I ate popcorn every day for a week, and here's what happened! You won't believe it, follow all the details in this article from Dalili Medical and find out. Popcorn is my favorite food! I love eating it more than birthday cake or chocolate. It's one of the foods that I incorporate into my diet, as it's a healthy snack when prepared in an air fryer and served without ingredients rich in fat, salt or sugar.

What are the benefits of popcorn for the fetus?

 

Popcorn is a whole grain with low calories, and therefore does not cause weight gain for pregnant women, in addition to being low in sugar, so it does not expose pregnant women to the risk of high blood sugar. Because the weight gain of pregnant women may lead to complications, most notably preeclampsia, which negatively affects the fetus in terms of low fetal weight, premature birth or fetal death in the worst cases, popcorn is also beneficial for the fetus, in addition to containing many vitamins and minerals.

Is popcorn allowed for pregnant women in the first months?

 

Since the neurological development of the fetus begins in the first months of pregnancy; Eating popcorn at the beginning of pregnancy seems beneficial because it contains many minerals and vitamins, the most important of which is folic acid, which is essential for the development of the fetus's nervous system and preventing neural tube defects.

Does popcorn raise blood pressure for pregnant women?

 

Ready-made popcorn often contains a high percentage of salt or sodium, and consuming too much sodium can cause high blood pressure and lead to other health complications. Some brands and forms of ready-made popcorn also contain a lot of sugar in addition to butter and salt, which can make popcorn an unhealthy snack, so we recommend eating homemade popcorn and eating it without salt with a little oil.

Does popcorn affect the kidneys?

 

No, eating popcorn in moderation does not negatively affect the kidneys, but can improve the body's functions in general, including the kidneys.

Does popcorn affect cholesterol levels?

 

Yes, popcorn helps improve cholesterol levels thanks to its antioxidant content.

Does popcorn contain starches?

 

Yes, popcorn contains a good percentage of starches.

Is popcorn good for the colon?

 

Yes, popcorn helps relieve colon irritation.

Does popcorn increase or decrease weight?

 

Popcorn can help with weight loss if eaten as part of a healthy diet. However, if eaten in excess as part of an unhealthy diet, it can lead to weight gain.

Does popcorn raise blood pressure?

 

No, popcorn helps regulate blood pressure and protects the heart and blood vessels from complications.

Does popcorn cause staying up late?

 

No, popcorn does not directly cause staying up late, but many people associate it in their minds with eating it in the evening while watching TV.

Does popcorn cause bloating?

 

No, eating popcorn in moderation can improve digestion. However, eating too much of it can lead to digestive problems and bloating, so it is preferable to moderate the amount.

**What are the benefits of popcorn for the fetus?**

 

Popcorn is a good source of folic acid, which is essential for pregnant women and their fetuses, as it helps prevent birth defects. In addition, popcorn contains minerals and antioxidants that contribute to supporting healthy fetal growth.

**How ​​much popcorn is allowed to eat per day?**

 

Popcorn can be eaten in moderate amounts, as four cups of it contain only about 120 calories. Therefore, the appropriate amount that can be eaten daily is approximately equivalent to four spoonfuls of popcorn, without adding oil or with the addition of a drop or two of oil.

**Health benefits of popcorn**

 

**Benefits of popcorn for diabetics**The benefits of popcorn for diabetics appear through its fiber content, which helps regulate the process of sugar absorption, which contributes to controlling blood sugar levels. The glycemic index of popcorn is 55, which means that blood sugar and insulin levels rise gradually. Therefore, popcorn is considered one of the recommended foods for diabetics, as it helps reduce fluctuations in blood sugar levels. The American Nutrition Association recommends eating the equivalent of 3 cups of air-popped popcorn.

**Benefits of Popcorn for Blood Pressure**The benefits of popcorn are evident in preventing high blood pressure, thanks to its content of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium, in addition to being free of sodium. Therefore, popcorn is considered one of the preferred whole grains in the DASH Diet, which aims to reduce blood pressure.

