn is used, in which the shell is both thin and hard. Such a corn grain can increase its size tenfold. It is from this variety that the largest amount is obtained at the output. popcorn.

The history of this delicacy is very rich; heating corn grains was invented several millennia ago. Historical sources say that such an idea first came to the ancient Indians.

When they realized that maize grains could explode and turn into white fluffy flakes, popcorn immediately became an integral part of their diet. For them, it was a kind of fast food, they took its crushed grains with them on long hikes. It was an ideal option for them - it was not only light, tasty and satisfying, but also had the ability to retain all its properties for a long time.

Sometimes the Indians ate popcorn not only in the usual dry form, but also brewed it with hot water.

According to another version, Mexico, which is rich in corn reserves, is considered the birthplace of popcorn. Popcorn was eaten always and everywhere, its grains were even used as accessories for hair, clothes and beads.

This product reached its peak of popularity during the Great Depression, popcorn was a cheap product available to everyone without exception. His industry flourished during this time.

By the way, today Americans are champions in the use of popcorn.

Types of popcorn

Today there are a huge number of different types of popcorn.

You can see cheese, bacon, paprika flavored popcorn, or colorful caramel-flavored crunchy flakes.

They can be relatively divided into three large groups:

  • salted popcorn(popcorn sprinkled with salt or a variety of salty seasonings);
  • caramel popcorn(popcorn doused with a large amount of sugar syrup, which, when solidified, form a caramel crust on the surface of white popcorn flakes);
  • Popcorn with different flavors(popcorn containing dyes, food additives and flavor enhancers).

Vitamins, minerals and nutritional value of popcorn

Popcorn is a fairly high-calorie product, it contains mainly simple carbohydrates - 80 grams per 100 grams of product. The calorie content of popcorn is approximately 400 calories.

By itself, corn contains a huge amount of minerals and vitamins, amazing property popcorn is that after heat treatment they are stored in popcorn. There are B vitamins, vitamin C, PP, phosphorus, potassium, fluorine, molybdenum, copper, iodine, as well as useful fiber and polyphenols.

The benefits and harms of popcorn

Corn in its original form does much more good than harm:

  • Corn is rich in antioxidants- polyphenols, which are able to protect the body from premature aging.
  • Popcorn is also high in fiber., its benefit lies in the ability to give rapid satiety while not increasing blood sugar. Fiber is rich in corn husks.
  • Popcorn contains vitamins B1 and B2, magnesium, potassium, sodium and calcium. They are capable of performing protective function bone tissue, nail plates and hair.
  • Popcorn is high in starch., which nourishes nerve cells, stimulates growth muscle mass, contains vitamins of group B, PP (nicotinic acid) and E. Since popcorn contains a large amount of carbohydrates, it is able to supply us with a certain amount of energy.

There is no doubt about the beneficial properties of corn for a minute; when used in reasonable quantities, it is able to provide the body with certain minerals and vitamins.

But popcorn made with a lot of oil, sugar, or artificial additives is definitely not good for the human body. But it is precisely such corn that is most often found on store shelves and in cinemas.

Caramel popcorn can easily cause an allergic reaction due to the huge amount of sugar in it, which can lead not only to dental problems, but also to the acquisition of diabetes. Also, various flavors have a harmful effect on health, salty popcorn almost always leads to fluid retention in the human body.

Moreover, after eating a portion of popcorn, you will definitely want to drink. It's fine if you choose plain water, but in most cases, popcorn is washed down with sweet soda water, which exacerbates the negative effects on human body. Frequent consumption of popcorn can lead to weight gain and obesity.

popcorn calories

During cooking, popcorn makers can add a variety of flavors, sugar syrup, or salt to the corn. In this case, his the energy value increases, but not by much. Regardless of the type of popcorn, its calorie content varies from 300 to 500 calories.

Nutritional value of popcorn per 100 grams of product:

  • 357 calories found in popcorn without additives;
  • 401 calories found in sweet popcorn;
  • 407 calories found in popcorn with salt;
  • 506 calories found in cheese popcorn.

As you can see, plain popcorn is the lowest calorie option out there, so that's another advantage it has over other types of popcorn.

