You’ve likely been told that popcorn is a healthy snack—maybe even good for weight loss.
Grocery stores like Sprouts even have entire sections dedicated to “healthy popcorn” options.
Dr. Steven Gundry is here to tell you the truth—popcorn is actually one of the worst snacks you can eat for your health.
He breaks down what’s really lurking in your bowl of popcorn—things like GMOs, glyphosate, and harmful lectins. These are ingredients you definitely want to avoid!
But if you’re a big popcorn fan, don’t worry—he also shares some healthier alternatives to popcorn. Discover better snack options for your health and weight goals!
AI summary of the video:
Lectins in Corn and Popcorn:
Dr. Gundry explains that popcorn, like all corn-based products, contains high levels of lectins—proteins that can be harmful to human health. Lectins are particularly problematic for people with leaky gut syndrome, as they can trigger an immune response. He mentions that 70% of his patients with leaky gut have antibodies against corn proteins, making it a significant concern. Moreover, these lectins are resistant to heat, meaning they can’t be neutralized by cooking or pressure-cooking methods.
Genetically Modified Corn (GMO):
Around 95% of the corn grown in the United States is genetically modified (GMO). GMO corn contains a unique protein called the Cry protein, which was introduced only about 20 years ago. Dr. Gundry warns that this protein is foreign to the human immune system and can potentially cause harm. GMO corn is also sprayed with Roundup, a herbicide containing glyphosate, which is controversial for its potential health risks. While the FDA considers glyphosate safe for humans, Gundry highlights that it disrupts the bacterial shikimate pathway, which affects our gut microbiome.
Roundup’s Impact on Human Health:
Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, is a major concern for Dr. Gundry. He explains that Roundup not only remains on the corn but also transfers to the animals that eat corn, like cows, chickens, and pigs, and can end up in their flesh. When humans consume these animals or corn products, they are exposed to glyphosate. Glyphosate’s antibiotic-like properties kill off beneficial gut bacteria, which play a critical role in producing serotonin (the “feel-good” hormone) and supporting mitochondrial function. The presence of glyphosate in food is alarming because it can lead to numerous health issues, including problems with gut health and energy production.
Toxic Oils in Movie Theater and Store-Bought Popcorn:
Dr. Gundry goes on to discuss the oils used in popcorn, especially the kind served in movie theaters. The “butter” used on movie theater popcorn is typically a highly toxic oil mixture, not real butter. Additionally, most popcorn sold in stores is coated with oils like sunflower, peanut, or corn oil, which are high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. These oils require heavy processing to become edible and can disrupt mitochondrial function. Dr. Gundry compares the toxins found in vegetable oils to the damage caused by smoking, stating that eating foods fried in these oils, like French fries, can be as toxic as smoking cigarettes.
Aquaporins and Brain Health:
Another concern Gundry introduces is aquaporins, a type of lectin found in corn. He mentions that aquaporins can lead to the development of antibodies in people, particularly those with leaky gut, that attack the brain. These anti-aquaporin antibodies have been linked to brain fog, memory issues, and other cognitive problems. Gundry advises people to avoid corn altogether to protect brain health.
Alternative to Popcorn – Popped Sorghum:
For those who love popcorn, Dr. Gundry suggests an alternative—popped sorghum. Sorghum doesn’t contain lectins, and although the kernels are much smaller, it looks, tastes, and smells like popcorn. However, he warns that sorghum, like other grains, can still spike blood sugar levels quickly because it’s rapidly digested. He even tested himself by eating sorghum regularly and saw a rise in his triglycerides, indicating the conversion of sugar to fat. To minimize this effect, he recommends consuming sorghum with olive oil to help slow digestion and improve health benefits.
General Health Tips:
Toward the end of the video, Dr. Gundry gives a simple suggestion for healthier snacking: replace unhealthy popcorn with a mixture of nuts like macadamia, walnuts, pistachios, and pecans. He also encourages his viewers to add olive oil and herbs to these nuts to make them even tastier and healthier.
Dr. Gundry is the author of The Plant Paradox – A New York Times Bestselling book.