Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. demonstrate (v.) [dem-uhn-streyt] – to describe or to explain by giving an example, an evidence, or an experiment
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. demonstrate (v.) [dem-uhn-streyt] – to describe or to explain by giving an example, an evidence, or an experiment
Example: Scientists demonstrated the
benefits of coffee by showing the results of their test.
2. supplement (n.) [suhp-luh-muhnt] –something
added to complete what is missing or lacking
Example: Students with poor health were
given vitamin supplements to make them stronger.
3. placebo (n.) [pluh-see-boh] –a substance that has
no actual medical effect but are given to patients to help them feel better
Example: The patient felt stronger after
taking the medicine, not knowing that it was a placebo.
4. drastic (adj.) [dras-tik] – extreme or very
serious
Example: Technology caused a drastic
change in people’s way of living.
5. gradual (adj.) [graj-oo-uhl] – to take place
slowly or little by little
Example: Children’s development is gradual.
Article
Read the text below.
Studies suggest that coffee may help
people lose weight and help lower their risk of developing diabetes.
In one study in France, a group of
volunteers was given a supplement of 400 mg of decaffeinated green
coffee bean extract daily, while another group was given a placebo.
After a month, volunteers from the
first group lost about 5.7% of their weight, while people from the second
group lost only 2.8% of weight.
Although drastic weight loss was
not achieved, the study demonstrated
how gradual weight loss can happen after regularly taking coffee.
Additionally, the study’s use of decaffeinated coffee showed that coffee’s fat-reducing
effects may not be because of caffeine, which is known to burn calories.
Experts believe several chemicals in
coffee called “chlorogenic acids” contribute to weight loss. These chlorogenic
acids help digest food and slow down the production of fat and sugar in the body.
Because of the high amount of chlorogenic
acids in espresso, experts say drinking espresso after meals may also be a
good practice.
Meanwhile, studies in other countries
suggest that regular consumption of coffee reduces the risk of developing
diabetes. A study by Harvard University and two other different studies from
the Netherlands all showed a direct connection between drinking coffee and
the lowered risk of getting type-2 diabetes.
However, adding lots of sugar and cream
to coffee does not help in losing weight or in preventing diabetes. To make
the most out of coffee's health benefits, experts suggest taking black
coffee, espresso, coffee with a small amount of milk, or green coffee bean
supplements.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
● After learning the benefits of a
certain food, are you likely to start eating or drinking it? Why or why not?
● What foods do you eat now which
helps you have good health?
Discussion B
● Is weight loss a common problem in
your country? Why is this so?
● What is the best advice you can
give to someone who wants to lose weight?
