Popcorn, Cereals Enter the Superfood League

Popcorn and many popular breakfast cereals contain high levels of antioxidants, known to help combat heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

Who would have thought a cinema snack could help fight off cancer and other diseases? At a meeting of the 238th American Chemical Society (ACS) scientists announced a "surprisingly large" quantity of polyphenols (antioxidants) in both hot and cold whole grain cereals, with popcorn winning in place in the snacks category. According to the report in ScienceDaily it has always been assumed that fiber was the main benefit of eating cereals. Recently, though, polyphenols have emerged as the front runner in helping reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Foods rich in polyphenols include fruits, vegetables, chocolate, coffee and tea. Dr. Joe Vinson, a professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Scranton, Pennysylvania said

We found that, in fact, whole grain products have comparable antioxidants per gram to fruits and vegetables. This is the first study to examine total phenol antioxidants in breakfast cereals and snacks, whereas previous studies have measured free antioxidants in the products.

Highest levels of antioxidants are found in wheat, with corn, oats and rice cereals following in descending order. Although whole grain snacks have reduced levels of antioxidants when compared to cereals, popcorn tops the league of antioxidant rich snacks. Unfortunately hot breakfast foods such as porridge oats have disappointingly low levels of polyphenols, said Dr. Vinson.