Popcorn in the diet of those who follow the figure

Very often, losing weight try to find an alternative to harmful chips and crackers, they choose popcorn instead. After all, in their opinion, corn grains are healthy and completely low-calorie, since no oil is used in the preparation of popcorn. But after analyzing the calorie content, we can safely say that popcorn in the diet of people who follow the figure should not be a frequent guest.

An alternative is to use homemade popcorn, which can be flavored with a little salt or spices. Moderate consumption of such popcorn will not do any harm at all. A small amount of corn is an ideal snack that can quickly remove the feeling of hunger.

Among chocolate, chips, crackers, chocolate bars - popcorn is a very safe product for treats.

But note that popcorn, which is offered in a circus or a movie theater, contains a huge amount of artificial additives, salt and sugar. Sweet popcorn is not recommended for people prone to rapid weight gain and diabetes. In turn, salty popcorn retains water in the body and thereby disrupts its water-salt balance, harming the joints, spine and kidneys.

In addition, scientists have proven that popcorn is directly related to lung diseases, since special substances are released when corn kernels are heated.

Popcorn is one of the most popular snacks today. But if you follow your figure and your health, then choose popcorn without additives, which you can easily cook at home. It contains fewer calories, and its composition is rich in minerals and vitamins.

Remember that the popcorn that we are offered, for example, in a cinema or a circus, contains a huge amount of flavors, salt and sugar, which means that its beneficial properties can be completely questioned.

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If you are a fan of going to movies and entertainment centers, then you know this alluring flavor of popcorn. And when watching a movie, a glass or another of this delicacy leaves, and as a result, you risk damaging your health and figure.

It is worth thinking about the benefits and harms that this product can cause, as well as its various variations. In this article, you will learn everything about popcorn and its properties, understand how it affects the body and who should completely stop using it.

What is popcorn?

Popcorn is a delicacy that has long been part of our lives. It is prepared from a certain variety of corn, which is able to swell under the influence of high temperature, thanks to the starch and water included in the composition.

It is cooked in oil, in the microwave, in a special machine. Each cooking method is characterized by its own characteristics and affects the taste of the finished product, its benefits and harms.

Types of popcorn

There are so many options for preparing this type of corn and the ingredients included in it. To enhance the taste and aroma, various flavors, dyes and additives are added.

Main types:

  • Classic - without the addition of impurities;
  • Sweet - with the addition of sugar or powdered sugar;
  • Salty - with the addition of salt or spices;
  • Caramel - with the addition of caramel or glaze;
  • With cheese - with the addition of flavorings and spices.

The number of elements included in the composition depends on how the product was prepared and on its type. For example, popcorn that is sold will be much higher in calories than the one you cook at home, due to the fact that various color, flavor and aroma enhancers are used in cooking.

And if you add salt or sugar, the rate will increase. The calorie and fat content depends on the oil in which the corn will be cooked.

Table of BJU content and calories in popcorn, per 100g.

Type of popcorn Belki, Mr. Fats, Mr. carbohydrates, Mr. Calorie content, kcal
Classical 4,5 12,9 77,9 387
Sweet 5,3 8,7 76,1 401
Salty 7,3 13,5 62,7 407
Caramel 5,3 8,7 76,1 401
With cheese 5,8 30,8 50,1 506

The benefits and harms of popcorn

There are very conflicting opinions about what effect popcorn has on the human body. There are a number of positive and negative factors that are characterized by the trace elements that make up corn, the method of preparation and composition.

It is important when evaluating to take into account the amount of product consumed. So with excessive consumption, negative factors are amplified, and the benefits are significantly reduced.

Benefits, vitamins and minerals

  • Normalization of the digestive tract, thanks to dietary fiber.
  • Strengthening the heart muscle - the composition includes potassium.
  • Recovery nervous system- vitamins of group B.
  • Decreased cholesterol levels;
  • Protection against osteoporosis;
  • Slows down the aging process;
  • Prevention of strokes and heart attacks;
  • Contains antioxidants;
  • The composition contains a trace element necessary for brain function;
  • Prevention of oncological diseases.

Negative effect on the body

  • On the liver and pancreas due to the high fat content;
  • Risk of rising blood sugar levels;
  • High calorie content, as a result, the possibility of excess weight;
  • Violation of the water-salt balance, which can lead to problems with the kidneys, spine and joints;
  • Possibility of respiratory problems.

There are some restrictions in taking this delicacy. In general, eating too much salt can lead to swelling and headaches.

