Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- pose /pohz/
- cohort /KOH-hawrt/
- cardiovascular /kaar-dee-ow-VA-skyuh-lur/
- moderation /mod-uh-REY-shuhn/
- curb /kurb/
[verb] – to cause something, especially a problem or difficulty
The chemicals pose real threats to living things.
[noun] – a group of people who share a characteristic, usually age
They collected data from a cohort of more than 1,000 patients.
[adjective] – relating to the heart and blood vessels (= tubes that carry blood around the body
Trans fats are bad for cardiovascular health.
[noun] – the quality of doing something within reasonable limits
Drink alcohol but in moderation.
[verb] – to control or limit something that is not wanted
This tea is great if you want to curb your appetite.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Artificial sweeteners pose the same health risks as sugar according to a study published by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Researchers gathered data from 104,760 French adults who participated in the NutriNet-Sante, an ongoing online cohort that studies the association between nutrition and health, as well as dietary behavior. Participants were divided into three groups according to how much sugar they consume on a regular basis. They were asked to fill out 24 hour records of dietary intake and health status in six-month intervals. Researchers determined that people who regularly consumed artificially sweetened drinks are also at an equal high risk of cardiovascular diseases with people who regularly consumed sugary drinks.
“Our study suggests artificially sweetened beverages may not be a healthy substitute for sugar drinks, and these data provide additional arguments to fuel the current debate on taxes, labeling and regulation of sugary drinks and artificially sweetened beverages” said lead author Eloi Chazelas. If consumed in moderation, artificial sweeteners can be used to reduce calories for people planning to lose weight. Dr. Andrew Freeman, co-chair of the American College of Cardiology said that people mistakenly believe that artificially sweetened beverages are better than sugary drinks but recent evidence shows possible harms specifically in women. Freeman added that it’s best to curb food additives not only in drinks but processed foods in general.
“Our study suggests artificially sweetened beverages may not be a healthy substitute for sugar drinks, and these data provide additional arguments to fuel the current debate on taxes, labeling and regulation of sugary drinks and artificially sweetened beverages” said lead author Eloi Chazelas. If consumed in moderation, artificial sweeteners can be used to reduce calories for people planning to lose weight. Dr. Andrew Freeman, co-chair of the American College of Cardiology said that people mistakenly believe that artificially sweetened beverages are better than sugary drinks but recent evidence shows possible harms specifically in women. Freeman added that it’s best to curb food additives not only in drinks but processed foods in general.
True or False:
Read the sentences and identify if they are true or false based on the article.
- Artificially sweetened beverages have the same risks on health as sugar.
- The researchers collected data from over 100,000 people from France.
- Participants were divided into two groups.
- If artificial sweeteners were taken in moderation, it can help lessen calories for people who want to lose weight.
- Dr. Freeman’s advice is to limit intake of food additives.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- How important is the NutriNet Sante study? Why?
- Should people stop consuming artificial sweeteners altogether and just use natural sugars instead? Explain your answer.
- What do you do when you have sugar cravings?
- Do you read food labels when you buy food from the supermarket? Why or why not?
- What do you usually eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?
Express Your Opinion:
I will read each sentence. Then, please tell me if you agree or disagree, and why.
- “Don’t dig your grave with your own knife and fork.”
— Old English Proverb - “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.”
— Jim Rohn - “Your diet is a bank account. Good food choices are good investments.”
— Bethenny Frankel