Just read on Kevin, M.D. about the health hazards of butter flavoring in microwave popcorn. Granted the problem here was in the manufacturing plant, but if the fumes are hazardous when it's made, wouldn't there be some cause for concern when it's popping in your kitchen?
Regardless, there's a healthier alternative I've been enjoying for some years now. I use a hot-air popper and use a smaller amount, 2 Tablespoons (a standard coffee scoop) - like what you would get in a mini-bag, but far less expensive. Then instead of adding butter or margarine (which is worse), I drizzle just a bit of olive oil on it, and sprinkle with either just a little salt, or another seasoning. If you use a light olive oil, you could even use a bit of cinnamon and/or sugar substitute (the kind packaged like sugar, not the little packets).
You do have to be very conservative with the olive oil, and it may put you a bit over the Smart Pop type of popcorn calorie-wise, but microwave popcorn most always contains partially hydrogenated oils (trans fats), which have been linked to the development of diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease.
According to the FDA,
There is limited but not conclusive evidence that suggests that consumers may reduce their risk of CHD [coronary heart disease] if they consume monounsaturated fat from olive oil and olive oil-containing foods in place of foods high in saturated fat, while at the same time not increasing the total number of calories consumed daily.This way you can have your popcorn in moderation, knowing you're doin' a body good.
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