Eating chocolate can reduce risk of a heart attack

甘肃甘谷县第二中学 刘小军

难词探意

1.inflammation/ˌınflə΄meıʃn/n.炎症

2.vessel/΄vesl/n.血管

3.coronary artery冠状动脉

4.high-density lipoprotein高密度脂蛋白

5.overeat/ˌəʊvər΄iːt/v.过量食用；暴饮暴食

Chocolate is packed with plant chemicals that weaken inflammation and boost blood flow,explained scientists.

Lead author Dr Chayakrit Krittanawong said,“Our study suggests chocolate helps keep the heart's blood vessels healthy.”It collected data from six trials that examined the link over the past five decades.A total of 336,289 people reported their intake.Those who ate chocolate more than once a week reduced their risk of coronary artery disease by eight percent.This was compared to peers who ate it less than once a week.

Chocolate is known to produce the same chemical in the brain as falling in love.But evidence is growing that its reputation as a“guilty pleasure” is wrong.DrKrittanawong said,“Chocolate contains heart healthy nutrients such as flavonoids,methylxanthines,polyphenols and stearic acid which may reduce inflammation.”

Known medically as HDL(high-density lipoprotein),it helps to rid LDL(low-density lipoprotein)out of the body.When this collects it causes vessels and arteries to become blocked up.It can stop blood flow to the heart or brain,causing a heart attack or a stroke.Dr Krittanawong said,“In the past,clinical studies have shown chocolate is beneficial to blood pressure.”

Dark chocolate has long been known to have health benefits but recent research has suggested milk chocolate may also provide valuable nutrients for the heart.Dr Krittanawong pointed out his study did not investigate whether any particular type of chocolate is more beneficial—or if there is an ideal portion size.He said,“Chocolate appears promising for prevention of coronary artery disease.But more research is needed to show how much and what kind of chocolate could be recommended.”

While it's not clear how much is perfect,Dr Krittanawong warned against overeating.He said,“Moderate amounts of chocolate seem to protect the coronary arteries but it's likely that large quantities do not.”

Reading

Check

1.What does paragraph 2 mainly talk about?

A.The result of the study.

B.The process of the study.

C.The participants of the study.

D.The intention of the study.

2.Which of the following can probably prevent blood flow?

A.A heart attack.

B.A stroke.

C.High-density lipoprotein.

D.Low-density lipoprotein.

3.What does the recent study tell us?

A.Chocolate is good for blood pressure.

B.Dark chocolate is beneficial to health.

C.Milk chocolate may also benefit the heart.

D.Chocolate contains special plant chemicals.

4.What's Dr Krittanawong's attitude toward chocolate's preventing coronary artery disease?

A.Cautious.

B.Hopeful.

C.Negative.

D.Uncertain.

Language

Study

Difficult sentence

Dark chocolate has long been known to have health benefits but recent research has suggested milk chocolate may also provide valuable nutrients for the heart.

【翻译】____________________________________________________________

【点石成金】本句是由but连接的两个并列句，其中suggest后面是一个省略了that的宾语从句。