Microwaving popcorn produces many compounds known to break down into the suspected carcinogen perfluorooctanoic acid. Research shows that the grease-repelling fluorotelomer chemicals used to treat microwave popcorn bags can get into the popcorn oil. The amount of fluorotelomers in the coating of the bags is high and popcorn bags get very hot and heat up to more than 200 degrees Celsius in just a minute or two. These high temperatures increase the potential for carcinogens to travel to the food from the packaging.

In my household popcorn is the favorite snack for everyone including the dogs and birds. Here is a tip for making the healthiest popcorn snack possible. Coconut oil has been proven to reduce the risks for cancer, especially colon and breast, and is also healthy for the heart by lowering cholesterol. Coconut oil withstands high heat so is great for when you want to fry foods or make your favorite popcorn snack. Remember to buy organic products when available.

Vicki's Healthy Popcorn
1 tablespoon organic coconut oil
1 cup organic popcorn

In a medium sauce pan melt the coconut oil and pour popcorn kernels into the pan and cover. When popcorn starts to pop, shake the pan slightly above the heat of the burner until popcorn stops popping. I usually count to five slowly and if no kernels have popped in five seconds then pull it away from the heat. There will always be unpopped kernels but you don't want to burn the ones that popped. Salt to taste.