Name: ______________________

Date: _________ Class: ______

Mediterranean diet

If you're looking for a healthy eating plan, the Mediterranean diet might
be right for you. Numerous studies carried out by the best diet, nutrition and
health experts show that the residents of Mediterranean countries enjoy one of
the highest quality of life levels and longest life expectancies in the world.

Their secret is connected with the Mediterranean diet. It mainly consists

of cereals and products coming from them such as bread, pasta and rice,
beans, vegetables, nuts and dried fruit. Fish, eggs, poultry and dairy products
can also be found in this diet, although in lesser quantities. Therefore, the
Mediterranean diet includes the basics of healthy eating — plus a splash of
olive oil and perhaps a glass of red wine.

Nuts play an important role in the Mediterranean diet. The vegetable oil
they contain is free of cholesterol and is the best way to obtain the fat required
by the human body. Because nuts are high in calories, they should not be eaten
in large amounts; generally, no more than a handful a day. Bread is an
important part of the Mediterranean diet. However, people eat it plain or dipped
in olive oil — not with butter, margarines or spreads, which contain saturated
fats.

Olive oil characterizes the Mediterranean diet and is an essential

component of it. Apart from its famous flavor, recent research has showed that
olive oil is responsible in the prevention of heart problems and control of
diabetes. Olive oil has been produced since past times as olive trees have been
cultivated all along the Mediterranean coast for thousands of years in Egypt,
Crete and ancient Greece.

People use olive oil in a variety of ways: in salads, on pasta or even on

its own with a slice of bread. There is no doubt regarding the health benefits of
the Mediterranean diet. “Following a strict Mediterranean diet offers protection
against heart disease, cancer, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's”, the Daily Express
reported. It said the biggest ever study into the diet had shown that a diet rich
in fruit, vegetables and fish can reduce the number of deaths from these
diseases.

Directorate for quality and standards in education 2014

1. What is the best title for the text?

a) Mediterranean Countries
b) Cooking Around the Mediterranean
c) The Origin of Olive Oil
d) The Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet

GRADE 6
2. Match the underlined words with the definition.
a. how long someone lives
______________________________
b. made up of ______________________________________
c. quantity (amount that fills your hand) __________________
d. many ___________________________________________
e. to get __________________________________________
f. a part of a larger whole _____________________________
g. to grow plants ______________________________________

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3. Are the sentences TRUE (T) or FALSE (F)? Give a reason from the story.

1. Dairy products and cereals can be consumed in equal amounts. _____

Reason: ______________________________________________

2. The Mediterranean Diet does not include any kind of alcohol. ______
Reason: _______________________________________________

3. The production of olive oil has had an effect on people’s eating habits.
Reason: _______________________________________________

4. The use of olive oil is limited. ________

Reason: ______________________________________________

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4. Write down TWO medical benefits of olive oil.

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

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GRADE 6