**Benefits of Popcorn for Heart Health**The benefits of popcorn for heart health are evident through the fibers that help get rid of cholesterol accumulated on the walls of blood vessels and arteries. This contributes to the prevention of heart disease, heart attacks, atherosclerosis, and strokes.

**Benefits of Popcorn for Constipation**Studies have shown that eating whole grains such as popcorn is beneficial in treating constipation, as it helps improve bowel movement.

A large percentage of polyphenols promotes digestive health, in addition to a group of vitamin B and vitamin E.

**Benefits of Popcorn in Preventing Cancer**The benefits of popcorn in protecting against cancer appear thanks to its content of powerful antioxidants such as polyphenols, which work to combat free radicals and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, such as prostate and breast cancer, as well as many other diseases.

**Benefits of Popcorn in Weight Loss**Popcorn helps in losing weight when eaten in moderation, as one cup of it contains only 31 calories. It is also rich in fiber that enhances the feeling of satiety, and is characterized by a low percentage of saturated fats.

**Popcorn and Anti-Aging**The benefits of popcorn in fighting aging are due to its content of antioxidants that help reduce signs of aging, such as wrinkles and dark spots on the skin.**Benefits of Popcorn for Children** Popcorn has many benefits for children, as it is a whole grain rich in fiber that supports digestive health, helps treat constipation, and enhances the feeling of satiety. However, it should be avoided for children under the age of four, as they may have difficulty chewing it.

A large percentage of polyphenols contributes to enhancing digestive health, along with a group of B vitamins and vitamin E.

What are the benefits of popcorn for pregnant women?

 

After reviewing the nutritional values ​​of popcorn, it becomes clear that it is an excellent choice for pregnant women. If you are wondering about the benefits of popcorn, here are some great health benefits that you can add to your favorite snack. It is important to note that overeating any food can be harmful, but popcorn, when eaten in moderate amounts, provides many health benefits, including:

- It is a snack rich in fiber, which helps prevent constipation that may accompany pregnancy, by facilitating the digestion process and increasing bowel movement.

- Popcorn helps pregnant women feel full without gaining weight, if eaten in moderation. Maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also reduces the risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and miscarriage.

- It is a suitable meal for diabetics.

- It is a friend of the body and skin thanks to its antioxidant content.

- Popcorn is a good source of folic acid, a B vitamin essential for fetal development, as it helps prevent neural tube defects and supports healthy cell division.

**Damages of popcorn**

Despite the many benefits of popcorn, it has some health risks, especially when adding ingredients such as butter, salt or caramel during preparation. Adding butter significantly increases calories, and using artificial flavors reduces its nutritional value. The most prominent harms of popcorn are:

- **Increased blood cholesterol**: As a result of adding butter, which may lead to atherosclerosis and strokes.

- **High sodium**: Due to adding large amounts of salt, which leads to fluid retention, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of kidney and heart disease.

- **Some types contain unhealthy ingredients**: The method of preparation greatly affects its nutritional quality. Commercially prepared varieties can contain high calories and unhealthy ingredients, as the content of a medium-sized box of popcorn in cinemas may reach 1200 calories, in addition to large amounts of sugar, salt, artificial flavors, and types of cheese rich in fat.

To avoid these harms, popcorn can be prepared at home using healthy ingredients such as olive oil or coconut oil, with the addition of spices and herbs.

**Possibility of containing perfluorinated compounds**Microwave-ready popcorn bags may contain perfluorinated compounds, which are substances that prevent oil from leaking from the bags. These compounds are subject to decomposition when exposed to heat, leading to the formation of perfluorooctanoic acid, which is linked to an increased risk of cancer. A study of 32,507 people published in 2013 found that perfluorooctanoic acid was linked to certain cancers and a range of other health problems, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and thyroid problems.

