At Van’s, we are big fans of healthy snacks and whole grains. So we were very intrigued to
read about a new study that found that popcorn – whose health benefits we’ve discussed
before – actually has higher levels of healthy antioxidants than some fruits and veggies.
The news prompted one chemist, Joe Vinson of the University of Scranton, to proclaim popcorn “the king of snack foods.”
According to the study, popcorn hulls are rich in antioxidants called polyphenols, which help undo damage caused by free radicals. Unlike fruits, whose high water content can dilute polyphenols, popcorn’s polyphenols are more concentrated.
More research is planned, say study authors, to determine more about the health effects of popcorn’s antioxidants. Study authors conclude their piece with a gentle reminder that while popcorn is a wonderful high-fiber snack, fans shouldn’t give in to the temptation to drench it in butter or salt.