Popcorn Helps Prevent Cancer: Study

Ironic, isn't it? While studies have shown popcorn fumes cause lung cancer, a new study shows that popcorn, which has high levels of antioxidants called polyphenols. Polyphenols reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

It's not just popcorn though. Other unlikely candidate foods also are high in polyphenols. According to The University of Scranton (PA) study by Joe Vinson, a professor of chemistry, almost all whole-grain breakfast cereals and many common, grain-based snacks contain substantial amounts.

However, while popcorn is good for you, how many of you eat it without added butter, or even caramel or other sugary coatings? Raise your hands, please. Aha, not that many.

While the researchers said that popcorn can be healthy, they also added that consumers need to make sure the positive qualities of popcorn are not diminished by negative qualities of additives.

These were all whole grain foods, however, that showed the high polyphenol amounts. For example, wheat cereals had the most, followed by corn, oats and rice cereals. Fans of chocolate, cocoa or cinnamon can also take heart: researchers also found that cereals with added cinnamon or cocoa also had high rates of antioxidants due to the polyphenols in cinnamon and cocoa.