How much does an average popcorn weigh. Calorie content, benefits and harms of popcorn for the human body. How many calories are in popcorn

Popcorn is also called puffed corn - it really is a kind of corn, the grains of which, due to heat treatment, literally explode, turning into such a delicacy that they invariably like to choose as a snack while watching a movie or at other entertainment events.

The calorie content of popcorn without additives is 367 calories per 100 grams of product.

But do not forget that this is a very nutritious product, so you should not get carried away with it.

How many calories does sweet or salty popcorn contain

Because popcorn in its usual form, without any additives, has absolutely no taste, they try to diversify it in every possible way, adding:

  • salt;
  • salty seasonings;
  • sweet glaze;
  • powdered sugar;
  • butter.

All these ingredients can significantly, sometimes up to two times, increase the nutritional value of this product.

The calorie content of popcorn with additives ranges from 400 to 700 calories per 100 grams of product.

So for people who would not want to get extra calories with a serving of this treat, it is better to choose regular popcorn with salt - it has the minimum nutritional value of all the above options.

Homemade popcorn is the most nutritious(i.e. the one that was fried in oil) with the addition of caramel syrup. Such a treat can reach up to 900 calories - of course, the nutritional value in this case will depend on how much syrup is poured onto the grains.

How many grams and calories in a glass of popcorn

In movie theaters and entertainment events, popcorn is usually sold in glasses or buckets. In this case, the yield (weight) of the product is rarely indicated, and the sellers themselves may not know it, pouring it by eye and selling a treat by sight - a glass (large or small), a bucket, etc. But in order to accurately calculate the calorie content of what you eat, you need to know how many grams of popcorn fit in the declared volumes. Traditionally, these are four containers:

  • a small glass - 50 grams - from 185 calories;
  • medium glass - 70 grams - from 257 calories;
  • a large glass - 100 grams - from 367 calories;
  • bucket - 130 grams - from 478 calories.

What are the benefits of popcorn

Popcorn is a traditional snack at cultural events, so most people who use it do not even think about whether there is any benefit in this product. First of all, it is chosen because of its availability. and because it is pleasant to crunch these salted or sweetened grains. But, besides this, you can get some benefits from this food.

Consider what is contained in 100 grams of popcorn (without filler):

  • proteins - 7.3 grams;
  • fats - 13.5 grams;
  • carbohydrates - 62.7 grams.

Thus, it is one of the most nutritious quick snack options. However, with a large volume of the product, it is also very light, so the largest portion of this treat will not exceed 150 grams.

In addition, puffed corn contains potassium, iodine, magnesium and zinc - trace elements that are very important for the healthy functioning of our body.

Here you can also find vitamin B, which is responsible for nervous regulation and fiber, which has a positive effect on bowel function. Moreover, this delicacy is uplifting.
So this product cannot be called completely useless.

Harm of popcorn

Popcorn should not be abused, and the point here is not so much in the nutritional value of this product (which, by the way, is not a minus for everyone, this is a big plus for those who want to gain weight), but in the fact that:

  1. Popcorn with additives may contain dyes, flavor enhancers and other chemicals.
  2. This delicacy injures the gums and teeth.
  3. Not suitable for those with digestive problems.

So they need to be treated with care.

What is the calorie content of popcorn. BJU ratio. Varieties of popcorn. Benefits and harms of use.

Despite the fact that the weather is magnificent in summer and outdoor time can be spent around the clock, if possible, many people go to the cinema to see the premieres of intriguing films with pleasure. What is the first thing that is taken to “chew” in the cinema? Of course, popcorn! However, not many people think about the calorie content of popcorn, and especially how its intake affects the figure as a whole.

The calorie content of the air product can vary from 300 to 500 kcal, it all depends on what additional components are included in it. Some supplements slightly increase the calorie content, while others more than 1.5 times. They will be discussed below...

