The Fourth of July is usually all about fireworks, BBQs, and patriotic playlists—but let’s not forget another tradition that’s gained popularity in recent years: movie nights at home. Whether you’re winding down from a long day of celebrations or just skipping the crowd to watch classics under the stars, a cozy night in calls for sweatpants, blankets, and of course, snacks.

Popcorn may be the go-to, but this Independence Day, consider breaking from tradition with some revolutionary snack choices. Did you know there are plenty of whole grains you can pop for a lighter, crunchier twist? Sorghum, amaranth, quinoa, and more—these ancient grains bring unique textures and flavors without the pesky hulls that stick in your teeth.

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Not All Grains Pop—But They Puff Beautifully

Let’s clear things up: most ancient grains don’t pop into fluffy, buttery clouds like corn does. Instead, they puff when heated. So, if you’re trying them for the first time, expect a toasty crunch rather than big, airy bites. But what they lack in size, they make up for in taste, nutrition, and charm.

1. Sorghum

If you’re new to puffing grains, start with sorghum. It looks like tiny popcorn and delivers a similarly satisfying crunch. Lauren Harris-Pincus, MS, RDN, calls it a “gluten-free, fiber-rich, antioxidant-packed” snack that’s grown right here in the U.S.

Bonus: Sorghum doesn’t have a hull, so there’s zero risk of those annoying popcorn bits in your teeth. Sprinkle it over salads, soups, or even ice cream for an unexpected Fourth of July twist.

2. Amaranth

Amaranth is a quick-popper and packs serious nutrition—think protein, fiber, and minerals. Lisa Richards, nutritionist and author of The Candida Diet, notes that it’s gluten-free and nutrient-dense. Its tiny size makes it ideal for mixing into granola bars, muffins, or DIY cereals. Puffed amaranth adds a fun crunch to yogurt parfaits or fruit bowls at your 4th of July breakfast table.

3. Barley

While barley doesn’t exactly pop, it does crack and puff slightly, resulting in a chewy, nutty snack. It’s not the flashiest grain, but it delivers a mellow, toasted flavor perfect for a post-fireworks wind-down snack.

4. Buckwheat

Puffed buckwheat doesn’t just sound fun—it’s actually delicious. Crunchy and tender, this grain works best as a topping on oatmeal, fresh fruit, or nut-butter toast. If you’re not up for DIY puffing, try pre-puffed options like Lil Bucks for easy snacking.

5. Quinoa

Quinoa pops small, but brings bold flavor. While its shape doesn’t change much, its texture gets light and crisp. Try puffed quinoa on salads, in trail mix, or as a cereal replacement for a healthier holiday breakfast.

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How to Puff Ancient Grains?

Puffing ancient grains is surprisingly simple—no oil required! Here’s how to do it:

• Heat a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until a drop of water sizzles and evaporates.

• Add grains in a single layer, and shake the pan frequently.

• Listen and watch: grains will crackle, puff, or lightly brown. Remove promptly to avoid burning.

• Each grain reacts differently to heat, so keep an eye on texture and color. Overheating can result in bitterness.

The dangers of tuberculosis may seem like the thing of the past; however, its effects still remain. The World Health Organization has speculated that TB has returned to being the leading cause of death all around the world after 1.25 million people died of it in 2023. In the same year, an estimated 10.8 million people fell ill with TB with 6 million men, 3.6 women and 1.3 million children. The surprising fact is that the TB present in all these countries, is curable.

There are many factors that affect how well a country tackles TB with. A study funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has shown that better nutrition can significantly reduce tuberculosis (TB) cases and deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized these findings and included them in its updated global guidelines for controlling the disease.

The main goal of the study was to see how giving nutritional support to people living with TB patients would affect whether they got the disease themselves.

What Are Some Factors That Can Help Cure TB?

Researchers worked with 2,800 TB patients and their families in four districts of Jharkhand, India. The study, published in the medical journal The Lancet, noted that in India, TB and poor nutrition are very common at the same time, especially among patients and in the general population.

