Popcorn may be better for your health than previously thought -- at least before all that oil and butter -- a new study has found.
University of Scranton scientist Joe Vinson said at the annual meeting of the American Chemical Society last week that the snack food contains a higher concentration of polyphenol antioxidants than fruits and vegetables -- up to 300 mg a serving compared to 160 mg for all fruits per serving
He also pointed out that the much-maligned popcorn hull, famous for getting stuck in eaters' teeth, has more fiber and polyphenols than any other part of a kernel.
"Popcorn may be the perfect snack food," he said. "It's the only snack that is 100 percent unprocessed whole grain. All other grains are processed and diluted with other ingredients."
Vinson was careful to clarify that he was referring to air-popped popcorn, not the microwave or oil-cooked stuff, which has twice as many calories.
