【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. consumption [kuh n-SUHMP-shuh n] (n.) – the amount of something that is eaten, drank, or used up
Example: My health-conscious mother always includes one cup of beans in our daily consumption.
2. serving [SUR-ving] (n.) – a portion or a partial quantity of something
Example: He ordered a large serving of pasta.
3. due to [doo too, dyoo] (prep.) – as a result of something; because of something
Example: The athlete’s good health is due to constant exercise and proper diet.
4. dietitian [dahy-i-TISH-uh n] (n.) – an expert in nutrition
Example: The dietitian carefully explained the nutritional benefits of tropical fruits.
5. underappreciated [UHN-der-uh-PREE-shee-yet-ud] (adj.) – not valued enough
Example: Legumes are underappreciated because many people do not know their benefits.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
A study revealed that eating legumes can lower bad cholesterol and reduce risks of having a heart disease.
Legumes include beans, chickpeas, lentils, and peas. These are very rich sources of hunger-fighting fiber and protein, which are very good for the heart.
A recent study showed that daily consumption of a certain amount of legumes can reduce low-density lipoprotein (or LDL) cholesterol by 5%. According to Dr. John Sievenpiper, the lead author of the study, this 5% decrease in LDL cholesterol could lead to a 5% lower risk of heart disease.
The researchers examined various related studies in the US and Canada. These studies involved more than a thousand participants who included a daily serving of 3/4 cup of legumes in their diet. The experts monitored these people for three weeks to see the effects of legumes on their health.
In addition to the five percent cholesterol level decrease, the study also found that the benefits of legumes were greater in men than in women. The researchers explained that this could be due to men’s worse eating habits and higher cholesterol level than women’s.
Dana Angelo White, a sports dietitian and an assistant clinical professor at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut, supported the findings of the study. He said that legumes are the most underappreciated sources of protein and fiber.
He also said that people should be encouraged to eat more legumes. He suggested adding hummus and lentil soup into our daily diet as well as including beans to pasta dishes, soups, and salad.
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【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· Does this article encourage you to include legumes in your diet? Why or why not?
· What other underappreciated food has excellent health benefits?
Discussion B
· How can a person develop a healthy diet? Explain.
· Why do you think the diet of some people today is unhealthy? Explain.