A
Chocolate is good for your heart, skin and brain. Usually, people think that chocolate is bad for their health. They describe chocolate as “something to die for” or say “death by chocolate”. Now they should bite their tongues! Evidence is showing that some kinds of chocolate are actually good for you in the following ways:
A happier heart
Scientists at Harvard University recently examined 136 studies on cocoa — the main ingredient in chocolate — and found that it does seem to strengthen the heart. Studies have shown heart benefits from increased blood flow. These benefits are the result of cocoa’s chemicals, which seem to prevent both cell damage and inflammation(炎症）.
Better blood pressure
If yours is high, chocolate may help. Jeffrey Blumberg from Tufts University recently found that people with high blood pressure who ate 3.5 ounces of dark chocolate per day for two weeks saw their blood pressure drop quickly.
Muscle magic
Chocolate milk may help you recover after a hard workout（锻炼）. In a small study at Indiana University, people who drank chocolate milk between workouts did better on a tiredness test than those who had some sports drinks.
Better for your skin
German researchers gave 24 women a half-cup of special cocoa every day. After three months, the women’s skin was moister (滑润的) and smoother. The research shows that chocolate helps protect and increase blood flow to the skin, improving its appearance.
Brain gains
It sounds almost too good to be true, but research suggests that chocolate may improve your memory, attention span, reaction time, and problem-solving skills by increasing blood flow to the brain.
21. What’s the meaning of “bite their tongues” in the first paragraph？
A. Stop talking. B. Speak up. C. Think of it. D. Listen to it.
22. What can’t we get from chocolate according to the text?
A. A healthy heart. B. A beautiful figure. C. A good memory. D. Smooth skin.
23. According to the passage, which of the following is true?
A. Sports drinks are better than chocolate milk.
B. People with high blood pressure should not eat chocolate.
C. It is true that chocolate may improve your memory.
D. Chocolate helps increase blood flow to the skin and muscle.
24. What’s the best title for this passage?
A. Chocolate and Blood Pressure. B. More Chocolate, Less Health.
C. Chocolate, a Healthy Food. D. Advice on Eating Chocolate.
