Dumb headline spotted in today's USA Weekend magazine: "Popcorn can help save your life." Oh, wow. I mean, we all enjoy a clever eye-catching headline, but this is ridiculous! Despite that misleading title, no, the salty snack preferred by movie-goers does not have super-human, life-saving powers. In fact, it's about the nutritional benefits of whole grains. And popcorn is actually a good source of whole grains: three cups popped equals one serving of whole grains.

The article mentions an Iowa Women's Health Study finding that women fifty-five and over who eat lots of whole grains are less likely to die from inflammatory diseases like asthma or infections. Whole grain consumption is also linked to a lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer.

Unfortunately, there's a catch. It's safe to assume that smothering your popcorn with salt and that weirdo fake butter probably counteracts the health benefits of eating whole grains in the first place. And I'm willing to bet ninety-nine percent of us popcorn-munchers prefer it flavored, not dry. Which is precisely why "Popcorn can help save your life" is a really dumb headline!