It is worth using popcorn with caution if there is:

  • Individual intolerance to the components;
  • vascular thrombosis;
  • Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • Allergy to corn;

It is not recommended to use this sweet for pregnant and lactating women, because. popcorn, which is sold, contains a large amount of dyes and additives that can adversely affect the course of pregnancy. It is better to give preference to home cooking without impurities and in a pan.

Note! Air corn can cause poisoning, as long-term storage may create a favorable environment for the development of pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

Popcorn in the diet of those who follow the figure

The most rational method of making popcorn at the diet stage is the classic:

  • Puffed corn helps to satisfy the feeling of hunger, without creating a feeling of heaviness.
  • It can be used as a snack, because it is better than chocolate or cookies. For such a snack, grains are best cooked without oil and on the stove.
  • Also, nutritionists advise eating popcorn instead of bread. This delicacy helps to speed up the metabolic process and, as a result, leads to weight loss.
  • Corn also contains useful B vitamins, which prevent the appearance of stress and depression, which is important at the stage of losing weight, because stress often causes excess weight or a diet is thrown at the stage.
  • To improve the taste without harm to the figure, you can add garlic or cinnamon. They will enhance the taste and aroma, give zest and increase appetite.

The main thing to remember is that popcorn is a high-calorie treat, it should be consumed in small quantities.

Popcorn has a lot of positives, but also some negatives. There are several variations of it, but the most harmless is home-cooked. Some categories of people should be wary of eating this delicacy.

If you are in the phase of weight loss, then popcorn will help you achieve the desired results due to its positive properties.

An important condition: the amount and frequency of its use is considered. You shouldn't abuse it. Now you know everything about the benefits and dangers of popcorn and you can safely add it to your diet.

Corn cultivation began about 7,000 years ago in the mountains of Mexico. Later, this culture became widely used in American cooking.

The ancient Indians found that one of the varieties of corn explodes when heated. The reason for this is the content of a certain amount of liquid starch in the grain. When this liquid is heated, steam appears, which breaks the shell of the grain, while it opens and increases in volume.

In Europe, such a variety of corn was found around the 15th century, but it was not until the late 19th century that they began to make popcorn from it, when a special machine called popper was invented in America in 1885 by Charles Kritors. In this regard, popcorn received such a “name”. Currently, popcorn machines are manufactured on the principle of those machines.

However, to prepare this delicacy at home, you do not need to buy such a machine. Therefore, in 1984, the production of popcorn for microwave ovens began. Corn is in special packages so that the grains do not scatter in the microwave.

Product nutrition

Corn, from which popcorn is made, is very healthy and quite nutritious. After cooking such a delicacy from the grains, its calorie content increases. As the liquid in the corn evaporates, it becomes much lighter while retaining its beneficial properties. 100 g of this product contains 80 g of carbohydrates, and its calorie content reaches 400 kcal.

But popcorn is very light, so it will be difficult to eat a lot of it. This applies to the product without any additives. However, basically this delicacy is sold in a completely different form. In its production, oil, sugar, salt and other additives are used. This changes the nutritional value of the treat. The calorie content of the caramelized product increases by approximately 50 kcal.

Beneficial features

Popcorn in pure form more helpful than harmful. But it should be consumed in moderation. Otherwise, you can harm yourself by overeating and disrupting the digestive tract.

  • Popcorn contains many antioxidants - polyphenols that prevent premature aging.
  • Corn contains a lot of fiber, which aids in digestion. It quickly saturates and prevents the increase in blood sugar levels. Fiber is found in the husk of this product.
  • Corn is rich in vitamins B1 and B2, potassium, magnesium, sodium and calcium. These useful elements protect bone tissue, have a beneficial effect on nails and hair.
  • The starch contained in the grains also has a positive effect. It nourishes nerve cells, helps muscle growth. Corn contains vitamins PP and E.
  • The carbohydrates found in popcorn provide the body with additional energy.

Popcorn is mostly good, and it won't cause any harm when used in moderation.

Harm

Why is popcorn bad? The negative impact of such a delicacy on health is associated with the method of production of the product. In its pure form, popcorn is currently almost impossible to find on sale.

For a beautiful appearance and interesting taste, flavors, dyes and synthetic substances are added to it. Especially harmful is the delicacy with the taste of caramel, chocolate, caviar and cheese.

