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Popcorn Health Risks
Popcorn -- made from corn kernels that are heated until they explode -- was first eaten by the Native Americans and remains a popular grain in the U.S. today. It's is generally regarded as a snack food. While there are some health risks associated with eating popcorn, taking appropriate precautions means you can likely enjoy a bowl of popcorn safely.
Choking Hazard
Toddlers can choke to death on popcorn, prompting the American Academy of Pediatrics to ask that warning labels be placed on it, reports "The New York Times." Children 3 and younger are at elevated risk because their throats are small in diameter and their back teeth are not yet in place, making them likely to be unable to chew their food into small pieces 2. Popcorn can also pose a danger for adults who have swallowing difficulties due to oral problems, history of stroke or advanced age. Anyone can occasionally choke on popcorn, particularly while distracted, talking, coughing or eating too quickly. For safety, eat popcorn with a drink nearby and chew it carefully before swallowing. Never give popcorn to a child younger than 5.
- Toddlers can choke to death on popcorn, prompting the American Academy of Pediatrics to ask that warning labels be placed on it, reports "The New York Times."
- Children 3 and younger are at elevated risk because their throats are small in diameter and their back teeth are not yet in place, making them likely to be unable to chew their food into small pieces 2.
Popcorn Lung
The Effects of Too Much Popcorn
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Many bags of buttered microwave popcorn contain the chemical diacetyl, which has been causing lung problems for factory workers in popcorn plants for years. Dubbed popcorn lung, this condition develops after repeated exposure to the aromatic additive, causing serious lung damage. A case of consumer exposure was also observed in a man who prepared and ate several bags of buttered microwave popcorn each day for a number of years, notes the University of Illinois. While this particular case hasn't been proven, it is prudent to open buttered microwave bags near an exhaust fan and to avoid breathing the fumes.
- Many bags of buttered microwave popcorn contain the chemical diacetyl, which has been causing lung problems for factory workers in popcorn plants for years.
- While this particular case hasn't been proven, it is prudent to open buttered microwave bags near an exhaust fan and to avoid breathing the fumes.
Unhealthy Toppings
Popcorn is frequently topped with or cooked in unhealthy ingredients, such as saturated fat and salt. Movie theaters often add coconut oil, which is high in saturated fat. Typical microwave popcorn also contains high levels of fat and the vast majority of popcorn is highly salted before consumption. Air-popping popcorn is best, as it can be made with no additional ingredients.
- Popcorn is frequently topped with or cooked in unhealthy ingredients, such as saturated fat and salt.
- Movie theaters often add coconut oil, which is high in saturated fat.
Allergy
Harkins Popcorn Nutrition
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Those who have a corn allergy or intolerance can become quite ill from ingesting popcorn. Even smelling the popcorn popping can precipitate a reaction in susceptible individuals. Those allergic or intolerant to corn should avoid popcorn altogether and leave the area when it is being prepared.
- Those who have a corn allergy or intolerance can become quite ill from ingesting popcorn.
- Those allergic or intolerant to corn should avoid popcorn altogether and leave the area when it is being prepared.
Gastrointestinal Problems
If you have a gastrointestinal condition that requires you to follow a low-fiber or low-residue diet, consult with your physician before eating popcorn, as the grain may irritate your gastrointestinal tract. Some experts advise those with diverticulitis or diverticulosis to abstain from popcorn, although there is no scientific basis for this, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
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References
- University of Maryland: Allergies, Intolerance, and Sensitivity
- "The New York Times": Labels Urged for Food That Can Choke; Laurie Tarkan; 2010
- Nguyen, V., Cooper, L., Lowndes, J. et al. Popcorn is more satiating than potato chips in normal-weight adults. Nutr J 11, 71 (2012). doi:10.1186/1475-2891-11-71
- Coco MG, Vinson JA. Analysis of popcorn (Zea mays L. var. everta) for antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content. Antioxidants (Basel). 2019;8(1). doi:10.3390/antiox8010022
- Zhou Y, Zheng J, Li Y, et al. Natural polyphenols for prevention and treatment of cancer. Nutrients. 2016;8(8) doi:10.3390/nu8080515
- Cleveland Clinic. Diverticular disease: greatest myths and facts. 2020.
- American Cancer Society. Teflon and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Updated January 5, 2016.
- Begley TH, White K, Honigfort P, Twaroski ML, Neches R, Walker RA. Perfluorochemicals: potential sources of and migration from food packaging. Food Addit Contam. 2005;22(10):1023-31. doi:10.1080/02652030500183474
- American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Corn allergy. Updated March 8, 2019.
- American Chemical Society (ACS). Popcorn: The snack with even higher antioxidants levels than fruits and vegetables. ACS Meeting; San Diego, California; March 25, 2012.
Writer Bio
J. Lucy Boyd, RN, BSN has written several nonfiction books including "The Complete Guide to Healthy Cooking and Nutrition for College Students." She is frequently called upon to provide career guidance to medical professionals and advice to parents of children with challenges. She also loves teaching others to cook for their families.