No Longer No-Nos

April 1, 2012

Don’t you love it when foods you thought were guilty pleasures turn out to be good for you? Recently, scientists have called out two unlikely treats—chocolate and popcorn—for their health benefits. A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine shows that people who consume chocolate frequently have lower BMIs (body mass indexes). And the American Chemical Society just announced that popcorn has more healthful antioxidants than fruits and vegetables. (Antioxidants help neutralize damage-causing free radicals in your body.)

That said, your new diet shouldn’t be popcorn with a side of chocolate followed by chocolate-covered popcorn for dessert. Chocolate is best eaten in moderation—a piece or two of dark chocolate daily is a good bet. And popcorn shouldn’t replace vegetables in your diet. Instead, sub lightly salted (not buttered) popcorn for chips or crackers. Happy snacking!