Friday, February 27, 2015

The Potent Perils of Popcorn

Who would ever think that one of America’s favorite — and potentially healthiest — snacks could actually be harming you big time — that is, if you opt for the microwavable stuff in the snack-food section of your local supermarket. Not only is the bag lined with weird nonstick chemicals that have been linked to thyroid disease and other illnesses, but the corn itself contains artificial colorings, flavorings, chemically altered oils, and other gunk that can lead to obesity, diabetes, and (yes) even cancer.

There’s no doubt about it: Microwave ovens have revolutionized the way Americans cook and eat — and when it comes to your health, almost entirely for worse, not better, despite what the food companies want you to think. But Big Food pulled off one of its biggest boondoggles ever with popcorn. They’ve hoodwinked the vast majority of the public into believing these two outright lies:

1. Popcorn is way too messy, complicated, and time-consuming to make the old-fashioned way.

2. The only way you can make popcorn in a microwave is to use the stuff that’s packaged in microwavable bags and loaded with who-knows-what chemicals — and costs mega times more than the real deal to boot.

I have just one word to say about that snow job: Baloney!

Microwave popcorn doesn’t have to put your health at risk. Here’s the ultra-easy, two-step formula that Uncle Orville and his pals would rather you didn’t know about:

Step 1. Put 1/4 cup of unpopped organic popcorn kernels into a clean brown paper bag, and fold the top over a few times. Or use a microwavable glass or ceramic (not plastic!) bowl loosely covered with a lid or a towel.


Step 2. Stand it in the center of your microwave, and nuke it on high for about 5 minutes, or until the popping slows down to one pop about every 2 seconds.


Pour the popped corn into a bowl, add melted butter or whatever other flavorings you like, and enjoy!

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