Are these in your diet?

Could doctors prescribe popcorn? These foods are healthier than expected

No doubt, most of us have the food pyramid etched in our minds. For a long time, we have accepted the fact that tempting treats (like chocolate, pizza, or beer) must be mostly or entirely avoided. But… is that entirely true? As it turns out, there are caveats about some of these so-called guilty pleasures. Wouldn’t you like to learn which snacks are actually pretty healthy for you? Read on!

Popcorn is a whole grain, high in fiber, and packed with polyphenols (antioxidants). Air-popped popcorn with minimal salt or oil is healthier than many so-called "diet" snacks.

This is very good news for those with a sweet tooth! Dark chocolate (that means, products that have more than 70% cocoa) contains flavonoids that may improve blood flow and help reduce blood pressure. No need to cut it out entirely!

Coffee has long been maligned for "raising blood pressure," but it is now linked to lower risks of heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, and type 2 diabetes, again, thanks largely to its antioxidants. The danger, of course, lies in adding sugar, cream, syrups, and whatnot. Stick to a healthy brew!

Yes, excess sodium is harmful, but cutting it out completely can also be risky. Sodium helps maintain fluid balance and supports proper nerve and muscle function. Make sure you don’t entirely skip it!

Pizza with a caveat, that is. The healthiest pizza you can eat is homemade or thin-crust.

When made with whole-grain dough, real cheese, and veggie toppings, pizza can be a balanced meal, combining carbs, protein, and calcium. It’s the fast-food, oil-dripping, heavily-topped version that’s the real culprit.

"What’s beer doing on this list?" you might wonder. Surprise! Moderate beer consumption (especially darker varieties) can provide antioxidant benefits and contribute B vitamins. Again, moderate is the magic word, not "happy hour every day."

Remember when eggs were demonized for cholesterol? Modern studies show dietary cholesterol doesn’t raise blood cholesterol as much as once believed. Eggs are nutrient-dense, packed with choline and protein.

Sure, potatoes often rank low on lists of healthy foods when we’re thinking of chips or French fries.

But the tubers themselves are rich in potassium, vitamin C, and resistant starch, which support gut health. When prepared simply, such as by boiling, they can be a nutritious addition to a balanced diet.

Demonized during the low-fat craze, natural butter, when consumed in small amounts, is often considered less harmful than margarine once was, particularly when margarines were filled with trans fats. Butter contains fat-soluble vitamins and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which may have anti-inflammatory effects.

They’re often accused of being "too sugary." They might be, compared to other fruits, but they are also loaded with potassium, fiber, and tryptophan. This last one supports serotonin production and plays a role in mood balance.

It’s calorie-dense, but also rich in calcium, along with beneficial fats and protein. Some fermented varieties (like aged cheddar or gouda) even contain probiotics that may support gut health.

What’s the healthiest type of cheese? Well, cottage cheese is often cited in that role, thanks to its high protein content and relatively low calorie count.

Not all bread is created equal; sourdough’s fermentation process can lower its glycemic index and make some nutrients more bioavailable. Plus, it’s often easier to digest than regular white bread.

Often considered a "diet killer," but pure peanut butter (just peanuts and salt) is full of protein, healthy fats, and vitamin E. Its bad rap comes from sugary, hydrogenated versions. Avoid those, and you are good to go!

HIDDEN GEMS

Impress Everyone With These 10 Rare and Underused Words

Image: Dmitry Ratushny

Have you ever found yourself in an "anecdoche"? Do you know someone with "disingenuous" intentions? Among the many entries in the dictionary, certain words stand out, both for their beauty and their great utility. While many of them are present in our daily conversations, others, unfortunately, remain neglected and overlooked, waiting to be rediscovered.

If you want to impress everyone with an original and sophisticated vocabulary, come with us to discover these 10 rare, infrequent English words that should get trendy!

Image: Katie Gerrard

Ever found yourself repeating a practice you don't know where it comes from? Maybe you always take the same route to work, even though you know there is a quicker way. It's like sticking to a habit despite being aware it's a mistake.

If you recognize this situation, you may be committing a "mumpsimus." This term describes not only a habit, notion, or idea that someone stubbornly sticks to despite knowing it's wrong but also the person who behaves this way.

The word has a fascinating origin story. Legend has it that a preacher misread the word "sumpsimus" ("we have taken") as "mumpsimus." Even after being corrected, he kept using the word incorrectly. Do any "mumpsimuses" come to your mind?

