Five a Day
A new study backs up the long-standing nutritional guideline that consuming five daily servings of a variety of fruits and vegetables is linked to longevity. People who daily consumed specifically two fruits and three vegetables had a 12 per cent lower risk of death from car- diovascular disease, a 10 per cent lower risk from cancer, and a 35 per cent lower risk from respiratory disease, compared with people who ate just two daily servings.
One ’serving’ is 125 millilitres of any vegetables or fruits, or 250 millilitres of salad greens. You get the same beneficial vitamins, minerals and fibre in both, but vegetables are lower in calories and sugar, which is why the guidelines recommend higher consumption levels for them. The findings included two studies of more than 1,00,000 American men and women who were followed for up to 30 years. Those studies were then added to 24 other studies from across the globe to conduct one large meta-analysis on more than 1.8 million participants. Variety is the key, because different fruits and vegetables contain different beneficial nutrients and antioxidants. Almost all fruits and vegetables were associated with lower mortality, but there were exceptions. Fruit juices and starchy vegetables such as peas, corn, and potatoes were not associated with reduced risk of death or chronic diseases. It may be due to their higher glycaemic load.
Your five daily servings can be met from a variety of fresh, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables, whether conventional or organic. Whichever options are available, affordable, and appealing are good choices.
Studies show that freezing and canning preserves nutrients, which makes these foods even more nutrient-dense than their fresh counterparts. They are good options for people whose barriers to consuming enough servings per day include the high cost, low access, poor quality and lack of variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Complete the sentence:
The research study referred to in the given passage claims that the daily consumption of five servings of a variety of fruits and vegetables______.
The research study referred to in the given passage claims that the daily consumption of five servings of a variety of fruits and vegetables______.
- Can keep us satisfied and make us immortal.
- Can lower the risk of disease and increase life-span.
- Can make people completely disease free and invincible.
- Is an age-old guideline to cure infertility.
The Correct Option is B
Approach Solution - 1
Approach Solution -2
The study claims that eating five daily servings of fruits and vegetables can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory diseases, increasing longevity.
Context: According to recent studies, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is linked to a variety of health benefits. The study in question highlights that consuming five servings of fruits and vegetables every day can significantly reduce the risk of developing several serious health conditions.
Impact on Cardiovascular Health: Regular consumption of fruits and vegetables has been shown to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The high levels of fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients in these foods help maintain healthy blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and support overall heart health.
Effect on Cancer and Respiratory Diseases: A diet abundant in fruits and vegetables can also lower the risk of certain cancers and respiratory diseases. The antioxidants and phytochemicals in these foods help protect the body from harmful free radicals and support immune function.
Increase in Longevity: In addition to reducing the risk of diseases, the study suggests that this diet may also contribute to a longer life. Consuming the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables is associated with a reduced risk of premature death, enhancing quality of life over time.
Final Thought: The study underscores the importance of making fruits and vegetables a daily part of our diet. This simple dietary change can have profound effects on our overall health and longevity.
Complete the sentence:
Nutritional guidelines recommend higher consumption levels for vegetables because________
Nutritional guidelines recommend higher consumption levels for vegetables because________
- Vegetables have more vitamins and minerals
- Vegetables are more fibre-rich as compared to fruits
- Vegetables are lower in calories and sugar
- Fruits are not a healthy option
The Correct Option is C
Approach Solution - 1
Approach Solution -2
Vegetables are lower in calories and sugar compared to fruits, making them healthier for daily consumption and regular intake.
Context: Vegetables are widely regarded as a key component of a healthy diet. They are often praised for their low calorie and sugar content, which makes them an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet or manage their weight.
Lower Calorie Content: Compared to fruits, vegetables generally contain fewer calories, making them a great option for daily consumption without significantly affecting calorie intake. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals trying to manage their weight or maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI).
Reduced Sugar Levels: Vegetables also tend to have lower sugar content than fruits. While fruits are naturally sweet and provide important vitamins and minerals, vegetables typically offer these nutrients with much lower amounts of sugar, making them a better choice for people who need to regulate their blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes.
