27-08-2012 Supermarket Sleuth.doc

1、Learning English through TV Programmes: Supermarket Sleuth 27-08-2012Summary of the programme:Cuppa (Strong tea/Weak tea)The programme reveals that it is about how to brew a tea that makes tea itself magical in boosting our health. In fact, the longer the tea is brewed, the healthier a cup of it bec

2、omes. An optimal 30-minute brewing of the tea, or any longer, can best release the anti-oxidant known as Flavonoid in tea and reduces the risk of cancer, strokes, or heart disease, alongside bringing it to decent flavour.Poultry and EggsThere have been the concerns about cholesterol causing clogged

3、arteries and heart disease. The same concerns are held as for an egg, which normally contains 14% of protein, some vitamin A, D, B12, and 50mg of cholesterol. However, the programme points out is the mix of fat with cholesterol that matters, rather than cholesterol alone. There are two types of chol

4、esterol: HDLthe scavengers in our blood, and LDLthe villain behind the undesirable diseases. As the experiment shows, an excessive intake of eggs will lead to a slight increase in LDL, while the HDL remains very much unchanged. On the contrary, saturated fat will lower the amount of HDL and increase

5、 LDL in our body, bringing about actual harms.MilkThe programme says that milk, being highly proteinic, is more effective than anything, even new-fangled sports drink in helping muscles recover and slash muscle soreness. Instead of alternatives ranging from fizzy drinks to rehydration drinks, milk a

6、ppears to the most suitable supplement after a bout of strenuous exercise. It is also proven that a glass of milk comprises the amount of calcium equivalent to that in 41 bananas.Chocolate“A life without chocolate is a life that is not worth living.” Hearing this, it is easy for us to conclude that

7、chocolate, as one of the top 3 modern addictions alongside Facebook and coffee, can cause chemical addiction to us. However, the programme reveals that although chocolate contains substance like alcohol and nicotine, which is highly addictive, the amount of it will not suffice whether in quality and

8、 quantity to cause chemical addiction. Research shows that the pleasure zones of our brain will be sparked and activated even when we seeing chocolate, not only consuming it, suggesting that chocolate addiction is about our cravings. And these cravings can be dampened down and controlled by our will

9、.Potato CrispsMany people munch a few crisps to fill a quick gap. Consume loads of salty snacks, we might fear that salt excess will trigger high blood pressure and heart disease. But the programme shows that 6 slices of bread has just the same amount of salt the 5 bags of potato crisps contain. Thi

10、s is what we call hidden/sneaky salt that skips over our taste and go straight into our digestive system. As shown in the programme, while potato crisps contain salt, they also contain potassium, which possesses that opposite functions of salt to maintain blood pressure healthy, and improve kidney f

11、unctions. Those who are just potato crisps lovers and tuck them in massively can just relax and relieve themselves.Vocabulary items:Cuppa 一杯荼 (inf.)CaffeineManchesterFlavonoid 黃酮類物質Ropey (slightly ill)Asparagus flan/quiche 果餡餅Egg omeletteWheelbarrow 手推車Language Enhancement: Nothing even comes close

12、to _ in (abstract noun).e.g. popularity/public favour/nutritional value We are the impatient bunch (the group of people who are generally adj.) A colossal number of 11 billion eggs consumed every year _ is the vital component of _ Unsung heroes (phr.): not praised or famous but deserving to be Milk has an impressive CV (personification) Reveal the marvels of milk 奇異的事物 (cn.) A supporting factor of _have many amazing properties, but _is just not one of them. We are to explore the surprises luring in _