A bag of microwave popcorn is often loaded with trans fats, hormone disrupting chemicals, GMOs, and excito-toxins such as MSG. On top of that, the popcorn may be slathered with synthetic butter chemicals that are linked to lung problems. Here are the seven things to look out for in microwave popcorn:
GMOs
Skepticism toward genetically modified organisms (GMOs) continues to grow because people are beginning to realize that long-term safety studies are non-existent and are literally being carried out directly on the population. The oils and emulsifiers used in microwave popcorn are derived from GMO’s. Since it’s not organic, the microwave popcorn is probably saturated with herbicide and pesticide residue. Isn’t it sad that these precise ingredients are never listed on food packaging labels?
Trans fats
GMOs are just the beginning of popcorn’s health woes. Popcorn can be loaded with trans fats that play a critical role in the heart disease epidemic. Since popcorn is light and airy with a lot of surface area, it can be heavily doused in trans fats and consumed rather quickly. It’s easy to overdose on trans fats when a bag of popcorn is in your lap.
Propyl gallate
Microwave popcorn may contain a chemical that is banned in some countries. That chemical, propyl gallate, is a preservative often found in pharmaceuticals and cosmetic products. Studies on propyl gallate link the preservative to breathing problems and stomach issues.
TBHQ
Another chemical that causes stomach issues and breathing problems may be lurking in microwave popcorn. Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) is a common additive of microwave popcorn. This carcinogen is derived from toxic butane gas. TBHQ has been linked to attention and hyperactivity deficits in children along with dizzy spells and asthma.
MSG
Microwave popcorn may contain artificial flavors and monosodium glutamate (MSG), which causes excito-toxicity. MSG literally over-stimulates the nervous system, exciting neurons to their death. MSG causes an addictive effect, enticing the person to eat more popcorn.
PFOAs
The toxins are not only in the popcorn, but they also leech from the inner lining of the bag after it is spun around and cooked in the microwave. The bag is lined with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), the same toxin found in the coating of Teflon pans. PFOA’s are pervasive endocrine disruptors that can disrupt any gland in the body. This negatively impacts metabolism, thyroid function, the reproductive system or any hormone that regulates homeostasis in the body.
Diacetyl butter
Lastly, microwave popcorn is often coated with diacetyl butter, a synthetic chemical that is linked to lung problems. The smell that microwave popcorn lets off is actually the scent of this synthetic butter. The factories that work with this chemical have to deal with a serious condition. The factory workers often report “popcorn lung” because they have to inhale the gases that contain diacetyl. Every time a bag of popcorn is popped, that same toxic gas is breathed in by everyone nearby.
If popcorn is a snack you enjoy, invest in an air popper and buy some some real, organic popcorn that isn't doused in GMO oils, trans fats, and synthetic butters. If you're looking for something different to pop in your mouth, something that boosts your overall health, try eating pressed spirulina tablets. Finding ways to substitute junk foods for healthy snack foods is one way to radically change the quality of your life.
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