USA Weekend Eat Smart Archive

August 12, 2007

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 Popcorn May Save Your Life 

Lots of studies say eating whole grains -- including popcorn -- may help save you from heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

Now, the Iowa Women's Health Study finds that women over age 55 who eat the most whole grains are 35% less apt to die of an array of inflammatory diseases. That includes infections, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

How much? In the study, those who ate at least 11 servings of whole grains a week received the most protection against inflammatory diseases (excluding cancer and heart disease).

What qualifies? Whole-wheat kernels (wheat berries), wild rice, brown rice, popcorn, bulgur wheat, oats and oatmeal, barley, buckwheat, kasha, cracked wheat, quinoa, and various whole-grain cereals (check labels).