Popcorn, a staple at the cinema, might be healthier than you’d expect. Health expert and researcher Dan Buettner claimed it could be the ‘best’ thing to snack on if you hope to live past the age of 100.

Dan has studied the healthiest lifestyle choices of people living in ‘Blue Zones’ – areas around the world where inhabitants enjoy longer and healthier lives. These zones span from the lively coasts of Sardinia, Italy, and Ikaria, Greece, to the eastern reaches of Okinawa, Japan.

The longevity specialist stated: “The best longevity snack might already be in your pantry. Air-popped popcorn is loaded with fibre, complex carbs and even boasts more polyphenols than many vegetables.”

He further noted that plain, sugar-free popcorn is “the best” budget-friendly snack that could potentially reduce your risk of illnesses and disease. It works best when combined with a balanced diet, alongside other healthy lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, limited alcohol intake, no smoking and maintaining a healthy weight, reports Surrey Live.

The researcher added: “People can afford it, it’s easy to whip up and store, and what’s the most crucial factor? It’s delicious.”

Why is popcorn seen as a healthy option? 

BBC Good Food has highlighted that “popcorn is made from kernels of maize (corn) that puff up and expand when exposed to heat”. Emphasis was placed on air-popped popcorn as the best pick for health-conscious snackers, since it’s made with just heat and bypasses the need for calorie-laden butter or oil.

“Air-popped, unflavoured popcorn is low in fat and high in fibre”, trumpets the BBC, suggesting this simple pleasure can combat heart disease, diabetes, and potential cancers by virtue of being a whole grain.

Not only does its fibrous nature boost digestive wellness, but it also offers a delicious route for Brits aiming to meet their fibre intake targets. This is stressed by the NHS which notes that most people fall short on consuming the advised amount of fibre.

Official advice puts the target at about 30g daily within a nutritious, balanced diet, though averages indicate most adults achieve just around 20g. Opting for a 30g portion of plain microwaved popcorn could contribute a notable 4.3g of fibre.

Given its substantial fibre content, popcorn stands as a champion for those counting calories, providing a satisfying option that curbs hunger and thwarts snack-induced guilt. One study examining satiety levels post-popcorn versus crisps consumption found that 15 calories of popcorn were equally as filling as 150 calories’ worth of crisps.

On top of its filling factor, popcorn serves up a good dose of polyphenols, as noted by Dan. These compounds, prevalent in veggies and fruits, are acclaimed for cancer-risk reductions and general health enhancements.

Research has revealed that popcorn boasts up to 300 mg of polyphenols per serving, outstripping some fruits and vegetables. The hulls of popcorn, rather than the fluffy white part, are where these beneficial polyphenols are found in abundance.

Whip up your own popcorn at home using kernels available in any supermarket. Asda sells a 500g pack that makes a 50g serving of popcorn for just over 14p.

There are plenty of online recipes can guide you on how to create air-popped delights on the stove or in the microwave. By avoiding oil and butter in the cooking process, you can ensure your treats are as healthy as possible.

But does this mean cinema popcorn is healthy too?

Before you rush off to binge on popcorn at the cinema in hopes of reaping these benefits, it’s worth noting that movie theatre popcorn differs from what you prepare at home. This is because you have no control over its preparation or what’s been added to it.

The offerings can vary, but most cinemas provide varieties that include extra sweetness or salt to recreate the flavours we all adore. However, this modifies the once healthy corn with higher levels of sugar and sodium.

Overconsumption of sodium can lead to severe heart conditions such as angina, heart attacks and heart failure. Too much sugar is also detrimental to your health.

Excessive sugar intake can trigger various health issues. Not only can it cause weight gain, but it also increases the body’s risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes and liver damage.