Study debunks popcorn myth

A University of Washington study identified more than 1,200 male patients who developed diverticulitis over an 18-year research period.

Patients who ate nuts at least twice a week had a 20 percent lower risk of diverticulitis that those who ate nuts less than once a month. Patients who ate the most popcorn lowered their risk by 28 percent.

Researchers add that nuts, seeds and popcorn actually contain helpful nutrients.

The study is published in this week's Journal of the American Medical Association.