Listening
Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- coin / kɔɪn / (v.) – to create a new word or phrase
Example:The journalist coined a new expression that quickly became popular in the news.
- fiery / ˈfaɪər I / (adj.) – showing strong emotions, especially anger or excitement
Example:Diane gave a fiery speech that showed her strong passion for the environment.
- hateful / ˈheɪt fəl / (adj.) – very bad or unpleasant, usually causing or deserving hate
Example:Joey refused to live in that hateful city because it was full of crime and pollution.
- exasperate / ɪgˈzæs pəˌreɪt / (v.) – to make someone very annoyed or angry
Example:The four-hour flight delay exasperated the passengers.
- bear out / bɛər aʊt / (phrasal v.) – to support or confirm that something is true
Example:The scientist’s theory was borne out by the results of the experiment.
Article
Read the text below.
Until recently, most Americans had never heard the term “seed oils,” even though they’ve likely cooked with and consumed them for decades.
It’s the catchy description coined by internet influencers, wellness gurus and some politicians to refer to common cooking oils—think canola, soybean and corn oil—that have long been staples in many home kitchens.
Those fiery critics refer to the top refined vegetable oils as “the hateful eight” and claim that they’re fueling inflammation and high rates of chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the new health secretary, has said Americans are being “unknowingly poisoned” by seed oils and has called for fast-food restaurants to return to using beef tallow or rendered animal fat in their fryers instead.
In response to consumer concerns, some food makers have stripped seed oils from their products. Restaurants like the salad chain Sweetgreen have removed them from their menus. Many Americans say they now avoid seed oils, according to a recent survey from the International Food Information Council, an industry trade group.
The seed oil discussion has exasperated nutrition scientists, who say decades of research confirm the health benefits of consuming such oils, especially in place of alternatives such as butter or lard.
“I don’t know where it came from that seed oils are bad,” said Martha Belury, an Ohio State University food science professor.
In a Senate hearing, Dr. Marty Makary, nominated to lead the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, called for a closer review of the products.
“I think seed oils are a good example of where we could benefit from a consolidation of the scientific evidence,” he said.
Seed oils are composed mostly of unsaturated fatty acids, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Most seed oils are high in one type of fatty acid, omega-6, and low in another type, omega-3. Those fatty acids are essential for human health, but our bodies don’t make them on their own, so we must get them from foods.
Critics of seed oils make a range of claims that many scientists say are not borne out by research.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the new health secretary, said seed oils “unknowingly poison” Americans and called for fast-food restaurants to use animal fat instead. How do you think conflicting health messages from government officials and scientists affect the public? How can this impact people’s trust in science and the government (ex. lose their trust in science, lose their trust in the government)? Discuss.
- If the public health agency in your country released a statement that goes against scientific research, would you still follow it? Why or why not? What do you think might happen if people trust government health statements that go against scientific evidence? Discuss.
Discussion B
- Some restaurant chains have removed seed oils from their menus because of public concern. Why do you think restaurants do this even with scientific evidence? What are the risks for restaurants that don’t respond to public concerns, even if the concerns are not fully supported by science? Discuss.
- How much influence do social media and public trends have on the food industry? Why do you think people sometimes believe influencers over scientists when it comes to health and lifestyle? Discuss.
