Do you know What Happens If You Swallow a Popcorn Kernel? If you don’t know, then read this article to know what will happen if you swallow it.
Popcorn is a healthy snack that contains fiber and high nutrient content. While you feed popcorn to your young children, you must be careful as there is a risk of getting choked. For children under four years, the American Academy of Pediatrics has included popcorn in the choking list for kids. It is even harmful to older children and adults as well. Apart from choking, it can be damaging to your teeth or gum if it gets stuck in your mouth.
In case you accidentally swallowed a popcorn kernel, if the cases are severe, it may lead to the mass collection of the kernels in the intestinal tract that is known as Bezoar. If the Bezoar is small, they can pass without much difficulty from your stool or with some kind of medication. But, if it is large, then it might even need surgery.
If the child has swallowed a large number of unpopped kernels and complains of abdominal pain, it is advisable to see a pediatrician. Hence, one has to be careful while feeding his child popcorn. Adults, too, need to be watchful. If you already have certain health issues like colitis, then popcorn is not recommended for you.
Popcorn may cause bloating if the quantity of the popcorns consumed is too much. When a person overeats, it can cause the stomach to expand or enlarge, and the bloating can be painful at times. The cellulose present in the corn is insoluble fiber. When you chew corn for a longer time, it helps in breaking down the cellulose for accessing more nutrients. When eaten in moderation, popcorn is surely a healthy snack to munch on.
The popcorns pop when they are heated because it contains moisture present in it. The popcorn kernels have a hard hull with insoluble fiber that is hard to digest. Both kids and adults must be careful with the unpopped kernels. It not only cause damage to your health by being a choking hazard but also damages your teeth. So, eat only those kernels that are popped and ready to consume.
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