In the course of research on the dangers of popcorn, it was found that its negative impact depends on a number of factors:

  1. The use of large amounts of sugar or salt in its production. A salty product retains fluid in the body and causes severe thirst. Sugar makes the delicacy more high-calorie, which can harm the figure, it also loads the pancreas.
  2. Sometimes the product is fried in palm oil. When it is heated, harmful carcinogens are released that provoke cancer. It also increases the calorie content by almost 4 times.
  3. For cooking, the harmful additive diacetyl can be used. This synthetic substance adversely affects the respiratory system and can cause pulmonary fibrosis or Alzheimer's disease.
  4. Many manufacturers add various flavors to popcorn. In unlimited quantities, they can lead to colitis, gastritis, stomach ulcers, and flatulence.
  5. Some believe that such a treat can be addictive.

Diet use

Many are interested in the question of whether it is possible to eat popcorn during a diet. Of course, a product in oil, salty or sweet will not help you lose weight.

However, homemade treats are quite healthy and contain much fewer calories. In moderation, such popcorn can be used as a snack, consumed instead of bread.

Since the human body is weakened during the diet, popcorn prepared with various chemical additives should not be consumed.

During pregnancy

Is popcorn bad during pregnancy? During this period, it should be used with caution. Various dyes, flavors, oils and other hazardous additives used in production can adversely affect the development and health of the fetus.

During pregnancy, you can eat this delicacy if you cook it at home by buying the appropriate variety of corn. In this case, popcorn will only benefit.

At home, it is better to cook this product in a pan, and not in a microwave, to avoid burning. Since heat is distributed unevenly in the microwave, some grains burn out, others have not yet heated up. As a result, most of the popcorn is wasted.

In moderation, a pure product will not harm a pregnant woman, it will only benefit her.

Video: popcorn - benefits and harms.

Popcorn: calorie treats. How is the calorie content of salted, sweet, caramel popcorn different?

Today, popcorn is simply very popular, because it is one of the most beloved delicacies of millions of people around the world, especially while watching movies, both in the cinema and at home. To obtain such a dessert, corn grains are heated, due to which they increase in size several times and open.

What is the calorie content of sweet popcorn?

When ordering a large bucket of popcorn at the cinema, few people think about its calorie content.

First of all, this question is important for people who constantly monitor their weight or have a tendency to be overweight.

It is worth remembering that the calorie content of such a snack will directly depend on the additions that are used during its preparation - for example, sweet, salty, caramel, etc.

All those useful substances that are contained in corn will also pass into ready-made air flakes (popcorn). However, the benefits of this product remain controversial, since during its preparation a variety of fillers, flavors, dyes, and other harmful substances can be added that can destroy all the usefulness that is contained in corn grains.

Most experienced nutritionists argue that the harm of popcorn will not only be in the high calorie content. It can literally clog the human stomach.

As a result, with the frequent use of popcorn, there is a possibility of certain problems not only with the metabolic process, but also with the functioning of the digestive system. But it is these reasons that become the main factors provoking the appearance of excess weight.

Pure popcorn is considered the most useful for the human body, that is, during the preparation of which no additives or flavors were used. In this case, the calorie content of the product remains at a minimum level.

If you wish, you can cook such popcorn yourself at home. However, only corn kernels should be used, not processed foods.

If you prepare such popcorn yourself, then for 100 g of the product only 1 tbsp will be taken. l. sunflower oil and 3 g of salt. You can do without the use of oil, as this is not a necessary ingredient for a tasty and low-calorie product. Among the advantages of popcorn will be the fact that it retains some of the nutrients:

It contains a large amount of potassium, which contributes to the removal of excess fluid from the human body, therefore, it becomes possible to avoid the formation of severe edema, and the water balance is normalized. Potassium also contributes to the establishment of pressure, helps to improve the functioning of the heart muscle.

The composition of such popcorn also includes healthy carbohydrates, which for quite a long time are not digested. Thanks to this, a person will be able to quickly get enough and will not feel hunger for a long time.

It contains a large amount of valuable vitamin B group, which helps to normalize the work of the whole organism and its proper development. It also has a positive effect on the functioning of the heart, nervous and digestive systems.

Popcorn contains a lot of fiber. It contributes to the rapid and effective cleansing of the intestines from a variety of decay products, the normalization of its work.

