PRACTICE PASSAGES 1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: 8
DIET FOR PERFECT HEALTH
(Factual: Instructions)
With the changes in lifestyle, fast-food, fizzy drinks, sedentary habits, stress and tension,
cases of obesity and diabetes are quite common. In order to overcome the evil effects of
these diseases, a carefully regulated diet is essential. By following the diet given below,
insulin, obesity, water retention and lethargy will come under control.
To improve insulin function, one must cut down on all artificial foods, such as fizzy
drinks, packed/canned foods, diet chocolates and drinks, aspartame and related
products, juices and very sweet fruits.
► Cornflour, white rice, fried potatoes and too much dairy and eggs should be avoided.
► Bring down your intake of tea and coffee as they decrease nutrient absorption and act
as a diuretic.
> Cut down on butter, ghee, oils and fried foods, as a high concentration of fat in food
tends to decrease the insulin action on cells.
> Use a judicious mix of poly-unsaturated oils like sunflower/corn and mono-unsaturated
oils like olive oil and rice bran oil.
► Herbs and certain vegetables can improve the insulin response. Karela can be drunk
raw, as a juice as it has plant insulins. Methi seed, sprouts, neem, jamun fruit (all of
which are also available as a dried powder which can be taken twice a day) are also
beneficial.
► Besides being useful in decreasing cholesterol, garlic also lowers blood sugar. It has
zinc, sulphur and manganese, which are beneficial to diabetics.
>> A high-fibre diet is the cornerstone of the treatment of most diseases, and specially
insulin related disorders.
> Soya beans are excellent and can be eaten as a mixed atta (soya atta), tofu, tempeh,
miso soup, nuggets and granules.
> Potassium is helpful and can be found in vegetable broths and raw, sprouted peanuts.
> Other low sugar/low glycemic index diet foods include black channa, legumes,
buttermilk, turmeric and amla.
Finally, here's a reassurance: such dietary changes benefit everyone, so even if you enjoy
perfect health, this diet is good for you.
-Shikha Sharma (adapted)
Based on the reading of the above passage, answer any eight of the following
questions briefly:
1 x 8 = 8
1. What should be done to improve insulin function?
2. What things should be avoided?
3. Which oils are recommended by the author?
4. Which herbs improve insulin response?
5. What are the effects of garlic in our body?
6. Which is the cornerstone of the treatment of most of the diseases?
7. Where from we can get potassium in our diet?