Puffed corn (popcorn) and rice have long been known and loved by consumers. People know a little less about puffed wheat, but the product is rapidly winning the sympathy of adults and children. It is used for a quick breakfast with milk, as a sweet dessert or snack if you choose the sugar-free option. Inventive housewives add the product to familiar recipes for cakes and pastries, surprising household members with an unexpected taste.
Chemical composition and nutritional value
Puffed wheat contains minerals, vitamins, and amino acids necessary for humans. 100 grams of product contains:
- carbohydrates - 79.6 grams;
- proteins - 14.70 grams;
- fats - 1.20 grams;
- water - 3.00 grams;
- ash - 1.5 grams.
It contains a lot of water-soluble B vitamins (B1-B3; B5; B6; B9); the product does not contain fat-soluble forms of vitamins. The list of minerals found in the delicacy is impressive:
- phosphorus - 355.0 milligrams;
- potassium - 348.0 milligrams;
- magnesium - 145.0 milligrams;
- iron - 31.7 milligrams;
- calcium - 28.0 milligrams;
- sodium - 4.0 milligrams;
- zinc - 2.4 milligrams;
- manganese - 1.8 milligrams;
- copper - 0.4 milligrams;
- selenium - 123.1 micrograms;
- fluoride - 27.0 micrograms.
Consumption of 100 grams of puffed wheat covers the daily requirement of iron by 3, and selenium by 2 times.
The product is rich in amino acids (contents are indicated in grams):
- alanine - 0.548;
- arginine - 0.712;
- aspartic acid - 0.823;
- valine - 0.702;
- histidine - 0.380;
- glycine - 0.576;
- glutamic acid - 4.972;
- isoleucine - 0.626;
- leucine - 1.064;
- lysine - 0.405;
- methionine - 0.257;
- proline - 1.537;
- serine - 0.808;
- tyrosine - 0.445;
- threonine - 0.450;
- tryptophan - 0.226;
- cystine - 0.289;
The product has a high calorie content; 100 grams contain 364 kilocalories.
Benefit
It is determined by the amount of substances necessary for humans in the composition of puffed wheat. B vitamins are necessary for the normal functioning of the central nervous system (CNS) and the conduction of nerve fibers.
Minerals are responsible for the functioning of the heart, endocrine system, and the condition of hair, teeth and nails.For example, a lack of potassium causes heart disease, iron maintains hemoglobin levels, and its lack in a pregnant woman’s body can cause intrauterine developmental defects in the fetus. There is not a single organ or system in the human body that does not suffer from a lack of minerals in the body.
Tissues and cells are made up of amino acids; these substances are responsible for the processes of protein and energy metabolism; without them it is impossible to maintain hormone levels.
Fiber, contained in large quantities in wheat grains, improves intestinal motility and has a positive effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The product contains long carbohydrates, which provide the body with energy for a long time, so puffed wheat with milk is especially useful for breakfast.
How to make puffed wheat
Stores sell industrially produced, ready-to-eat products. Wheat popcorn can also be made at home. It can be sweet or salty, it is covered with caramel, sugar icing, and chocolate.
At home
To please your household with popcorn, you need to buy a special machine. There are compact household appliances on sale with a body made of plastic or metal. The device does not take up much space, is easy to disassemble and clean. In your own kitchen, you can make the product less caloric because it is prepared without adding oil. The grain softens and increases in volume under the influence of hot air flows.It takes 3 minutes to prepare 1 serving.
In industrial production
Popcorn factories use powerful stationary machines with high productivity and energy consumption. Such a device consists of several parts:
- The tank where the popcorn is made;
- compartments for loading raw materials and unloading finished products;
- heating chamber;
- ventilation system;
- oil supply compartment.
After preparation, the product is glazed or mixed with additives, cooled and packaged.
Contraindications and harm
Due to the large amount of carbohydrates, the product is not recommended for overweight people, diabetics and those wishing to lose weight, especially if the product is coated with caramel glaze, powdered sugar or is part of a homemade sweet treat.
Frequent consumption of dessert is also not recommended for children. The high content of starch and sugar in the product can cause weight gain and dental problems.
Consuming puffed wheat 1-2 times a week will not cause harm, will allow you to diversify your diet and enjoy a delicious dessert.
