The conversation about food and longevity has been a point of debate for many people. As experts and doctors warn us about how processed foods cause harm to our bodies. Recent studies have shown that not only do these foods harm our bodies, but they also cause our bodies to age faster. While our chronological age stays the same, our organs are aging much more. Hence it is smart to eat foods that help our bodies stay strong and promote longevity. One such snack that may surprise you in terms of health is something we all love to enjoy with a nice movie or a show: Popcorn. According to health experts and researchers, air-popped popcorn could even be the "best" snack to eat if you're aiming for a long and healthy life past 100. Researchers have extensively studied the lifestyle habits of people living in "Blue Zones," which are regions around the world where people consistently live longer and healthier lives, such as Sardinia in Italy and Okinawa in Japan. Why Is Popcorn A Great Healthy Snack?Buettner states that air-popped popcorn is full of fiber, complex carbohydrates, and surprisingly, contains more of beneficial plant compounds called polyphenols than many vegetables. He notes that plain, sugar-free popcorn is a very affordable snack that could potentially lower your risk of various illnesses and diseases. The researcher emphasizes that popcorn's benefits are best realized when it's part of an overall balanced diet and combined with other healthy habits. These include regular exercise, limiting alcohol, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight. He also points out that popcorn is affordable, easy to make and store, and importantly, it tastes good. BBC Good Food explains that popcorn is made from corn kernels that puff up when heated. They highlight that air-popped popcorn is the best option for those wanting a healthy snack because it only uses heat and avoids unhealthy additions like butter or oil, which add extra calories. Health Benefits of Popcorn The BBC also notes that plain, air-popped popcorn is low in fat and high in fiber. As a whole grain, it can help protect against heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. Its high fiber content also promotes good digestion and helps people in Britain reach their recommended daily fiber intake, which many currently fall short of, according to the NHS. Due to its substantial fiber content, popcorn is a great snack for those watching their calories. It's a satisfying option that helps you feel full, potentially preventing overeating and reducing guilt about snacking. Studies have even shown that a small amount of popcorn can be as filling as a much larger amount of crisps (potato chips). As highlighted by Dan Buettner, popcorn is a good source of polyphenols, the same beneficial compounds found in many fruits and vegetables. These compounds are known for their potential to reduce the risk of cancer and improve overall health. Research has found that popcorn can contain a significant amount of polyphenols per serving, even more than some fruits and vegetables, and these are mainly found in the popcorn hulls. Making Popcorn At Home You can easily and affordably make your own healthy popcorn at home using kernels from any supermarket. Air-popping on the stove or in the microwave without oil or butter is the key to keeping it healthy. Many online recipes can guide you through this simple process. While homemade, air-popped popcorn offers health benefits, it's important to remember that movie theater popcorn is often very different. You have no control over how it's prepared or what's added, and it typically contains extra sugar and salt to enhance flavor. Consuming too much sodium and sugar can lead to serious health problems like heart conditions, weight gain, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and liver damage, negating the potential benefits of plain popcorn.