Coffee Aids Weight Loss, Studies Say

Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. demonstrate (v.) [dem-uhn-streyt] – to describe or to explain by giving an example, an evidence, or an experiment

Example: Scientists demonstrated the benefits of coffee by showing the results of their test.

2. supplement (n.) [suhp-luh-muhnt] –something added to complete what is missing or lacking

Example: Students with poor health were given vitamin supplements to make them stronger.

3. placebo (n.) [pluh-see-boh] –a substance that has no actual medical effect but are given to patients to help them feel better

Example: The patient felt stronger after taking the medicine, not knowing that it was a placebo.

4. drastic (adj.) [dras-tik] – extreme or very serious

Example: Technology caused a drasticchange in people’s way of living.

5. gradual (adj.) [graj-oo-uhl] – to take place slowly or little by little

Example: Children’s development is gradual.

Article
Read the text below.

Studies suggest that coffee may help people lose weight and help lower their risk of developing diabetes. In one study in France, a group of volunteers was given a supplement of 400 mg of decaffeinated green coffee bean extract daily, while another group was given a placebo. After a month, volunteers from the first group lost about 5.7% of their weight, while people from the second group lost only 2.8% of weight. Although drastic weight loss was not achieved, the study demonstrated how gradual weight loss can happen after regularly taking coffee. Additionally, the study’s use of decaffeinated coffee showed that coffee’s fat-reducing effects may not be because of caffeine, which is known to burn calories. Experts believe several chemicals in coffee called “chlorogenic acids” contribute to weight loss. These chlorogenic acids help digest food and slow down the production of fat and sugar in the body. Because of the high amount of chlorogenic acids in espresso, experts say drinking espresso after meals may also be a good practice. Meanwhile, studies in other countries suggest that regular consumption of coffee reduces the risk of developing diabetes. A study by Harvard University and two other different studies from the Netherlands all showed a direct connection between drinking coffee and the lowered risk of getting type-2 diabetes. However, adding lots of sugar and cream to coffee does not help in losing weight or in preventing diabetes. To make the most out of coffee's health benefits, experts suggest taking black coffee, espresso, coffee with a small amount of milk, or green coffee bean supplements.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

●     After learning the benefits of a certain food, are you likely to start eating or drinking it? Why or why not?

●     What foods do you eat now which helps you have good health?

Discussion B

●     Is weight loss a common problem in your country? Why is this so?

●     What is the best advice you can give to someone who wants to lose weight?

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