It is sweet popcorn that is one of the most popular, because its unique aroma attracts and causes appetite so much. However, the high calorie content of this product makes you wonder whether it is worth sacrificing your figure or not. 100 g of sweet popcorn contains:

  • Carbohydrates - 79 g
  • Fats - 13 g
  • Proteins - 4 g
  • Total caloric content - 401 Kcal

Salted popcorn calories and nutritional value

There is another fairly popular type of popcorn - salty. However, at the same time, this type of corn is not less caloric than sweet. So, 100 g of salted popcorn contains:

  • Carbohydrates - 56 g
  • Fats - 30 g
  • Proteins - 9 g
  • Total caloric content - 407 Kcal

Preparing salty popcorn with the addition of a fairly large amount of salt. Therefore, we can conclude that such popcorn is not very useful.

Regardless of the types of popcorn, today there is quite a lot of disagreement about it among nutritionists and doctors. But at the same time, most often, this product refers specifically to harmful.

nutritional value of popcorn

  1. Popcorn is known to be made from corn. It includes many nutrients, including starchy compounds. At the same time, the calorie content grows in proportion to how the corn is dried, then turned into popcorn. During heat treatment, water evaporates, the grains become almost weightless.
  2. However, after drying, the corn does not lose useful qualities. Popcorn concentrates about 80 gr. carbohydrates per 100 gr. product. At the same time, the calorie content of the snack is 400 Kcal. Due to the fact that popcorn is light, you need to try very hard to consume this amount of calories.
  3. In the process of making popcorn, vegetable oil is used, which increases the calorie content by an order of magnitude. Sugar and other sweeteners, salt are also added. The calorie content of caramelized popcorn is 460-470 Kcal.

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popcorn action

  • a product with salt increases blood pressure, which is important for hypotensive patients;
  • popcorn in caramel cheers up;
  • removes bad cholesterol, therefore it is used to prevent atherosclerosis;
  • prevents the development of osteoporosis;
  • enhances intestinal motility;
  • contributes to the rapid digestibility of food;
  • prevents oncological diseases;
  • keeps cognitive functions in good shape;
  • participates in weight loss, despite the high calorie content;
  • preserves the youthfulness of the tissues of the whole organism.

The benefits of popcorn

  1. Corn grains include germ, bran, endosperm. All these elements are concentrated in barley, wheat, rice and other cereals. Valuable substances are necessary for the human body to function properly.
  2. The product is rich in B-group vitamins, fiber, mineral compounds. Dietary fiber improves intestinal motility, kills harmful microflora, and fights constipation. With the systematic intake of popcorn, you will improve the absorption of food and prevent its fermentation in the cavity of the internal organs.
  3. B vitamins, namely riboflavin and pantothenic acid, have a positive effect on the non-psycho-emotional environment of a person. Popcorn helps to cope with anxiety, insomnia, lethargy and bad mood.
  4. Tocopherol in combination with retinol forms a powerful duo of antioxidants. These vitamins prevent premature aging of tissues, improve the condition of the skin and hair.
  5. Popcorn contains special compounds that have the ability to remove harmful cholesterol from the walls of the blood channels. All this leads to the prevention of atherosclerosis, varicose veins, thrombophlebitis.
  6. Popcorn dilates blood channels and improves blood flow to internal organs. The latter, in turn, begin to work harmoniously and in full force.
  7. Experienced cardiologists unanimously argue that corn in any form should be eaten by people who have a tendency to cardiovascular pathologies. Popcorn prevents coronary artery disease, stroke, myocardial infarction.
  8. The shell of corn grains accumulates a lot of fiber and polyphenols - the most powerful antioxidant substances. Popcorn promotes the outflow of bile, normalizes the functioning of the liver and cleanses its cavity of toxic compounds.
  9. Numerous studies by scientists have proven that more antioxidants are concentrated in one serving of popcorn than in 100 grams. fruits or vegetables. This allows you to remove free radicals that damage the cells of the body.
  10. It is useful for elderly people to eat popcorn to prevent the formation of senile dementia. Also, this type of corn is used to prevent Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, night blindness, osteoporosis.
  11. Despite the calorie content, popcorn is a low glycemic food. For this reason, one or two servings will not harm the health of people with diabetes. In addition, patients with celiac disease will not have health problems due to the content of gluten in popcorn.

