What kinds of foods do you eat and have you tried much food from around the world? What are the cornerstones of Greek food? Korean Food? Do you know which cuisines are considered the healthiest and why? Read on to find out more!
CITIZENS REPORT ISSUE # 7 | Level C1 | Culture
VOCABULARY
Area you familiar with these words?
Make sure you understand some keywords in the text first with this vocabulary exercise!
(n.) cornerstone
(adj.) gastronomic
(adj.) fermented
(adj.) jam-packed
(n.) taste buds
Rephrase it! ➡️ Now, can you rephrase these sentences with the target vocabulary?
n.) cornerstone
(adj.) gastronomic
(adj.) fermented
(adj.) jam-packed
(n.) taste buds
Foods that have been broken down chemically by yeast, or bacteria often have a sour taste.
Children often like to eat candy because their sense of taste is stimulated by the sweetness.
Nuts and seeds are totally full of nutrients that we need for good brain development.
A recent trend in travel has been holidays that focus on experiencing the food and cuisine of certain countries.
One of the main ingredients and most important features of Thai food is rice; sometimes jasmine rice or sticky rice.
Use it ➡️ Discuss these questions using the target vocabulary.
Have you ever tried fermented foods like kimchi or kombucha? How did they affect your digestion or overall well-being?
In your opinion, what is the cornerstone of a strong and lasting friendship? Can you share an example from your own life?
What would you say is the cornerstone of your country's cuisine?
What's the most memorable gastronomic experience you've had while traveling? How did the local cuisine contribute to your travel memories?
How do you think your taste buds have changed over the years? Are there foods you disliked as a child but now enjoy, or vice versa?
READING
The Top 5 Healthiest Cuisines Around the World
Read the text aloud and focus on your pronunciation.
Are you ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey through the world's healthiest cuisines? Buckle up, because we're about to explore five gastronomic delights that are not only jam-packed with flavour but also incredibly good for you. Let's dig in!
1. Japanese Cuisine
Japanese cuisine is a poster child for healthiness. The secret? It's a diet rich in fish, vegetables, and minimal processed foods. You'll often find dishes like Sushi & Sashimi, Miso Soup, and Teriyaki.
Take Sushi & Sashimi, for example. These dishes feature fresh, raw fish like salmon and tuna, which are abundant in omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats are renowned for promoting heart health and aiding in weight management. Plus, the seaweed used in sushi is a source of iodine, crucial for thyroid function.
2. Korean Cuisine
Korean cuisine is celebrated for its health-consciousness, and it's largely thanks to its focus on fermented foods. Kimchi, one of its stars, is a must-try.
Kimchi is not just a spicy and tangy delight; it's a fermented powerhouse. Fermentation transforms cabbage and radishes into a probiotic-rich dish that enhances gut health and
boosts the immune system. Researchers even suggest that the live bacteria in kimchi can help prevent cancer. It's a spicy superfood that's as good for your taste buds as it is for your health.
3. Greek Cuisine
Greek cuisine has a reputation for promoting longevity and good health. The key? It's an emphasis on olive oil, vegetables, and lean proteins. A quintessential Greek dish is the Greek Salad, which showcases these elements.
Greek Salad is a vibrant mix of ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese, drizzled with olive oil. Olive oil, the cornerstone of this cuisine, is known for its heart-healthy properties and anti-inflammatory effects. It's no wonder the Mediterranean diet, of which Greek cuisine is a part, is linked to long, healthy lives.
4. Mediterranean Cuisine
Mediterranean cuisine is a goldmine of health benefits. It's characterized by a generous use of olive oil, vegetables, and whole grains. Hummus is a beloved dish that embodies these qualities.
Hummus, a creamy dip made from chickpeas, is jam-packed with fiber and plant-based proteins, promoting satiety and aiding digestion. Chickpeas are nutritional powerhouses, brimming with vitamins and minerals. A diet rich in such ingredients is associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases and a longer life.
5. Indian Cuisine
Indian cuisine offers a plethora of flavors, and it's known for its extensive use of spices and herbs. Tandoori Chicken is a standout dish.
Tandoori Chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices, then grilled to perfection. It's low in fat and high in protein, making it a healthier option. Spices like turmeric, a staple in Indian cooking, offer anti-inflammatory benefits thanks to the compound curcumin. These spices
not only add a burst of flavor but also contribute to the overall healthiness of the cuisine.
These dishes aren't just delicious; they're part of cultural traditions that emphasize health and well-being. So, the next time you're exploring international flavors, keep these dishes in mind and savour the goodness they bring to your table.
Comprehension Questions
A The article mentions three factors that will drive change in the global import and export section, which are they?
Which cuisine is associated with heart health?
Which cuisine is associated with gut health?
Which cuisine is associated with reduced risks of chronic diseases?
2 Answer the questions below according to the text.
The omega-3 fatty acids in which cuisine are known for promoting heart health.
Cabbage and radishes are mentioned as a fermented powerhouse in Korean cuisine.
Garlic in Indian cuisine is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits.
Kimchi promotes gut health because it is fermented.
Hummus associated with lower risks of chronic diseases.
DICUSSION QUESTIONS
Do you have a favorite healthy dish from your own culture or a different one? Describe it and explain why you enjoy it.
Are there any specific dietary restrictions or preferences that you follow, such as vegetarianism, veganism, or gluten-free eating? How has this impacted your culinary experiences?
Some people are adventurous eaters and enjoy trying exotic or unusual dishes. Are you one of them? Share a memorable experience of trying a unique or uncommon food.
Imagine you have the opportunity to travel to one of the countries mentioned in the text to explore its cuisine. Which one would you choose, and what dishes would be at the top of your list to try? Explain your choices.
In one month, I eat around ..
1-2 different types of cuisine
3-5 different types of cuisine
6+ different types of cuisine
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