New data collected by a research team at the University of Scranton has found that popcorn may have higher levels of antioxidants than some fruits and vegetables. In their study, which was funded in part by the Weaver Popcorn Company, researcher Joe Vinson and his team examined levels of antioxidants called polyphenols in the snack.
These antioxidants help repair the damage done by unstable molecules in the body. After testing two brands of microwaveable popcorn and two brands of air-popped popcorn, the products contained anywhere between 242-363 milligrams (mg) of polyphenols per ounce. This is higher than many fruits and vegetables, which include only 160 milligrams per serving.
"Based on fiber, whole grains, and antioxidant levels, popcorn is the king of snack foods," Vinson tells WebMD.com. "Everyone knows plant foods have antioxidants but nobody has even looked at what is in popcorn with respect to these compounds."
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