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  1. Do not buy ready-made popcorn in street stalls, in the bazaar, in the store. Opt for dried fruits or unsalted nuts instead of corn.
  2. If there is a sharp desire to eat popcorn, buy grains from a trusted seller, which subsequently form a treat. You can purchase the item loose.
  3. When choosing ready-made popcorn, you run the risk of gaining excess weight or “feasting on” preservatives and palm oil. And corn kernels do not contain these substances, you can cook popcorn at home using a microwave or stove.
  4. Microwaves have a negative effect on corn kernels. It is better to pour the contents into a deep saucepan and cook on the stove. If desired, grease the bottom of the container with corn or olive oil, but not vegetable oil (it releases carcinogens when heated).
  5. Lovers of sweet popcorn pour sugar syrup over the popcorn during the cooking process. Those who like salty dishes sprinkle salt on corn. Act according to personal preferences.

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Popcorn for pregnant women

  1. Girls during gestation should treat popcorn with caution. The benefits and harms of such a product are highly questionable. Therefore, the representatives of the weaker sex are interested in the pressing issue.
  2. It should be borne in mind that popcorn, which is not prepared at home, cannot be beneficial in itself. When preparing the product, harmful food additives, not the first freshness oil and dyes are used. Therefore, eating popcorn during pregnancy is not recommended.
  3. You can look from the other side. If you choose high-quality fresh corn, you diversify your usual diet. At home, popcorn is recommended to cook in a pan. Raw materials often burn out in a microwave oven. In small portions, homemade popcorn will be useful.

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Popcorn for kids

  1. All children love a fairly popular treat and can eat an almost unlimited amount. Parents should be aware that popcorn sold in entertainment centers has a lot of synthetic additives, dyes and flavor enhancers.
  2. It is better to avoid such a product. Try to explain to the child that he is spoiled and should not be eaten. Find an alternative in the form of similar sweets, such as natural marmalade, fruits, nuts.
  3. Use a little trick and feed your child a regular meal before going to the cinema. Purchase healthier snacks in advance that your child loves too. Make popcorn at home if possible.
  4. Thus, you yourself will be able to control the amount of added sugar or salt when preparing raw materials. Natural popcorn in this case will bring undoubted benefits to the child. It is important not to give the child the opportunity to overeat. Otherwise, you will run into a number of problems.


  1. It has been proven that popcorn is addictive, do not neglect the reliable fact. Nutritionists and adherents healthy lifestyle life is not recommended to eat popcorn more than 1 time per month.
  2. Keep in mind that diacetyl should not be included in the composition of the semi-finished product or finished raw materials. The substance is detrimental to the human body. Most often, diacetyl is found in ready-made popcorn, which is sold in entertainment centers.
  3. Diacetyl is a flavor additive. The substance is extremely harmful to the respiratory system. Often, the abuse of such popcorn leads to the formation of fibrosis in the lungs.
  4. Unnatural popcorn has been proven to contribute to Alzheimer's disease. Flavoring additives in the finished product have a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Often, gastritis develops, then an ulcer, gastric flatulence and colitis.
  5. Often commercial popcorn is prepared with palm oil. The product is famous for its negative impact on the body. When heated, the plant composition releases dangerous carcinogens for humans. Substances promote the development of cancer cells by activating free radicals.
  6. As a rule, when frying popcorn in palm oil, the finished product acquires a significant calorie content. Dried grains have about 400 kcal per 100 grams. After cooking popcorn, the indicator rises to the level of 1200 Kcal. Think that if you abuse the product, obesity will be added to everything else.
  7. When the product is prepared on an industrial scale, manufacturers add a large amount of sugar or salt. An excess of the latter substance in the human body leads to serious disturbances, in particular, the water-alkaline balance. Sugar leads to rapid weight gain and the development of diabetes. Work of a pancreas worsens.

Undoubtedly, popcorn is good for the human body, if consumed in moderation. Kids enjoy popping popcorn while watching cartoons, and adults use it when going to the cinema. Due to the high calorie content, the product should not be abused. Then you will only benefit for yourself.

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Popcorn is extremely popular these days. This is largely due to the fact that we are actively adopting the well-established habit in the West to accompany a visit, for example, to a cinema, with the use of popcorn. Probably most of the popcorn is eaten while watching exciting Hollywood action films and comedies. At the same time, we are not worried about the calorie content of popcorn, since it is simply impossible to break away from this dish. Where did popcorn originate and how long has it been eaten?

