In a world where healthy eating often comes with a hefty price tag, a leading longevity expert has revealed a remarkably affordable snack that could contribute to a longer, healthier life. Dan Buettner, a renowned authority on the world's Blue Zones—regions known for exceptional longevity—has championed a simple, cost-effective food that he believes "everyone can afford" and describes as "delicious."
The Popcorn Proposition: A Pathway to 100?
During a recent TikTok video, the 64-year-old National Geographic Fellow and best-selling author made a compelling case for a humble kitchen staple. "Let me tell you about the best snack that you can eat to live to 100, but you can also afford," Buettner declared. "Popcorn. Air-popped popcorn. It's very high in fibre, it's very high in complex carbohydrates."
Buettner's endorsement isn't merely anecdotal. He highlights a surprising nutritional fact: "It even has more polyphenols than a lot of vegetables. People didn't realise that." Polyphenols are powerful plant compounds with antioxidant properties, linked to numerous health benefits including improved circulation and digestive health.
Affordability and Accessibility
One of the snack's most appealing attributes is its remarkable cost-effectiveness. Currently, a substantial 1kg bag of corn kernels can be purchased for just £2.25 at Morrisons, with potential for even lower prices at local stores. This makes it significantly cheaper than a typical meal deal, positioning it as an accessible option for budget-conscious consumers seeking healthier alternatives.
"Everybody can afford it," Buettner emphasised. "It is easy to make. It's easy to store. And what's the most important? It's delicious." This combination of affordability, convenience, and taste presents a rare trifecta in the health food landscape.
Scientific Backing for a Simple Snack
Buettner's claims find strong support from nutritional experts. The BBC's Good Food team confirms that "corn is a whole-grain and as such, high in fibre." They elaborate: "Whole-grains have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. Most of us don’t eat enough fibre, which is important to support digestive health and to help slow the rate of digestion and absorption."
The health benefits extend further. Like Buettner, they note popcorn's status as "a good source of polyphenols, which are plant compounds with protective, antioxidant properties that have been linked to better blood circulation and digestive health, as well as a potentially lower risk of certain cancers."
The Critical Preparation Caveat
However, there's a crucial distinction between healthy and unhealthy popcorn consumption. When prepared correctly—through air-popping and enjoyed plain or seasoned with herbs and spices like cinnamon or paprika—popcorn remains a nutritious snack option with high fibre and low calorie content, making it ideal for weight management.
The health benefits deteriorate rapidly when preparation methods change. The BBC team reports that a 30g bag of microwavable buttered popcorn contains more than 10% of your recommended daily salt intake while significantly increasing saturated fat consumption. Adding oil, butter, or sugar during cooking transforms this healthy snack into a less beneficial treat.
Beyond Popcorn: The Ultimate Longevity Food
While popcorn receives Buettner's endorsement, he identifies another food as the ultimate longevity champion. "The number one longevity food in the world is beans," he revealed, suggesting they could contribute to an extra four years of life expectancy. "It's the cornerstone of every blue zone diet in the world, and we know that eating just one cup of cooked beans is associated with four extra years of life expectancy."
The Netflix host and co-producer of the Emmy award-winning documentary Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones explained beans' nutritional superiority: "It's a great source of complex carbohydrates. It's a great source of fibre, most Americans don't get enough fibre, and with a protein-obsessed country, it's a great source of healthy protein."
This revelation places humble legumes alongside popcorn as affordable, accessible foods with potentially profound impacts on longevity and overall health.