The ratio of proteins, fats, carbohydrates

If the product is natural without various additives, then corn is devoid of taste, therefore, in order to attract the buyer and enhance the taste, various syrups, food additives and salt are added.

So, ordinary popcorn without additives has an average of 100g.:

  • 7.3 gr. - squirrel;
  • 13.5 gr. - fats;
  • 62.7 gr. - carbohydrates.

The introduction of additives changes this ratio, increasing mainly indicators and carbohydrates.

salted popcorn calories

The addition of salt increases the calorie content to 407 kcal. After drinking it, there is a desire to drink liquid and, as is often the case in a movie theater, not pure water is always at hand, but Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Fanta, Sprite or a similar analogue of a sweet carbonated drink.

If salty popcorn is consumed on the couch at home, then as a rule, thirst is quenched by beer, as a result of which the number of calories consumed increases significantly. In addition, an increase in the concentration of salt in the body retains fluid and slows down fat burning, as a result of which the body looks full and there can be no talk of any relief figure.

If you are already a fan of this delicacy, use it as a drink, green or herbal, in extreme cases, regular soda will do.

sweet popcorn calories

Probably the most popular type of popcorn not only among children, but also among adults. It is worth remembering that flavors and the volume of syrup used affect the calorie content.

The calorie content of a sweet treat is 400-700 kcal, it is considered that in order to get the minimum calorie content, sweet popcorn must be cooked in the microwave, and for a stronger taste, popcorn is sprinkled with powdered sugar before eating.


calories in caramel popcorn

Caramel gives almost tasteless corn pleasant aroma and exquisite taste. The calorie content of this product reaches 405 kcal, and the composition of the BJU is divided as follows: proteins - 5.5 grams, fats - 8.9 grams, and carbohydrates, as always leaders - 77 grams.


Cheese popcorn calories

One of the most high-calorie types of popcorn. This is all due to mixing with the cheese mixture, which increases the total calorie content of the product to 500 kcal. in 100 gr. In most cases, natural cheese mix is ​​difficult to obtain, and to reduce costs, many companies add a variety of cheese flavor enhancers, flavors, and similar nutritional supplements.

However, its calorie content does not reduce its popularity, because in fact, not very many people worry about the caloric content of the diet, they are much more interested in the nutritional value, taste and price segment of the product.

The benefits of popcorn

This product has the following positive properties:

  • rich in iron, phosphorus, calcium, as well as a list of minerals that play an important role in the normal functioning of the circulatory system, the strength of bones and teeth;
  • the amount of protein found in elevated level higher than in vegetables, oatmeal or baked goods;
  • popcorn contains B1, which has a positive effect on the functioning of the intestines and stomach, and is also needed for the functioning of the nervous system;
  • the presence of riboflavin is greater than in legumes, cabbage and oatmeal.

Harm of popcorn

Popcorn with a variety of fillers and additives carries the following harmfulness:

  • high salt content disturbs water balance and if a person is prone to puffiness, then this will certainly be reflected after taking salted popcorn;
  • calories obtained from popcorn with the presence are instantly broken down and deposited in subcutaneous fat (while only a small part of the energy is taken by the internal organs for their normal operation);
  • high fat content is not recommended for people suffering from diseases of the pancreas;
  • often instead of high-quality components for making popcorn, they use diacetyl, which leads to disruption of the brain and lungs, as well as palm oil, which releases carcinogens under the influence of heat treatment;
  • busting with the use of cheese popcorn or paprika disrupts the functioning of the intestines and stomach, causing gastritis and flatulence.

If you cannot refuse this delicacy, always know the measure, because this is not a vital necessity, but just a whim. Don't go to the cinema hungry and don't forget to drink plenty of pure water, sometimes hunger disguises itself as a banal desire for thirst.

There is a dangerous myth that it is low in calories because it is so light and weightless. But it's not!

Big bag of popcorn, which can be bought at almost any cinema, contains 1,800 calories. Alas, many movie lovers do not even know about it. Experts believe that people have a right to know.