History of popcorn

It must be said that popcorn is different from other types of grain. Only he is able to break from the inside when heated. It is worth exposing it to temperature effects, as it bursts and becomes soft. Such a product is pleasant to eat, because it practically melts in your mouth. These features of popcorn have been appreciated for a long time. So, back in 1948, bursting popcorn seeds were discovered in the ancient caves of New Mexico. Amazingly, after research, scientists have concluded that their age is at least 5,000 years.

Thus, we can say with confidence that already in those distant times, popcorn was eaten, and the calorie content of popcorn made it one of the most preferred food products, because thanks to popcorn, the feeling of fullness was preserved for a long time. Europeans had a chance to try this dish only at the time of the discovery and conquest of America. I must say that the indigenous people of this continent actively ate popcorn. They usually seasoned it with spices and dry herbs. The Indians served such a treat to the first conquerors, and they fully appreciated its wonderful taste characteristics.

Interestingly, the Indians also had certain beliefs associated with popcorn. According to them, a spirit lived in each grain of corn, which, when heated, lost its temper and provoked a rupture of the grain. The unique ability to burst from the inside, popcorn grains are due to the moisture contained in them. Since the shell of the grain does not allow moisture to pass through, then in the process of heating, water vapor from the grain does not find an outlet for itself and eventually breaks the shell. As a result, popcorn will acquire its airy structure, and the calorie content of popcorn remains high.

As you can see, popcorn boasts interesting history and we can say that this is a rather ancient food, which, nevertheless, has not lost its relevance today. Special machines for making popcorn were invented in 1885 in America. But, today you can cook it even at home.

The benefits and calorie content of popcorn

Many consider popcorn to be a container of empty calories that will inevitably lead to weight gain. Indeed, if you use it without restrictions, then this can seriously affect the figure. However, if you follow the rule of moderation, then even this high-calorie product will benefit the body. However, the question of how many calories are in popcorn is quite relevant even for those who are not trying to lose weight.

The benefits of popcorn are due to the composition of the grain from which this product is made. First of all, it is rich in quality carbohydrates found in corn. In addition, it contains a lot of fiber, which can have a beneficial effect on the work of the digestive tract. Popcorn is also rich in B vitamins and potassium, which are necessary for the normal functioning of the body. This product contains trace elements such as phosphorus, sodium, iron, magnesium and other useful substances. However, from a nutritional point of view, talking about the benefits of popcorn is quite difficult given how many calories are in popcorn.

The calorie content of popcorn is 387 kcal per 100 g if no additional ingredients are added to it that can significantly increase the calorie content of the dish. Naturally, the calorie content of sweet popcorn will be much higher, and the calorie content of salted popcorn will also differ upwards. So, if salt is added to popcorn, then the calorie content of salted popcorn will already be 400 kcal per 100 g, and the addition of sugar increases the calorie content of sweet popcorn to 450-500 kcal. As you can see, it is better to enjoy popcorn in its pure form. This, at least, will allow not to increase the calorie content of popcorn.

At the same time, if you limit yourself to a small amount of this product, without adding unnecessary ingredients to it, then eating popcorn will not affect your waist in any way and the question of how many calories in popcorn will not be so acute. It is worth remembering the portion size limit when going to the cinema to watch the next movie. Choose a smaller portion for yourself, preferably without salt and sugar. If this is not possible, then give preference to salted popcorn, since the calorie content of salted popcorn is still lower than the calorie content of sweet popcorn. This is actually important, because it is estimated that during the time of watching one movie, the average viewer is able to get up to 1800 kcal with popcorn! This is actually the daily calorie intake for a woman. So, if you don't want popcorn to turn into a high-calorie bomb, carefully monitor how much of this product you consume.

