【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. raw /rɔ/ (adj.) – referring to something that hasn’t been processed or cooked yet
Example: I prefer eating raw carrots than the cooked ones.
2. conscious /ˈkɒn ʃəs/ (adj.) – having knowledge and awareness about something
2. conscious /ˈkɒn ʃəs/ (adj.) – having knowledge and awareness about something
Example: Health-conscious people often do not eat fatty food.
3. preserve /prɪˈzɜrv/ (v.) – to prevent any food from rotting
3. preserve /prɪˈzɜrv/ (v.) – to prevent any food from rotting
Example: Sugar, vinegar, and salt can be used to preserve food.
4. nutrient /ˈnu tri ənt, ˈnyu-/ (n.) – any substance that helps living things develop or grow
4. nutrient /ˈnu tri ənt, ˈnyu-/ (n.) – any substance that helps living things develop or grow
Example: Fruits and vegetables contain lots of nutrients.
5. antioxidant /ˌæn tiˈɒk sɪ dənt, ˌæn taɪ-/ (n.) – any substance that helps remove harmful chemicals in the body
Example: Fruits such as raspberry and strawberry are rich in antioxidants.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
Studies suggest that raw chocolates are rich in nutrients, a good news to health-conscious people.
Chocolates are made from cacao beans. Usually, cacao beans are roasted after its fermentation, then grounded, and processed. But when making raw chocolates, the beans are no longer roasted and processed. Instead, they are left to dry naturally in the sun.
According to studies, raw chocolates are more nutritious than ordinary chocolates. This is because drying the beans in the sun preserves the natural nutrients of the cacao. Among these nutrients are iron, vitamin C, magnesium, and zinc.
In addition, unroasted cacao beans also contain more antioxidants and less fat. Eating raw chocolates also reduces risks of cardiovascular disease and stroke because this type of chocolate reduces blood pressure. One study also emphasized how eating raw chocolates can prevent memory loss. Flavanol, commonly found in cacao beans, is an antioxidant that helps fight dementia. It also fights off anxiety and depression.
While these nutritional benefits are promising, Martin Schweizer, a biochemistry professor at Heriot-Watt University, stressed that further research is still needed to verify the health benefits of raw cacao beans. He said that the existing studies about its nutritional benefits are still at an early stage.
Nonetheless, raw chocolates are now gaining popularity despite it being more expensive. A customer can buy a 45-gram raw chocolate bar for more or less $6.2. Customers are willing to pay more for products that would help in taking care of themselves.
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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
· After reading the article, would you prefer eating raw chocolates to ordinary chocolates? Why or why not?
· Do you think raw chocolates can also be popular in your country? Why is that so?
Discussion B
· What do you think are the benefits of eating unprocessed (i.e. fresh) food? Please discuss your answer.
· What are the common ways of preserving food in your country? Kindly explain briefly.