Healthier for Regular Intake: Given their lower calorie and sugar content, vegetables can be consumed regularly without the risk of excessive sugar intake. They provide essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which contribute to overall health and wellness.
Final Thought: Vegetables, with their lower calorie and sugar content, are an ideal addition to any diet. Their regular consumption promotes better health while allowing for greater flexibility in daily food choices.
The meta-analysis conducted on 1.8 million participants for the research mentioned in the passage was based on a total ______ number of studies.
- 2
- 24
- 26
- 30
The Correct Option is C
Approach Solution - 1
Approach Solution -2
The meta-analysis included data from 26 studies, combining two large U.S. studies and 24 other studies from around the world.
Context: Meta-analysis is a research method that combines data from multiple studies to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a specific topic. In this case, the meta-analysis incorporated data from a total of 26 studies, including both U.S.-based and international research.
Inclusion of U.S. Studies: The meta-analysis combined the findings from two large studies conducted in the United States. These studies likely provided valuable insights due to their sample size and relevance to the research question being addressed.
Global Studies: In addition to the U.S. studies, the meta-analysis also included data from 24 other studies conducted around the world. This inclusion of international data ensures a more diverse and global perspective on the issue, increasing the generalizability and robustness of the findings.
Final Thought: The inclusion of both U.S. and international studies in this meta-analysis strengthens the reliability of the conclusions drawn and provides a well-rounded view of the topic under investigation.
On the basis of your reading of the passage, choose the statement that is INCORRECT.
- We must consume a variety of fruits and vegetables as they are high in nutritive value.
- Peas, corn and potatoes are associated with lower mortality rate.
- Fruit juices have high glycaemic index and are not associated with lower risk of death.
- Consuming fruit juices and starchy vegetables can heighten the risk of chronic diseases.
The Correct Option is B
Approach Solution - 1
Approach Solution -2
Peas, corn, and potatoes are associated with a lower mortality rate.
Context: Recent studies have shown that certain vegetables, including peas, corn, and potatoes, are linked to a reduction in mortality rates. These common foods, often part of a balanced diet, may play an important role in promoting long-term health.
Health Benefits: Peas, corn, and potatoes are rich in essential nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients contribute to improved cardiovascular health, digestion, and overall well-being, which could explain the association with lower mortality rates.
Potential Impact on Mortality: Regular consumption of these foods may reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, which are major contributors to higher mortality rates. By including these foods in a balanced diet, individuals may experience enhanced health outcomes and longevity.
Final Thought: The association between peas, corn, and potatoes with a lower mortality rate underscores the importance of incorporating nutrient-rich vegetables into one's diet for better health and longevity.
To fulfil the nutrients and antioxidant requirement of the human body, we must consume______
- Only fruit juices
- Only peas, corn, and potatoes
- A combination of fruits and vegetables
- Only organic fruits
The Correct Option is C
Approach Solution - 1
Approach Solution -2
A combination of fruits and vegetables is essential to meet nutrient and antioxidant requirements, as different fruits and vegetables provide different nutrients.
Context: A balanced diet that includes both fruits and vegetables is key to obtaining a wide range of nutrients and antioxidants. Each fruit and vegetable contains unique vitamins, minerals, and compounds that contribute to overall health and well-being.
Importance of Nutrients: Fruits and vegetables are rich in essential nutrients like vitamins (e.g., vitamin C, vitamin A), minerals (e.g., potassium, magnesium), and dietary fiber. These nutrients are critical for maintaining bodily functions, improving immune health, and promoting digestion.
Role of Antioxidants: Different fruits and vegetables also provide varying types of antioxidants, such as flavonoids and carotenoids, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. By combining a variety of fruits and vegetables, individuals ensure they are getting a broad spectrum of these protective compounds.
Final Thought: The combination of different fruits and vegetables in our diet is not only essential for meeting our nutritional needs but also for providing a diverse array of antioxidants that support long-term health and disease prevention.
On the basis of your reading of the passage, choose the statement that is CORRECT from the options given below:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables are healthier than frozen or canned ones.
- Frozen and canned fruits and vegetables are more nutrient-rich.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables are good options for people who face barriers to consuming enough servings daily.
