Popcorn Touted As Nutrient-Rich Whole Grain Snack

People normally think of fruits and vegetables as the richest sources of the antioxidants known as polyphenols, but a recent study reports that whole-grain popcorn is an even richer source. A serving of popcorn – the only snack that is 100 percent unprocessed whole grain – packs 300 mg of polyphenols, compared to 114 mg per serving of sweet corn and 160 mg per serving of all fruits. The hulls of popcorn have the highest concentrations of polyphenols and fiber. But the researchers cautioned that though popcorn is nutritious, adding butter, salt and other high-calorie flavorings can turn the snack into a nutritional nightmare. They recommended eating air-popped popcorn for the lowest calorie count. Microwave popcorn and popcorn popped in oil both have twice as many calories as air-popped.