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A movie isn’t complete until there are popcorn and coke involved!
They have become an integral part of movies!
Popcorn have long since been discovered, even before Columbus discovered America!
The oldest popcorn was found in now, New Mexico. And it was 10000 years old!
Popcorn (like all six types of corn) is a cereal grain which originates from a wild grass. Its scientific name is Zea mays everta .Interestingly ,it is the only type of corn to actually pop!
Popcorn is wholly unprocessed with no additional additives, hidden ingredients, or GMOs. Moreover, popcorn is relatively high in fiber and has a good glycemic index (GI). Popcorn is a good snack for diabetics as it does not impact blood sugar levels.
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Some healthy facts:
- Air-popped popcorn has only 30 calories per cup!
- Oil-popped popcorn has only 35 calories per cup!
- When lightly buttered, popcorn contains about 80 calories per cup.
- Popcorn provides energy-producing complex carbohydrates.
- Popcorn contains fiber.
- It also provides roughage to the body needs in the daily diet.
- Popcorn is naturally low in fat and calories.
- Popcorn has no artificial additives or preservatives and is sugar-free.
- It is an ideal snack for people trying to lose fat.
It is very healthy but it can also be very unhealthy, depending upon how it is prepared.
Pre-packaged popcorn often contains PFOA and diacetyl, chemicals that may be harmful. It may also contain unhealthy trans fats.
When air-popped, it is naturally low in calories, but some ready-made types are extremely high in calories. Commercially prepared popcorn varieties can be extremely high in calories and unhealthy ingredients.
How does a popcorn pop?
Popcorn consists of three layers.
image credit:https://www.popcorn.org/Facts-Fun/From-Seed-to-Snack
The outermost layer is called Pericarp. The Pericarp is made of cellulose and is very hard.
The second layer is called Endosperm. Endosperm is made of starch granules. The function of the starch is to provide energy to the living part of the kernel, also known as germ.
The innermost layer is called germ, which is also the living part, it contains some amount of water as well.
When the popcorn is heated, the water inside it turns into steam. The pressure builds up inside the kernel.At a point, when kernel can no longer sustain the pressure inside it, it bursts open. The starch expands and finally,we get a fluffy popcorn!