**Possible non-hydrogenated oils** Many microwave popcorns are made with hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils, a type of trans fat that is considered harmful. Several studies have linked trans fat consumption to an increased risk of heart disease and other serious illnesses.

**Digestive disorders** Popcorn should be eaten in moderation, as overeating can increase your chances of developing indigestion, constipation, bloating, and gas, due to its high fiber content, which can negatively impact your digestive system.

**How ​​to make healthy popcorn?**

 

The best way to make healthy popcorn is to use a home popper or air-popper. It can also be prepared by placing the corn kernels on the fire with the addition of oil, sugar and salt until they pop and become ready to eat.

**Microwave popcorn**Microwave popcorn usually comes in the form of bags that are placed in the microwave for a few minutes until they pop and become ready. However, most microwave bags contain substances such as:

- Perfluorooctanoic acid, which can cause health problems such as:

- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

- Low birth weight.

- Thyroid disorders.

- Diacetyl, a chemical used in artificial butter flavoring.

- Fully or partially hydrogenated oils, which contain harmful trans fats that increase the risk of heart disease.

**The harms of preparing popcorn in the microwave**

 

1. **Lung blockage** A study conducted by researchers from the University of Cincinnati in 2009 showed that microwave popcorn production employees reported respiratory problems. This is because the added butter flavor contains diacetyl, which can lead to airway obstruction and bronchitis when inhaled.

2. **Increased risk of cancer** When canned popcorn is heated in the microwave, it can absorb perfluorinated chemicals, which increases the risk of prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer.

3. **Negative effects on sexual health** A study conducted by Danish researchers showed that men who eat canned popcorn after heating it in the microwave suffer from a decrease in sperm count, due to the high levels of perfluorinated chemicals in their bodies.

### Colored popcorn

#### Ingredients

- **Popcorn**: 12 tablespoons

- **Vegetable oil**: 6 tablespoons

- **Sugar**: 12 tablespoons (distributed over 6 bowls)

- **Food coloring**: According to theDesire (Assorted Gel Colors / 6 Colors)

#### Preparation Method

1. Put two drops of gel in each sugar bowl.

2. Heat the oil in a medium-sized pot, then add two tablespoons of popcorn and a bowl of colored sugar. Cover the pot and shake it constantly over the heat until the popcorn kernels explode.

3. Drain the colored popcorn on paper towels.

4. Repeat the previous two steps until you finish the amount of popcorn and colored sugar.

5. Leave the popcorn to cool, then transfer it to a serving plate, stirring the colored popcorn to mix together.

### Cheddar Cheese Popcorn

#### Ingredients:

- A quarter cup of cheddar cheese (grated)

- Two tablespoons of ready-made ranch sauce

- A teaspoon of dried parsley

- A third of a cup of butter (melted)

- Three cups of popcorn (prepared and ready)

#### Preparation method:

1. In a deep, wide bowl, mix the cheddar cheese with the ranch sauce and dried parsley.

2. Add the popcorn and melted butter, then stir the ingredients well until the flavors are distributed.

3. Serve the popcorn on a plate and enjoy!

**Caramel Popcorn**

**Ingredients:**

- A cup of corn (dry)

- A quarter cup of vegetable oil

- A cup of sugar

- A cup of water

**Preparation method:**

1. In a deep saucepan, mix the corn with the sugar, oil and water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.

2. Cover the pot and leave it on the fire until the corn kernels are cooked and turned into popcorn, for about 10 minutes.

3. Remove the pot from the fire and leave it to cool slightly before serving.

### Popcorn with Parmesan Cheese

#### Ingredients

- A quarter cup of Parmesan cheese (grated)

- Two tablespoons of ready-made ranch sauce

- A teaspoon of dried parsley

- A third of a cup of butter (melted)

- Three cups of popcorn (prepared in advance)

#### Preparation method

1. In a deep bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese with the ranch sauce and dried parsley.

2. Add the popcorn and melted butter, then stir the ingredients well and serve.