it’s the first day of fall. Enter popcorn. Other than the smell of apple cider, we can think of few things we’d rather want to smell cooking at home this season. The only things that keeps this snack food from pure perfection are the hidden ingredients. Popcorn ingredients may seem simple – corn, oil, salt and possibly a few seasonings, but, more often than not, the bags you buy off the shelf are stowing a few toxic traders that can lead to a multitude of health complications. From genetically modified corn to trans-fatty acids, here is our short list of ingredients to watch for and avoid. Keep popping that corn – just skip the weird stuff!
9 Popcorn Ingredients to Avoid
GMO Corn
Unless the ingredients list specifies non-GMO corn, you can bet you are munching on a genetically modified food. GMO foods have shown in research to lead to allergies, infertility, liver damage and cancer.
Soybean Oil
Soybean oil is commonly used in popcorn and also has a very high chance of being a genetically modified food. About 95% of the soy grown in the United States is genetically modified.
Partially Hydrogenated Oil
Partially hydrogenated oil is just another name for trans-fatty acids. Trans fats have conclusively shown to increase the risk for heart disease or stroke, while also leading to high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. They may also lead to infertility and Alzheimer’s disease.
Artificial Flavors
Artificial flavors are unnatural additives that have the potential to include dozens of chemicals. They may lead to allergies and can interrupt normal brain chemistry, altering mood and concentration.
Propyl Gallate
Propyl gallate is an artificial food additive that can cause allergic reactions in the form of an asthma attack in some people. It may also lead to liver and kidney damage and has the potential to increase your risk for cancer.
TBHQ
TBHQ or tertiary butylhydroquinone is a chemical preservative, that is also a form of butane. It can cause nausea, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and may aggravate ADHD, ADD, anxiety and restlessness. It may also lead to cancer, while interrupting hormone balance as well.
Sucralose
Sucralose, also known as Splenda, is an artificial sweetener that is commonly used in kettle corn flavored popcorn. It is known to lead to gastrointestinal issues (pain, gas, cramping), migraines, blurred vision, dizziness, carbohydrate cravings, weight gain and rises in blood sugar. It may also lead to infertility and lower levels of healthy gut bacteria (probiotics).
Artificial Colors
Artificial colors like Yellow 6 are often used in cheese-flavored popcorn. Artificial colors have shown in research to increase levels of anxiety, worsening symptoms of ADD, such as a lack of focus and concentration.
Butter
The consumption of non-organic butter exposes the body to hormones, antibiotics and pesticides. This can lead to high levels of estrogen, lower levels of testosterone and antibiotic resistance. This increases the risk of disease, cancer and infertility.
Chemical Coatings
Watch out for microwave bags, because these are a hidden source of some very nasty chemicals such as PFOA, PFCs, and plastics. Once heated, these chemicals leach into the popcorn, not only altering the taste, but exposing you to a toxic mess. While non-chemical bags are difficult to find, Quinn Popcorn, a farm-to-bag concept, made with non-GMO corn, sunflower oil, sea salt and organic vegetables, comes in a microwave bag free of the chemical coatings (PFOA, PFCs, plastic liners, etc.), and are even compostable!
