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In a first-of-its kind study, scientists are reporting that snack foods like popcorn and many popular breakfast cereals contain "surprisingly large" amounts of healthful antioxidant substances called "polyphenols." Polyphenols are a major reason why fruits and vegetables — and foods like chocolate, wine, coffee, and tea — have become renowned for their potential role in reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other diseases. Until now, however, no one knew that commercial hot and cold whole grain cereals — regarded as healthful for their fiber content — and snack foods also were a source of polyphenols. See corresponding news release, abstract, and nontechnical summary for AGFC 132.Joe Vinson, Ph.D., is with the Department of Chemistry, University of Scranton, Scranton, Penn.