Study: Consuming Fruits, Vegetables, Tea, and Wine Can
Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease
Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. susceptible / səˈsɛp tə bəl / (adj) – likely to be harmed by something
Example:
Older people are susceptible to illnesses.
2. barely / ˈbɛər li / (adv) – in a manner that does not happen often
Example:
Since he’s now working in the city, he barely visits his friends from his hometown.
3. inflammation / ˌɪn fləˈmeɪ ʃən / (n) – a condition in which a body part experiences
redness, swelling, pain, etc.
Example:
A sore throat can be caused by inflammation of the tonsils.
4. over the course of (time) / ˈoʊ vər ðə kɔrs əv / (idiom) – within a specific period of
time
Example:
Over the course of my stay in this company, I had a lot of learning experiences.
5. drastic / ˈdræs tɪk / (adj) – extreme or severe
Example:
The actress experienced drastic weight loss after she went on a strict diet.
Article
Read the text below.
A new study suggests that people who consume fruits, vegetables, tea, and wine are
less susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease, a brain disorder that affects memory and
thinking.
Researchers found that people who had a higher intake of flavonoid-rich foods and
drinks were less likely to develop memory problems than those who barely had any.
Flavonoids are natural chemicals found in various fruits and vegetables like apples,
berries, grapes, kale, and onions.
As inflammation has been associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other related
diseases, the researchers theorized that the anti-inflammatory properties of flavonoids
can help keep the brain healthy.
Over the course of about 20 years, the researchers gathered data on the participants’
dietary habits. The researchers then determined the amount of flavonoids consumed by
the participants based on what they listed.
The results revealed that participants with a low flavonoid intake did not eat berries or
drink tea and only consumed 1 and a half apples for each month. Conversely, those with
a high intake consumed around 7 and a half cups of berries, 8 apples, and almost 19
cups of tea every month.
Based on the researchers’ analysis, participants with the lowest consumption of apples
and tea were at twice the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, and those with the
lowest intake of berries and wine were at four times the risk.
Author Paul Jacques emphasized the importance of a healthy diet for brain health.
However, he explained that the change in diet required to prevent Alzheimer’s does not
need to be drastic, since adding small amounts of flavonoid-rich foods to one’s meal
can already make a difference.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
• Do you think the researchers should examine other foods and drinks that may prevent
Alzheimer’s disease? Why or why not?
• Do you consider Alzheimer's disease to be an alarming health issue in your country?
Why or why not?
Discussion B
• What activities do you think can keep the brain healthy?
• Do you think maintaining brain health is just as important as maintaining physical
health? Explain.