If you are aiming to extend your lifespan as much as possible, a longevity researcher has shared a valuable tip that could make a difference. Dan Buettner is a renowned expert on 'blue zones', the geographical regions with the highest concentration of people who live to 100 and beyond. His research delves into the lifestyle, dietary habits, and environmental factors that contribute to exceptional longevity. Recently, he claimed that one particular snack can have a significant impact on living longer.
The Best Snack for Longevity
According to Buettner, popcorn is the 'best' snack for those who want to reach 100 years of age, but only when prepared in a specific way. In an Instagram post, he explained: 'The best snack that you can eat to live to 100 that you can also afford is air-popped popcorn. It's very high in fibre, it's very high in complex carbohydrates, and it even has more polyphenols than a lot of vegetables, people don't realise that.' The 65-year-old researcher went on to praise popcorn for being affordable, easy to prepare, and simple to store. 'But most importantly, it's delicious,' he added.
How to Prepare Healthy Popcorn
The method of popping the corn is crucial. Buettner specifically recommends air-popping, which uses hot air to heat the kernels without adding any oil or fats. You can achieve this with an electric air popper machine or by placing the kernels in a plain brown paper bag, folding the end over, and microwaving for a few minutes. To keep the snack healthy, it is important to choose toppings wisely, avoiding excessive butter, salt, or sugar. According to the British Heart Foundation, popcorn is a wholegrain snack that can be low in calories if you stick to 'healthy flavourings' such as dried herbs, cinnamon, or even chilli. Alternatively, you can enjoy it plain after popping.
Foods to Limit for a Longer Life
In addition to recommending the best snacks, Buettner also revealed foods that people should avoid eating frequently if they want to live to 100. The first category is processed meats, such as sausages, which he notes have been 'associated with cancer'. Next, he warns against 'sugar-sweetened beverages', including soda and fruit juices, which are linked to obesity. Finally, he advises against keeping salty snacks like crisps and packets of sweets at home, as they are 'highly associated with obesity'. However, he clarified that these foods do not need to be eliminated entirely. 'If you want to go out and enjoy these things, go and get them, but just don't have them tempting you all the time in your house,' he said.
By incorporating air-popped popcorn into your diet and limiting processed meats, sugary drinks, and salty snacks, you can take a step toward a longer, healthier life.