The British Food Standards Agency believes that popcorn bags, plastic soda cups and ice cream should contain high calorie warnings, found on any other factory-produced food.

Nutrition experts are concerned that cinema goers in Lately fed simply "horse" doses of the so-called "junk" food. After all, one big bag of popcorn calories almost replaces the entire daily diet of an adult. But the feeling of fullness after taking this portion passes very quickly.

Experts have calculated that one large serving of salted popcorn contains 1,779 calories. As much as three servings of pizza, garlic bread or tiramisu.

Cinema owners justify themselves by saying that it is customary to share a large bag of popcorn. Alas, often the viewer eats it alone during a two-hour session.

Portions are growing all the time, now incredibly large packs are being sold. I think they should be lowered. And besides, on all packages should be placed a warning about the approximate calorie content per serving. But it's not just popcorn that we're concerned about. A standard hot dog has 650 calories, a popular Mexican dish called nachos has 716 calories, and a large glass of Coca-Cola has 328 calories.

Popcorn is a delicacy that is popular all over the world with both children and adults. Not a single trip to the cinema is complete without it. Yes, and at home, with friends or watching a movie, this product brightens up leisure. The assortment pleases with its diversity: traditional, salty, caramel, with different flavors. At first glance, it seems that it can be more harmless than popcorn. But even here there are pitfalls regarding the benefits of consumption and the allowable amount. After all, the calorie content of popcorn directly depends on the composition, which can harm the figure and provoke a number of diseases.

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Composition and calories

Popcorn is made from corn, but not all varieties of the plant are suitable for this. Since the grains should not burst immediately, the shell needs to be denser in order to retain moisture inside for a long time. Under influence high temperature the steam accumulating inside has time to be evenly distributed and with a micro-explosion, the tender pulp sticks out. If you try to make popcorn from ordinary corn, then this effect does not occur.

To date, manufacturers are trying to diversify the range of snacks by introducing various food additives: sugar, salt, fat and flavorings. For this reason the nutritional value and calorie content (KBJU) varies. On average, 100 grams of product has about 60-70 grams of carbohydrates, 15 grams of fat and 8-9 grams of protein. The following types are most commonly found on the market:

  • Sweet: is most in demand among consumers. Caramel is obtained from it, which has a richer taste and a characteristic crunch. An ideal dessert, but very rich in calories: about 500 kcal per 100 grams.
  • Salty: suitable as an appetizer for beer and various side dishes. Calorie content - 300-330 kilocalories.
  • cheesy: the composition contains artificial inclusions with a cheese flavor. The approximate number of calories is about 400.

Along with these, there are others that have an attractive multi-colored color: chocolate - brown, berry - red. In this variety, the calorie content is kept within 400 kcal.

To accurately understand the calories eaten, you should roughly know how many calories are in the portions sold:

  • a small glass (50 grams) - about 180 kcal;
  • medium (70 grams) - from 250 kcal;
  • large (100 grams) - over 350 kcal;
  • a bucket (130 grams) - 470 kcal or more.

For one film show, an adult eats the daily norm of the required number of calories. Despite the high calorie content, the snack consists of useful substances and vitamins. So, B vitamins have a beneficial effect on the structure of hair and nails. Calcium is essential for muscles and bones. Potassium helps the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Vegetable fiber has a positive effect on digestion, prevents constipation. Drinking in large quantities can significantly harm the figure, but in order to avoid this, popcorn is preferred without any high-calorie additives and dyes.

Benefits of using

The benefits and harms of popcorn are interpreted depending on its composition. The pure product and without oil brings the greatest benefit. Cooked at home, in the microwave, it is preferable for health than sold in cinemas and stores. Considering beneficial features should rely on natural popcorn. It contains a lot of vitamin B9 and E, which are not lost even under thermal influence.

Another advantage of popcorn is its high nutritional value - only 50 grams is enough to satisfy your hunger and recharge your batteries for a long period. Therefore, nutritionists recommend replacing them with harmful snacks from sweets and flour products.

