I. Reading Comprehension
A. Read the article Supplements vs. Whole Foods. Then choose the best answer for each question.
Supplements vs. Whole Foods
Section 1
1 The human body needs roughly 40 vitamins and minerals each day for good health. These are required for normal growth and development, healthy bones, teeth, muscles, and blood, and a strong immune system. For most people, a healthy diet provides all the nutrients that the human body needs. Food not only supplies vitamins and minerals, but also gives us fiber and other healthy compounds, like phytochemicals and antioxidants.
Section 2
2 A healthy diet includes all of the following:
· Fresh fruits and vegetables: We need these to supply our bodies with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds, which are thought to be responsible for many health benefits.
· Oily fish: Scientists believe that the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in oily fish are responsible for improved heart health. Studies have shown that people who eat fish regularly have a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes.
· Nuts and seeds: These are high in antioxidants, minerals, and healthy fats. One study found that four weekly servings of nuts or seeds was linked to a lower risk of heart disease and diabetes.
· Whole grains: Whole grains contain many valuable nutrients, including fiber, B vitamins, and minerals such as iron and magnesium. Whole grain consumption has also been associated with protection against cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Section 3
3 The problem is, many people don’t have a healthy, well-balanced diet, often as a result of their fast-paced lifestyles. Their diets are heavy in fast foods and nutrient-poor processed food, refined grains, and added sugar. In fact, even if they eat all the right foods, some people, such as the elderly, may fall short of necessary nutrients. “Their ability to absorb nutrients from food decreases,” explains Dr. Howard Sesso, an epidemiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
4 Can a supplement make up the difference? "It's a touchy subject, and you need to look at your individual needs first," says Dr. Sesso. Dietary supplements such as multi-vitamin pills would seem to be the obvious way to fill the gaps in one’s diet, but taking too much of certain vitamins can actually be harmful. "Extra vitamin A supplements can lead to toxic levels if taken too frequently," notes Dr. Clifford Lo, a professor of nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health.
5 Most people feel that nutritional supplements are almost chemically identical to those found in food. However, the production process of synthetic nutrients is very different from the way plants and animals create them. So, despite having a similar structure, people’s bodies may react differently to supplements.
6 Both Dr. Sesso and Dr. Lo advise that you try to improve your diet before you use supplements. That's because nutrients are stronger when they come from food. Not only that, but, "food tastes better and is often less expensive than adding supplements," says Dr. Sesso.
Section 4
7 Eating whole foods offers three main benefits over dietary supplements:
· Greater nutrition. Whole foods are complex, containing a variety of the micronutrients the body needs.
· Essential fiber. Whole foods provide dietary fiber, which can help prevent certain diseases.
· Protective substances. Many whole foods are also good sources of antioxidants—substances that slow down a natural process leading to cell and tissue damage. It isn't clear that antioxidant supplements offer the same benefits as antioxidants in food.
Section 5
8 However, both doctors agree that a supplement may sometimes be appropriate for certain types of people:
· People who don't eat well or consume fewer calories than needed.
· Vegans or vegetarians who eat a limited variety of foods. Since certain vitamins and minerals are found mainly in animal products, this group is often at a risk of deficiency for vitamin B12, calcium, zinc, iron, and vitamin D.
· Pregnant women may have to supplement their diet with extra vitamins and/or minerals (such as vitamin D) and avoid others (such as vitamin A).
· The elderly tend to be at a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency and may also need more vitamin B12 and calcium for bone health.
· People who have certain medical conditions that affect how their bodies absorb or use nutrients, such as food allergies, food intolerance, or various diseases may require supplements.
Section 6
9 Before taking supplements, it is a good idea to talk to a doctor or a dietitian about which supplements and what doses might be appropriate. It is important to ask about possible side effects and interactions with any medications you take. If you decide to take a multi-vitamin, Dr. Sesso suggests, "Look for a multivitamin with D and B vitamins (especially folate), iron, magnesium, and calcium and go for a well-known brand that's been around for a long time and is likely well tested."
10 The take-away conclusion is this: The ideal way to get nutrients is from whole food. Research consistently shows that nutritional supplements are no replacement for a healthy, balanced diet. However, if a person is lacking in a specific nutrient and in some other special cases, then taking a supplement can be beneficial.
1. Which of the following would be the best alternative title for this reading?
A. Multivitamins or a Healthy Diet?
B. How the Body Uses Vitamins
C. Fresh Foods vs. Processed Foods
D. What Does “Eating Right” Mean?
2. The word roughly in Section 1, line 1 is closest in meaning to …
A. precisely
B. nearly
C. approximately
D. clearly
3. The word their in line 5, Section 3 refers to …
A. people who don’t have a healthy diet
B. nutrients from food
C. older people
D. unhealthy diets
4. Which of the following was NOT specifically mentioned as contributing to heart health?
A. fresh fruits and vegetables
B. oily fish
C. nuts and seeds
D. whole grains
5. Which of the following should avoid taking vitamin A?
A. vegans and vegetarians
B. the elderly
C. pregnant women
D. people with certain medical conditions
6. Doctor Sesso suggests …....
A. getting vitamins from a doctor or a dietician
B. buying individual vitamins rather than multivitamins
C. taking one pill for vitamins, one for minerals
D. buying a famous brand of vitamins
B. Read the statements. Write T (true) or F (false).
_____ 7. According to the article, a healthy diet supplies nutrients that multivitamins do not.
_____ 8. Both oily fish and nuts and seeds contain healthy fats.
_____ 9. According to the passage, it is the way nutritional supplements are made that make them different from natural nutrients.
_____ 10. Dr. Sesso does not agree with Doctor Lo regarding the fact that some people need to take supplements.
