Popcorn for children - health benefits

Popcorn has long been considered a curiosity for our compatriots. People use it while watching movies and during gatherings with friends. If we talk about a completely natural snack, it will benefit the human body. But today it’s almost impossible to find really high-quality popcorn. As regards treating them with children, the issue is controversial and controversial. Let's try to understand everything together.

Features of the production of popcorn

1. In the process of cooking, a special variety of corn is used for these purposes. It is based on water and starch. When the grains warm up to 200 degrees, they crack and increase in size. If chemicals were not involved in the preparation, the grains will bring maximum value to the body.
2. The basis of a natural snack includes all the same substances as in grains. We are talking about B-group vitamins, vitamin K, carbohydrates, protein compounds, amino acids. Some of them are destroyed after heat treatment. You can’t consider a snack a panacea for all ills, but it can cope with certain problems.
3. The main effect of warmed and cracked corn kernels is that they control lipid and carbohydrate balance. Against this background, the risk of developing thrombosis is reduced, food is more easily absorbed, metabolic processes are being established. Dietary fiber cleanses the intestinal tract from stagnation. Antioxidants, in turn, improve blood composition.
4. All valuable characteristics would be possible in the manufacture of snacks exclusively from pure, chemically untreated raw materials. But when popcorn is mass-produced, firms do not care about consumer health at all. Various additives, caramel, artificial flavors and flavor enhancers are used.
5. The final product is high-calorie, almost nothing remains of the benefits. At the same time, the appearance of popcorn is of no small importance. Recently, dyes have been used in its preparation. Such products, respectively, will harm not only the younger, but also the older generation.

The benefits of popcorn for a child

1. Air corn kernels obtained without the addition of foreign substances are needed by the human body. However, it is exclusively a moderate amount. The composition contains minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, which strengthen bones.
2. It also makes sense to touch on the polyphenolic compounds included in the snack. They are a kind of antioxidants. They cleanse the blood channels of cholesterol plaques, improve the activity of the heart muscle, and prevent the development of malignant cells.
3. The composition contains carbohydrates, which are required to replenish energy resources. Popcorn quickly swells when it enters the stomach and eliminates the rapidly raging hunger. He is eaten to dull his appetite when there is nothing else at hand. The most valuable is the appetizer made by hand.

Harm popcorn for a child

1. The composition contains dietary fiber, which can trigger constipation. If you decide to treat the child with popcorn, take into account that along with air grains, the baby needs to drink plenty of purified water. Only in this way will the correct functioning of the digestive system be ensured.
2. The potential harm is taking snacks with salt. Such popcorn traps fluid in tissues and the space between internal organs. Because of this, the electrolyte balance is disturbed.
3. Often when preparing the product in question, a special synthetic flavoring agent in the form of diacetyl is added. It is present in frying oil. As a result, such a substance forms toxic compounds that have a detrimental effect on nerve cells and respiratory organs.
4. If you systematically consume large amounts of popcorn, shortness of breath develops. In some cases, even mental illnesses occur. It was confirmed that diacetyl often causes mass poisoning and intoxication.
5. Do not forget that the product in question with the addition of various tastes becomes the cause of the development of serious allergic reactions, especially in young children. In addition, such additives adversely affect the digestive tract.
6. Against this background, gastritis, peptic ulcer and other pathologies that are associated with the gastrointestinal tract often develop. Popcorn, which is sold on supermarket shelves, can be prepared independently. But this does not mean that it is safer. During the preparation of the product, harmful compounds are also formed that adversely affect the entire human health.

Features of the introduction of popcorn in a children's diet

1. If you still decide to treat the child to such a treat, give preference to popcorn, which additionally does not contain any dyes or flavors. When choosing raw materials, give preference to the eminent manufacturer, who is responsible for the quality of their products.
2. It is best to learn how to cook the appetizer yourself. In this case, it will be possible to give popcorn to the baby without any fear. But it is worth noting some subtleties. Pediatricians do not recommend giving even self-prepared product to children who are under 4 years old.
3. At this age, the digestive system is just beginning to get stronger. In addition to this, the child is already quite independently able to chew and swallow food. You will also be less worried that the child may choke. In addition, after the age of 3 years, the baby's body gradually adapts to adult food.
4. In the composition of the product in question there is a large amount of fiber. Such an enzyme can adversely affect the work of the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, gas formation often increases, flatulence develops. Diarrhea is also common.
5. To fully control the situation, for the first time give your child just one little popcorn. Observe the baby’s reaction. If you have not noticed anything bad, sometimes indulge your child with such a treat. Do not allow uncontrolled eating. At the first sign of a food allergy, consult your doctor if necessary.
6. If the child is prone to developing an allergic reaction, it is forbidden to give him popcorn even in a minimal amount. Especially the product is contraindicated in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In particular, this applies to ulcers and gastritis.
7. Also, do not include a treat in the diet for diabetes, overweight, increased blood coagulation. It is not recommended to offer a purchased product with various additives and dyes to children who are under 10 years old. Popcorn will bring special harm in combination with sweet soda.

If you decide to introduce your baby to a new treat, do it as recommended. It is best to cook such a product yourself without any dyes. Do not include purchased delicacies with various flavors and fragrances on the menu, this negatively affects your overall health.

Video: how to make popcorn at home