Wellness Wednesday - Say No to Microwave Popcorn!

Who doesn’t love freshly popped popcorn… the aroma alone can be infectious and don’t get me started on the delicious buttery salty taste. In my younger days I had an unhealthy obsession with microwave popcorn. I thought I was eating “healthy” because I was eating the “low fat” variety and after all popcorn is a “whole grain” and part of the 4 food groups right?....Oh Jenny how silly you once were. LOL

I really didn’t know about all the harmful “stuff” in this buttery yumminess but as I am becoming more concious of what I am putting IN my body I have discovered some horrific facts about my old favorite!

Before we even get into the bag did you know that the bag itself can be harmful? Did you know that every time you eat a bag of microwave popcorn you are ingesting Teflon chemicals which are linked to cancer? These PFOA (perfluoroctonic acid) chemicals can also interrupt your endocrine system and give you fertility problems. How is that even possible??? Well... when the bag becomes heated the PFOA chemical is released and can negatively affect your health!

Love the intoxicating smell of popcorn popping?? Well that's the "imitation" butter (Diacetyl) they add to it, which can lead to lung problems.

You may be able to reduce your risk from these hazardous chemicals if you open the bag before it has cooled down but I don’t know if I would trust that option.

Even if we ignore the chemicals in our beloved popcorn there are still all those food additives that add to the health concern! Additives like hydrogenated oils, trans fats, artificial flavours, colours and preservatives. These "unhealthy" oils and fats can lead to heart disease and other preservatives like TBQO and Proply Gallate are suspected carcinogens. Not to mention the added risk from the chemical pesticides sprayed on the corn crops.

Of course after realizing all the potential hazards from eating microwave popcorn I have chosen make mine in my air popper (organic if possible). I can add whatever spices I want or just the traditional butter and salt.

You can also make popcorn right on your stovetop. Add a tablespoon of avocado oil or coconut oil (this give the popcorn a lovely aroma and taste) to a pot and put the lid over it. Cook on high heat until you hear 1-2 seconds between pops and there you have it!

I know we may not be comfortable adding oil to our popcorn and we might want a “fat free” version but this is the healthy fat option and if you play around with spices you can find your own mix that will be perfect for you.

For a sweet treat add cinnamon, sugar and coconut oil or add pink Himalayan salt and hot sauce for a more savory version.

Why not give it a try!

Simply Truly Jenny…