We now have a new reason that contributes to America's obesity; movie popcorn. I know how you feel. What can possibly be wrong with those flavorful popcorns, that innocently teases your olfactory and gustatory senses? Well, there is and it is scarier than the Dark Lord himself. So, what is the movie popcorn's dark secret?

A study in 2009, by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) revealed certain ugly truths about the popcorn being sold in movie chains like the AMC, Cinemark and Regal Entertainment. The study showed that a medium sized popcorn bag contained anywhere between 760 calories to 1500 calories (inclusive of the butter added). It also revealed that the popcorn was made using hydrogenated vegetable oils which are very high in saturated and trans fats. It also included excessive sodium. 1500 calories – that is like three-fourth requirement of a day's calorific needs and they are nutritionally valued nil.

Many do not consider the movie popcorn as food, leave alone all the empty calories in it. People at times even forget that they had them. Popcorn is not food, but you certainly cannot forget that you had them. Next time you go to the movies, make sure that you curb your enthusiasm for that deadly popcorn and pick up something me healthy. If there are no healthy food choices available, wait till the movie is over, so that you can go some place else to have them.

Cheers!

PS. Before I forget, after the CSPI study, Cinemark has switched to Canola oil, which has less of saturated fat.

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