The Dangers of Diacetyl

 Think Twice Before You Reach For That Microwave Popcorn!


A few months ago, I watched a Dr. Oz episode on how artificial butter flavoring may be linked to Alzheimer's disease.  A chemical called diacetyl is present in many foods with artificial butter flavorings including microwave popcorn, cake mixes and "zero calorie" butter sprays.  EVEN SMART BALANCE BUTTERY SPREADS (the ones that are supposed to be heart healthy) have artificial flavors!  This is scary. 

Even scarier, after investigating ingredients with butter flavorings, I discovered that diacetyl isn't even listed on labels.  Manufacturers are allowed to group additives into categories such as "natural flavors" and "artificial flavors" without listing what the ingredients actually are.  Consumers are seriously being left in the dark with this stuff.  We need to know what is in our food! 

Your best bet for avoiding diacetyl?  Avoid artificial butter flavors of any kind, and stick with real butter, natural/organic cake mixes, and make your own popcorn!  And please throw out that Smart Balance!  For natural alternatives, read my post about buttery spreads

Please view this video clip from the Dr. Oz Show to find out how diacetyl can affect the brain.  This episode really inspired me to watch out for artificial butter flavors. 


http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/artificial-butter-linked-alzheimers


~The Healthy Food Detective :)


Please read more about diacetyl and Alzheimer's: 


http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/butter-flavoring-may-aggravate-alzheimer-s


http://www.aolnews.com/2009/12/10/just-when-you-thought-it-was-safe-to-make-popcorn/