I just love popcorn! And there's nothing quite like watching the latest episode of "Lost" while curled up on the couch with my sweetie and a big bowl of popcorn. Until recently we had been making microwave popcorn because we figured it was quick and easy. Unfortunately, it turns out that our yummy treat may have been hazardous to our health!

The bags that most microwave popcorn comes in is coated with the chemical perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), the same dangerous chemical used in Teflon coating. The chemical is released when the bag is heated in the microwave.

PFOAs have been classified as a likely carcinogen to humans by the EPA and has been shown to cause infertility, birth defects, and damage to the immune system. Once in the system, they do not break down over time, so the effect is cumulative.

In addition to this, the chemicals making up the "butter flavoring" in most microwave popcorn is not good for your health either. Diacetyl is a commonly used food flavoring and is the primary constituent of artificial butter flavoring, and has been found to cause lung disease. Some manufacturers have said this chemical has been removed from their products, but unless the label specifically states it is diacetyl-free you should steer clear of it, as you should from anything that is not real food.

When I was a kid we used to pop popcorn the old-fashioned way on the stove in a saucepan. If we wanted butter we just melted a little butter and poured it on. It was absolutely delicious, and yes, it took a few more minutes, but it was healthy.

To make healthy popcorn, pour a little peanut oil in the bottom of a saucepan, add enough popcorn just to cover the bottom of the pot, and put the heat on medium-high. When there are about three seconds between pops, turn off the heat. Pour into a large bowl, add melted butter if you like, and sprinkle with a little healthy unrefined salt such as Celtic salt or Himalayan sea salt. You could also invest in an air-popper if you eat it often.

Now I can look forward to seeing what harebrained scheme the survivors of Oceanic 815 have this week without worrying about harming my health.