In the study, all TB patients received food for six months. However, only the families in the "intervention group" received monthly food packages and micronutrients. The researchers followed up with all participants to see how many new TB cases appeared over time.

How Does Nutrition Impact TB?

The study, which ran from 2019 to 2021, found that giving nutritional support to families of TB patients led to a significant drop in new TB cases. This was the first study of its kind to show that nutritional help can substantially reduce the spread of TB within a household.

The study concluded that this approach, which combines medical and social support, could help speed up the fight against TB in communities where both TB and poor nutrition are big problems.

Nutrition and Tuberculosis: Why Does It Impact So Many People?

According to a 2025 study published in the Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, looked at how nutrition programs for people with tuberculosis (TB) are working in India. Researchers talked to TB patients, their family members, and healthcare providers in five different states between August 2023 and April 2024. The goal was to understand their experiences and thoughts on getting nutritional help.

Understanding Nutrition

Patients and their families understood that good nutrition is important for treating TB. However, they faced challenges in getting the right foods.

Changes in Diet

While many tried to eat more protein, they often struggled with food insecurity—meaning they didn't have enough food because they were poor.

Issues with Financial Aid

The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) program, which gives money directly to people, had problems. Participants felt the money wasn't enough and that there were gaps in how they could access it.

Preferred Delivery Method

People preferred getting food and support directly from TB treatment centers. They were less keen on using other systems or middlemen to get their nutritional help. Based on these findings, the study suggests a few changes to improve the program:

• Provide more protein-rich food and increase the financial support to better meet people's needs.
• Fix the problems with the DBT program to make sure people can easily get the money they are given.
• Consider giving ready-to-eat food directly to patients at TB treatment centers.

Walmart has recalled certain lots of its frozen, raw shrimp sold across 13 states after federal officials detected traces of radioactive contamination. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that the shrimp may contain Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope, and urged consumers to dispose of the affected products immediately.

What Triggered the Recall

The FDA said it asked Walmart to pull three lots of its Great Value brand frozen shrimp from store shelves after routine inspections revealed contamination. The agency detected Cesium-137 in both shipping containers and in a sample of frozen breaded shrimp imported from Indonesia.

Although the levels found were far below the FDA’s intervention threshold, officials said the recall was issued as a precaution.

The contamination was linked to products processed by P.T. Bahari Makmur Sejati, operating as BMS Foods of Indonesia. U.S. Customs and Border Protection first raised the alarm after detecting Cesium-137 in containers arriving at ports in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Savannah, Georgia.

Potential Health Concerns

Cesium-137 is a byproduct of nuclear activity, including weapons testing, nuclear power plant operations, and accidents. While trace amounts of the isotope are already present in the environment, including soil and food, prolonged exposure can increase the risk of health problems.

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“The risk from the recalled shrimp is quite low,” said Donald Schaffner, a food safety expert at Rutgers University. Still, FDA officials emphasized that minimizing unnecessary exposure is important. “If you have recently purchased raw frozen shrimp from Walmart that matches this description, throw it away,” the agency said in a statement.

What Consumers Should Look For

The recall applies specifically to Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp with the following lot codes:

• 8005540-1
• 8005538-1
• 8005539-1

All three carry best-by dates of March 15, 2027. The products were distributed in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.

Customers who purchased the shrimp can return them to any Walmart store for a full refund, or simply discard them.

How the Contamination Was Found

FDA investigators collected several samples following the customs alert and discovered one contaminated batch of breaded shrimp. The containers flagged at the ports were denied entry into the U.S. But officials later learned that Walmart had received products from shipments that slipped through without triggering contamination warnings.

As a result, Walmart moved quickly to issue a recall. “As soon as we were made aware of the FDA findings, we took immediate action to remove the affected products from our stores,” a Walmart spokesperson said.