- Freezing and canning lowers the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables.
The Correct Option is B
Approach Solution - 1
Approach Solution -2
The passage states that freezing and canning preserve nutrients, making them more nutrient-rich than fresh produce.
Context: The passage highlights the benefits of freezing and canning as methods of food preservation. These techniques help retain the nutrients in fruits and vegetables, often making them more nutrient-rich than their fresh counterparts, which can lose nutrients during transport or storage.
Freezing and Nutrient Retention: Freezing is known to preserve the vitamins and minerals in food because it prevents the breakdown of these nutrients over time. Freezing often locks in nutrients soon after harvest, making frozen produce just as, or sometimes more, nutrient-dense than fresh produce.
Canning and Nutrient Preservation: Canning, while it may involve heat, can also preserve many nutrients, especially when done properly. The process helps to prevent nutrient loss by sealing in vitamins and minerals, although some water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C may be slightly reduced during the heating process.
Final Thought: Both freezing and canning offer significant benefits for preserving the nutritional value of produce, ensuring that they remain nutrient-rich options throughout the year, even when fresh produce may be out of season or harder to obtain.
Top Questions on Reading Comprehension
“Why do they pull down and do away with crooked streets, I wonder, which are my delight, and hurt no man living? Every day the wealthier nations are pulling down one or another in their capitals and their great towns: they do not know why they do it; neither do I. It ought to be enough, surely, to drive the great broad ways which commerce needs and which are the life-channels of a modern city, without destroying all history and all the humanity in between: the islands of the past.”
(From Hilaire Belloc’s “The Crooked Streets”)
Based only on the information provided in the above passage, which one of the following statements is true?- GATE PH - 2025
- General Aptitude
- Reading Comprehension
“Why do they pull down and do away with crooked streets, I wonder, which are my delight, and hurt no man living? Every day the wealthier nations are pulling down one or another in their capitals and their great towns: they do not know why they do it; neither do I. It ought to be enough, surely, to drive the great broad ways which commerce needs and which are the life-channels of a modern city, without destroying all history and all the humanity in between: the islands of the past.” (From Hilaire Belloc’s “The Crooked Streets”)
Based only on the information provided in the above passage, which one of the following statements is true?
- GATE CE - 2025
- General Aptitude
- Reading Comprehension
- “His life was divided between the books, his friends, and long walks. A solitary man, he worked at all hours without much method, and probably courted his fatal illness in this way. To his own name there is not much to show; but such was his liberality that he was continually helping others, and fruits of his erudition are widely scattered, and have gone to increase many a comparative stranger’s reputation.”
(From E.V. Lucas’s “A Funeral”)
Based only on the information provided in the above passage, which one of the following statements is true?- GATE CE - 2025
- General Aptitude
- Reading Comprehension
- Read the excerpt from a Handicrafts Manual: ‘Advanced Knitting Techniques’ and answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate answer.
THE FAIR ISLE METHOD: Fair Isle knitting is a traditional technique that involves using two or more colours of yarn in a single row to create intricate patterns and designs. This method requires careful tension management to ensure even stitches and prevent puckering. To begin, select your colours and cast on the desired number of stitches. As you knit, alternate between colours every few stitches, carrying the unused yarn along the back of the work. Mastering the Fair Isle technique allows you to create stunning visual effects in garments, accessories, and home textiles.
THE CONTINENTAL STYLE: The Continental knitting style, often referred to as “picking,” involves holding the yarn in the left hand while the right hand manipulates the needles. This method allows for greater speed and efficiency, particularly when working with complex patterns or multiple colours. To practice this style, start by casting on your stitches and using your left hand to tension the yarn. With each stitch, simply “pick” the yarn with your right needle, forming a quick and fluid motion. As you become comfortable with this technique, you may find that your overall knitting speed and comfort improve significantly.
