【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. bring to the table / ˈbrɪŋ tə ðəˈteɪ bəl / (idiom) – to give or contribute something with great benefit
Example: New helpful suggestions have been brought to the table.
2. texture / ˈtɛks tʃər / (n.) – the way that food feels when placed inside the mouth
Example: Ice cream has a smooth and creamy texture.
3. steer clear of / stɪərˈklɪər ʌv / (idiom) – to completely avoid something
Example: She steered clear of rice when she began her no-carb diet.
4. spike / spaɪk / (v.) – to rise suddenly and abruptly
Example: She is careful with her diet because she does not want her blood sugar level to spike.
5. crave / kreɪv / (v.) – to want something badly
Example: She craved chocolates after seeing the commercial.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
Singaporean food scientists brought to the table a new type of bread for the health-conscious: purple bread.
National University of Singapore food scientists added a substance called anthocyanin [an-thuh-SAHY-uh-nin] to the recipe of regular white bread. It did not only change the bread’s color, but also enhanced its nutritional value. Anthocyanin is a natural coloring substance that gives plants their red, orange, violet, or blue color. The pigment is found in some dark-colored food, such as black rice, grapes, and blueberries. It is rich in antioxidants and can also lower blood sugar levels.
The food scientists were aiming to improve the health benefits of regular white bread without changing its texture. Many health-conscious people steer clear of white bread because of its high starch content. Food rich in starch is digested and absorbed into the bloodstream easily and can therefore cause blood sugar levels to spike.
Purple bread has the same amount of starch as white bread, but the added anthocyanin causes the starch to take 20% longer to be digested. Therefore, people who eat purple bread will feel full for a longer time. They can thus avoid overeating because they will not crave for food right away.
While options such as purple bread are healthier, white bread does not have to be avoided completely. White bread, as well as other food products from refined grains, can be eaten in moderation. Up to three ounces of refined grain, or three slices of white bread, is allowable daily, according to the US Department of Agriculture. The department also recommends adding three ounces of whole grain to one’s diet.
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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
· Would you choose to buy purple bread over other types of bread? Why or why not?
· Do you think purple bread will be a hit in your country?
Discussion B
· In your opinion, what is the best type of diet? Why?
· Do you agree that people must totally avoid certain types of food to be healthy? Why or why not?