Read more news on food recalls

Why Cesium-137 Raises Red Flags

Cesium-137 has been a global concern since the mid-20th century when nuclear testing and accidents released it into the environment. Unlike naturally occurring elements, Cesium-137 is man-made and has a half-life of about 30 years, meaning it can persist in ecosystems for decades.

Ingesting contaminated food over time, even at low levels, could contribute to radiation exposure. While the FDA stressed that the amounts detected in the shrimp were well below harmful levels, experts say cumulative exposure is worth avoiding.

A Precautionary Step

The FDA said its investigation into BMS Foods of Indonesia is ongoing, with inspectors reviewing shipping and production practices. The agency also assured the public that the contamination detected does not represent a widespread risk to the U.S. food supply.

“Consumers should understand that this is not a major food safety crisis,” Schaffner noted. “It is a targeted recall, and the system worked as it should to identify, contain, and address the issue.”

What Happens Next

For now, the FDA continues to monitor imports from the supplier and will take further steps if necessary. Walmart has pledged full cooperation with regulators and stressed that customer safety is its priority.

While the health risk is considered minimal, officials say the recall underscores the importance of vigilance in food safety systems. By acting quickly, they hope to reassure consumers and prevent long-term exposure to contaminants that could pose problems over time.

Weight management and blood sugar control are two of the biggest health concerns today, often linked to lifestyle-related conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. While diet and exercise remain the foundation for addressing them, research increasingly points to certain simple, everyday habits that may provide additional support. One such habit involves a bedtime drink that could play a small but meaningful role in promoting weight loss and stabilising blood sugar overnight.

First things first, Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is not your average vinegar. Good-quality apple cider vinegar comes with something called “the mother”. This “mother” is the cloudy stuff floating around at the bottom of the bottle, made up of good bacteria, proteins, and enzymes. It is where a lot of the health magic lives.

The acetic acid in vinegar slows down how fast your stomach empties and how quickly sugar gets into your bloodstream. This results in fewer blood sugar spikes, fewer cravings, and possibly, fewer late-night binge eating sessions.

Also Read: Shoppers Beware From The Radioactive Shrimp! Walmart Recalls Popular Frozen Seafood In 13 States

How Vinegar Helps In Weight Loss

ACV is not a miracle weight-loss potion that will have you waking up with abs. But studies do hint at some benefits. Drinking diluted ACV can make you feel fuller, so you do not attack breakfast. At night, it may even work quietly to improve how your body handles sugar while you snooze.

Stable blood sugar means fewer mood swings and fewer 4 pm “must eat chocolate now or will scream” moments. Some small studies even suggest acetic acid might nudge your metabolism into burning a smidge more fat and storing a little less.

The Blood Sugar Bedtime Trick

For anyone watching their blood sugar, a glass of water with a spoon or two of ACV before bed has been linked to lower fasting blood sugar the next morning. Because vinegar helps your body become more sensitive to insulin, which means your body handles the sugar it already has more efficiently.

To be clear, this does not replace medication or advice from your doctor. But as a nightly ritual, it could give your system an extra hand.

How Not to Burn Your Throat

Do not, under any circumstance, chug ACV straight from the bottle. ACV is super acidic and can wreck your teeth or irritate your throat.

Here is how to do it properly:

• Mix 1–2 teaspoons in a big glass of water (never more than that)
• Drink it about 20–30 minutes before bed
• Use a straw to save your teeth from acid erosion
• Rinse your mouth afterwards
• If it still tastes like sadness, stir in a dash of honey or cinnamon

Not Everyone’s Cup of Vinegar

If you’ve got stomach ulcers, reflux, kidney issues, or you are on meds for diabetes or heart health, double-check with your doctor before hopping on the ACV bedtime train. It can mess with certain medications or make existing issues worse.

Does sipping apple cider vinegar before bed melt away fat overnight?

No. But it can be an easy, low-effort habit that gives your body a little boost: steadier blood sugar, fewer cravings, and maybe a small push toward weight loss.