Homemade corn is quite safe for both adults and young children. The following useful properties of everyone's favorite delicacy are noted:

  • normalizes the digestive system;
  • lowers blood sugar levels;
  • has a positive effect on the skin;
  • easily absorbed by the body.

Due to the high carbohydrate saturation, air flakes do not suppress appetite in any way. This is due to rapid digestion and elimination from the stomach. Thanks to vitamins B1 and B2, metabolism is improved, depression is eliminated and the energy resource is quickly restored. Therefore, in acceptable quantities, the product is indicated for athletes and people undergoing daily physical activity.

During pregnancy and diet

According to recent studies conducted in the United States, popcorn has a high concentration of polyphenols. They have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart and liver, and also prevent the development of many serious diseases. If we talk about losing weight, then only a pure product brings benefits - without any flavorings and oils. Minimum activation allowed olive oil, salt and herbal spices.

It is permissible to include it in diets or eat exclusively air grains, then there is no need for other food. It is an ideal addition to a diet based on vegetables, fruits and nuts. Then it is impossible to gain weight, and the benefits for the body will be maximum.

Despite the many advantages of the snack, it should be discarded during pregnancy. The body of a woman during this period is especially sensitive and unpredictable. Given the specificity of the production of popcorn, even at home, it is better not to risk health. The glutamate present in the composition, introduced by manufacturers to enhance the taste, is prohibited for pregnant women. And all kinds of additives can harm the child and mother: salt destabilizes the water balance, and sugar - the pancreas.

Contraindications

Despite the benefits, popcorn has a number of contraindications for use. These include:

  • individual intolerance;
  • due to the presence of vitamin K, which enhances blood clotting, it is not recommended to eat people with thrombophlebitis and a predisposition to it;
  • allergic reaction;
  • diabetes;
  • indigestion;
  • gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcer.

Harm to health can be caused by the wrong way of preparing this dish. In industrial production and in public leisure establishments, low-quality oil is often used, which contains the dangerous substance diacetyl. Under the influence of high temperature, this flavor adversely affects the upper respiratory tract.

Regarding homemade popcorn, the microwave is used for cooking. Until now, the degree of influence of microwaves on the human body has not been fully studied. Therefore, preference is still given traditional way cooking. In addition, all kinds of additives can provoke oncology.

Cooking at home

It is recommended to cook popcorn yourself at home, which allows you to get a product that is healthy and safe for health. Plus, you can save a lot. There are several cooking options: microwave oven, on a conventional stove and in a special device.


The simplest and most common option is a microwave. To do this, just buy the finished workpiece in a bag and place it in the oven. According to the instructions on the packaging, put on maximum power and hold for 3 minutes. Readiness is determined by outgoing sounds: at first, frequent clicks are heard, which gradually become less frequent.

When they take as a basis not a portioned bag of popcorn (semi-finished product), but loose grains, they are placed in a high heat-resistant container. Preliminary, refined oil is poured into the bottom, preferably olive oil. Heat and pour the grains, cover tightly with a lid. As soon as the characteristic pops subside, the delicacy is ready and can be turned off. The lid is removed when all the flakes open completely and stop shooting.

Now various household appliances have come to the aid of housewives, which greatly facilitate and speed up cooking. These include a popcorn maker.

It is convenient in that the corn grains receive uniform heating and the oil is consumed to a minimum. In this way, it is possible to make a lot of tasty and healthy corn in a short time, without additives. The only negative is the cost of the purchase itself and non-stick components, which are essential. Otherwise, the added sugar will burn and quickly disable the equipment.

Corn popcorn is the perfect snack for any occasion. With the right approach to cooking and eating, delicacy brings only pleasure and benefit. When choosing this product, you should pay attention to the composition: the one without oil and other impurities is considered harmless. It is optimal to purchase lightly salted or sweetened.

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