Popcorn healthier than some vegetables

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

Plain popcorn has already been hailed as a great diet food for its low calorie content but now a group of scientists claim it may even top fruits and vegetables in antioxidant levels, Daily Mail reported.

Antioxidants, known as polyphenols, have huge health benefits as they help fight harmful molecules that damage cells.

Popcorn was found to have a high level of concentrated antioxidants because it is made up of just four percent water while they are more diluted in fruits and vegetables because they are made up of up to 90 percent water.

Researchers discovered one serving of popcorn has up to 300mg of antioxidants, nearly double the 160mg for all fruits per serving.

They also found that the crunchy hulls of the popcorn have the highest concentration of antioxidants and fiber. The scientists from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania unveiled their discovery at a meeting in San Diego