Whole grains, popcorn rich in polyphenols

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Popcorn and many breakfast cereals contain surprisingly large amounts of the antioxidant polyphenols, believed to reduce disease, U.S. researchers said.

Study leader Joe Vinson of the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania said polyphenols are a major reason why fruits, vegetables, chocolate, wine, coffee and tea have become known for their potential role in reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

Commercial hot and cold whole grain cereals have been regarded as healthful for their fiber content, Vinson explained.

"Early researchers thought the fiber was the active ingredient for these benefits in whole grains, the reason why they may reduce the risk of cancer and coronary heart disease," Vinson said in a statement.

"But recently, polyphenols emerged as potentially more important. Breakfast cereals, pasta, crackers and salty snacks constitute over 66 percent of whole grain intake in the U.S. diet."

The findings were presented at the 238th national meeting of the American Chemical Society in Washington.