Crispy movie theater snack may promote longevity
How popcorn can be beneficial and how it affects longevity (photo: Freepik)
A beloved movie snack might actually become an ally in the quest for a long and healthy life. Popcorn, rich in antioxidants and fiber, not only satisfies your appetite but may also support longevity. This was shared by longevity researcher Dan Buettner on his Instagram.
Why popcorn is good for you
This favorite theater treat could be a secret to living longer. The researcher claims popcorn is "the best snack to live to 100," pointing to its high fiber and polyphenol content, affordability, ease of preparation, and convenient storage.
Popcorn is a whole-grain corn product. Its preparation includes harvesting, drying, and removing kernels. After drying, the kernels are cleaned, separated, and packed for consumption.
When heated, the kernel’s internal temperature reaches 200–240°C (392–464°F), the moisture inside turns to steam, causing the kernel to pop and create the beloved snack.
Air-popped popcorn contains only 30 calories per cup, and just 35 if cooked with oil. Even lightly buttered popcorn has only 80 calories per cup, making it a low-calorie pleasure.
As a whole grain with complex carbohydrates, popcorn digests more slowly, helping you feel full longer. It typically contains no artificial flavorings or additives and doesn’t raise cholesterol or saturated fat levels.
Popcorn is rich in folate, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, pantothenic acid, and vitamins B6, A, E, and K. One serving provides about 8% of the daily recommended iron intake and contains 1.15 grams of fiber per cup.
Polyphenols - antioxidants commonly found in fruits and vegetables—help reduce cancer risk and improve overall health.
The downside of popcorn
It’s important to note that the popcorn you eat at the movies is probably very different from the kind you make at home.
When properly prepared, popcorn is actually a fairly healthy snack.
A single serving of movie theater popcorn can contain a staggering 1,090 calories and a whopping 2,650 milligrams of sodium.
Sodium is one of the leading risk factors for hypertension and stroke in general.
Movie theater popcorn is often made with less healthy oils, like canola, and may include sweeteners and chemicals. One such chemical, diacetyl—used to give some microwave popcorn a buttery flavor—has been linked to a condition known as "popcorn lung," which causes symptoms like shortness of breath and wheezing.
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This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
