Photo: eraine / Flickr

With the recession still hitting us, more Brits are staying indoors than ever before. And many of us are spending that time indoors watching movies and munching on popcorn. Microwave popcorn is very popular because it’s just so easy to make. It could be bad for your health, though, so it’s well worth considering making your own. You’ll save money as well as avoid potential illness in the long run.

A ‘likely carcinogen’

America’s Food and Drug Administration is warning that a chemical used to coat microwave popcorn bags breaks down into a dangerous substance when heated. This substance is called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and the US Environmental Protection Agency calls it a ‘likely carcinogen’. What that means is it could well cause cancer in humans, as it has been found to do in animal studies.

That’s not all, though

Besides PFOA, there’s another worrying ingredient in microwave popcorn. The chemical diacetyl is used to create the popcorn’s artificial butter flavor. There’s even a disease called ‘popcorn workers lung’ that factory workers exposed to diacetyl can suffer from because of inhaling the substance.

Photo: DawnVGilmorePhotography / Flickr

A potential cancer risk and an actual popcorn-related disease? We don’t know about you, but we’re not willing to take a chance on microwave popcorn.

Popping your own

If, like us, you’re concerned, you can simply pop popcorn on your stovetop. It’s quick and easy, and cheaper than buying popcorn for the microwave. Put a little oil in a pot, and turn the gas on high. Add enough popcorn to cover the base of the pot, and put on the lid. When the popcorn starts popping vigorously, turn off the gas and leave it until the popping stops.

If you want to indulge in that buttery flavour, melt a little butter in the microwave and pour it over your popcorn. Add salt, and you’re all set for movie night.