When it comes to health and longevity, snacking is usually a big “no-no.” However, according to one life extension researcher, there is a tasty and inexpensive snack that can help you live to 100!
Longevity expert Dan Buettner recently shared a “centenarian-approved” treat that you probably already have in your pantry. “Air-popped popcorn,” he reveals. “It’s very high in fiber, it’s very high in complex carbohydrates, it even has more polyphenols than a lot of vegetables.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, eating whole grains — such as brown rice, oatmeal, and, yes, popcorn — can lower your blood pressure and LDL “bad cholesterol” levels, thereby reducing your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and colon cancer.
Research has also shown that incorporating more whole grains, like popcorn, into your diet can reduce your risk of dementia. Buettner also says that the high polyphenol content of this movie-theater favorite can help protect the body from inflammation and oxidative stress, shielding you from chronic diseases.
Since it’s low calorie and high in fiber, popcorn can also aid in weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness.
However, to maximize its health benefits, it’s important to enjoy popcorn air-popped instead of laden with butter, so as to avoid excessive calories and fat.
Contrary to what most people think — you don’t need an air fryer to make air-popped popcorn. In fact, some experts advise against this option as it can burn the popcorn and create a fire hazard. The most common method of making air-popped popcorn involves placing the kernels in a brown paper bag and putting it into the microwave on high heat for a couple of minutes.
You can also drop the kernels into a pot, add a little oil, and cover it with a lid to trap the steam while the kernels pop.