Thus, we can conclude that the main harm from the use of popcorn lies in the high calorie content of popcorn, which can do a disservice if it is consumed excessively. In all other respects, this product is safe for health and can even become a source of useful vitamins and minerals. Nutritionists, of course, do not welcome the use of popcorn during the diet, but occasionally it is quite permissible to eat a small portion of popcorn. 4.2857142857143

4.29 out of 5 (7 Votes)

Jan-31-2013

Popcorn:

Nowadays, it is very common to find vending machines in cinemas and just on the streets that prepare a delicacy loved by many - fried corn or, in other words, popcorn. There are many lovers of crunching sweet or salty popcorn in the movies. But also a considerable number of people are wondering - what is the calorie content of popcorn? This dish is considered to be very high in calories. It is not surprising that it is the energy value of popcorn that is of interest to those who monitor their weight.

So what is popcorn? What are its beneficial properties?

We will try to answer these questions in our article.

Popcorn - this is the name of corn grain that has undergone heat treatment. For its preparation, grain is used, which is intended for the production baby food, flour, cereals and starch.

It is prepared as follows: corn grain is placed in special devices and then subjected to a sharp short-term increase in pressure there.

The temperature inside such a device at the same time reaches 100 C or more. This is necessary to destroy possible pathogens.

It should be noted that corn itself is a very valuable, healthy and nutritious product. It contains various vitamins, fiber, rich in protein. However, popcorn differs markedly from corn in its properties. It contains some ballast substances, vitamins B1, B2, a large amount of potassium. Popcorn is a good source of carbohydrates and fiber. As you can see it's enough useful product. Of course, we are talking about popcorn without additives - sugar, salt, oil, etc. Additives greatly affect the nutritional value of the product, so the calorie content of sweet popcorn is very significant.

How many calories are in popcorn?

Now let's find out what is the energy value of popcorn. We already know that popcorn is different - sweet, salty, with additives, and so on. So here it is:

The calorie content of salted popcorn is 407 kcal per 100 grams.

Proteins - 7.0

Fats - 13.0

carbohydrates - 63.0

The calorie content of sweet popcorn is 401 kcal per 100 grams.

Proteins, fats and carbohydrates (BJU) in gr. per 100 grams:

Proteins - 4.0

Fats - 13.0

carbohydrates - 79.0

How many calories are in other types of popcorn? And here's how much:

Calorie table, per 100 grams of product:

And the nutritional value of popcorn of other types is as follows:

Nutritional value table, per 100 grams of product:

Is it possible to cook this dish at home? Of course you can! Here is one of the recipes:

Caramel popcorn:

  • Products:
  • Corn (for popcorn, without microwave bag) - 150 gr.
  • Sunflower oil - 50 gr.
  • Sugar - 1 cup
  • Butter - 20-30 gr.

You will need a 4-6 liter pot. Sunflower oil is poured into the bottom of the pan (with a layer of 2-3 mm), corn is also poured there. The stove is turned on at the highest power and they expect - 5-7 minutes later there will be pops. When the popping stops, the popcorn is ready.

Prepare caramel. Butter is combined with sugar (in a glass). The glass is placed in the microwave, turned on at full power. Caramel is taken out and stirred every minute - otherwise it will burn. When the caramel has acquired a brown tint and the desired consistency, it is taken out and poured over the popcorn in a thin stream, stirring it all the time until the caramel thickens.

Attention - melted sugar can severely burn!

Popcorn for weight loss:

And more on this topic:

Nutritionists say that popcorn is good for a diet! Overweight people can only be happy about this fact. After all, it turns out that its use is not contraindicated during diets, but on the contrary, for example, the American Diabetes Association suggests using popcorn instead of bread in diets that are focused on reducing excess weight.

The statement about the benefits of popcorn is very contradictory, because many argue that it is very harmful, its use threatens with extra pounds, it was because of this that even a proposal was made to refuse to sell popcorn in cinemas. On the other hand, there is an opinion that popcorn helps to lose extra pounds. I wonder which of the statements is true?

In Pennsylvania, scientists conducted some studies, during which it turned out that popcorn is not only healthy, but also has a low calorie content. Polyphenols and antioxidants contained in popcorn have a higher concentration, which prevents the aging of the body.

Research reports show that a serving of popcorn contains twice as many polyphenols as a serving of fruit. Its husk contains fiber and polyphenols of the highest concentration. True, despite all the benefits of this product, nutritionists still recommend using it as a snack and not classifying it as a staple food.

Although the calorie content of popcorn is quite high, nutritionists have confirmed the fact that the finished product, as well as corn, contains many useful substances. It is rich in antioxidants, fiber, and its use improves the functioning of the digestive tract, and also reduces blood sugar levels.