THE SHORT-ROW TECHNIQUE: Short-row knitting is an advanced technique that allows for the creation of shaped garments, such as sleeves and shoulders, without the need for complex shaping. To make a sleeve using this technique, begin by casting on the required number of stitches. Work a portion of the row, then turn your work and return without completing the full row to create the “short rows” that shape the curves of the sleeve. To prevent holes at the turn, wrap the stitch before you turn your work. Repeat this process as needed to achieve the desired shaping and dimension of the sleeve. Once you have shaped the sleeve, you can then sew the side seams to connect the pieces of your garment and finally, complete the edges to ensure a clean finish. This method not only helps shape curves but also adds dimension to your piece, allowing you to enhance fit and style.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2025
- English
- Reading Comprehension
- Read the following passage and answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate answer.
The Story of Coffee
Coffee, a beloved beverage enjoyed by millions around the globe, has a rich and captivating history that spans centuries. The story of coffee begins in the ancient highlands of Ethiopia, where, according to legend, a goat herder named Kaldi discovered the stimulating effects of coffee beans. One day, Kaldi noticed his goats frolicking with unusual energy after eating red berries from a certain tree. Curious, he tried the berries himself and experienced a newfound alertness. This discovery soon spread to monasteries, where monks used it to stay awake during long hours of prayer. From Ethiopia, coffee cultivation and consumption spread to the Arabian Peninsula, particularly in Yemen, where the practice of roasting coffee beans and brewing the drink began to take shape. By the 15th century, coffee had become a popular beverage in the Islamic world, with coffee houses known as ‘qahveh khaneh’ emerging as social hubs for conversation, music, and intellectual exchange. These coffee houses became centers of culture and commerce, influencing the spread of coffee to Turkey and beyond, eventually reaching Europe. In Europe, coffee initially faced resistance from religious authorities who considered it a ‘Muslim drink’ and tried to ban it. However, its popularity persisted, and by the 17th century, coffee houses had sprung up in major European cities, becoming important gathering places for artists, writers, and thinkers. The stimulating effects of coffee were embraced during the Age of Enlightenment, where it was seen as a catalyst for intellectual discussion and innovation. The journey of coffee continued with the establishment of colonial plantations in tropical regions such as the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Southeast Asia. These plantations fuelled the global demand for coffee, transforming it from a regional specialty to a major commodity. The industrial revolution further accelerated coffee production and consumption, leading to innovations in coffee brewing methods and the development of instant coffee. In the modern era, coffee has evolved into a deeply ingrained part of daily life for people worldwide. Its cultural significance spans from the bustling cafes of Paris to the quiet coffee farms of Colombia. Today, coffee remains not only a popular beverage but also a symbol of social interaction, productivity, and enjoyment. Whether sipped slowly over a conversation with friends or grabbed hastily on the way to work, the story of coffee continues to unfold, intertwining with the histories and cultures of countless societies across the globe.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2025
- English
- Reading Comprehension
Questions Asked in CUET exam
- Two resistances of 100 \(\Omega\) and 200 \(\Omega\) are connected in series across a 20 V battery as shown in the figure below. The reading in a 200 \(\Omega\) voltmeter connected across the 200 \(\Omega\) esistance is _______.
Fill in the blank with the correct answer from the options given below- CUET (UG) - 2024
- Current electricity
- A molecule X associates in a given solvent as per the following equation:
X ⇌ (X)n
For a given concentration of X, the van’t Hoff factor was found to be 0.80 and the
fraction of associated molecules was 0.3. The correct value of ‘n’ is:- CUET (UG) - 2024
- Solutions
- If $t = e^{2x}$ and $y = \ln(t^2)$, then $\frac{d^2 y}{dx^2}$ is:
- CUET (UG) - 2024
- Second Order Derivative
- The corner points of the feasible region determined by $x + y \leq 8$, $2x + y \geq 8$, $x \geq 0$, $y \geq 0$ are $A(0, 8)$, $B(4, 0)$, and $C(8, 0)$. If the objective function $Z = ax + by$ has its maximum value on the line segment $AB$, then the relation between $a$ and $b$ is:
- CUET (UG) - 2024
- Linear Programmig Problem
- If 75$\%$ of a first-order reaction gets completed in 32 minutes, the time taken for 50$\%$ completion of this reaction is:
- CUET (UG) - 2024
- Order of reaction