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

If you have a large family or many friends, this word will be very useful.

Many times, in gatherings of several people, the conversation can become a bit, shall we say, messy. It is the typical crowded dinner: everyone is shouting and talking over one another; a chaotic yet familiar scenario, right? Next time it happens to you, you can say, "Stop this anecdoche!" Everyone will probably stop talking, at least to find out what that word means.

"Anecdoche" captures that exact scenario. It's a relatively new term, defined as a situation where many people are talking, but no one is listening or getting involved with each other's anecdotes.

Image: Kira auf der Heide

We all have that one friend who loves to give gifts and do thoughtful things for others. If you can think of someone who fits this description, then you know someone truly "munificent." And if no one comes to mind, maybe that munificent person is you!

This adjective perfectly describes those who love to give and give, finding fulfillment in their generosity without necessarily expecting something in return.

The etymology of this word explains its nature very well: "munificent" comes from the Latin munificus, which blends munus ("gift" or "service") with the suffix -ficus, meaning "making" or "doing."

Image: Rémi Walle

And if we talk about munificent people, we have to mention how these noble guys always spend their time offering "succor." If you're not familiar with that last word, let's explore its meaning.

"Succor" is something you give or do for a person or a group of people who need it. It can be used as a synonym for "help," "assistance," or "support."

Now you know, the next time a co-worker or friend gives you a helping hand in difficult times, you can thank them for their succor.

Image: Jametlene Reskp

Let's talk about another adjective. This one describes people who might not always be frank or sincere, or who have a way of presenting themselves that isn't always honest.

If you've ever had a feeling that someone isn't being entirely genuine with you, maybe that person is being "disingenuous." This word also has roots in Latin. It derives from disingenuus, which means "not noble."

In English, disingenuous was formed by adding the prefix dis- (meaning "not" or "opposite of") to the word ingenuous, which describes someone who possesses "innocent or childlike simplicity and candidness."

Image: Kinga Howard

Few things can compare to the pleasure of staying in your own warm bed, either to catch up on sleep or simply to enjoy the morning in peace and quiet.

But let's be honest; as much as we'd like to, we can't make a habit of it… Or can we? Well, that's where the word "slugabed" comes into play, as defined by Merriam-Webster, for those who just can't resist the temptation of staying in bed late.

So, the next time you find someone still in bed at 11 a.m., instead of labeling them as "lazy," you can get sophisticated and kindly call them a "slugabed."

Image: Ganapathy Kumar

If you want to captivate someone special, just look at the moon and, as a good poet, describe its "refulgence."

This beautiful noun is a sophisticated way of referring to brilliance or shining quality. And it's not limited to literal use, such as describing the sun, the moon, or a cityscape at night. You can also use it metaphorically to depict, for example, someone's delightful smile or charismatic personality.

This noun also has Latin roots, originating from refulgentia ("reflection" or "shining back"), which in turn is derived from the Latin verb refulgere (to shine brightly).

Image: Dmitry Ratushny

Do you have an activity, sport, or hobby you've been wanting to try? Maybe you're interested in taking a cooking class, learning to ski, or driving, but you're a bit worried about being seen as a "neophyte." If that's the case, don't worry! We've all been neophytes in different aspects of life, even when it comes to learning new words.

As Merriam-Webster points out, "neophyte" is a noun for someone "who is just starting out in a field of activity." In other words, a novice.

As you already know, this word can carry either a positive or a negative tone, depending on its context. In any case, if you use it, remember to be careful and not hurt someone's feelings!

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Do you remember that first exam, that tough job interview, or that meeting that left you feeling stressed and nervous? If you often find yourself in such situations, next time, you can tell your boss you're in a "swivet." Not only will you be honest about your feelings, but you'll also impress them with your elevated vocabulary!

"Swivet" is a noun that can be used as a synonym for panic, agitation, or aggravated nervousness. Shaky hands, belly aches, and cold sweats are just some of the uncomfortable symptoms often associated with this rare word. Have you ever experienced something like this?

Image: Tom Pumford

If you're one of those who enjoy poetry, a good romantic movie, or just anything that brings tears to your eyes, then you might be a sensitive, melancholy soul that could be described as "lachrymose."

That's right, this is a fancy adjective that doesn't just describe emotional people; it also points to what brings on those tears. You can tell your friend, for example, "Don't watch that movie if you're not in the mood to cry; it's a real lachrymose drama!"

In its roots, we find Latin again. It derives from lacrima, a beautiful word meaning "tear."