Obama Names New National Monument in Maine

  President Barack Obama has named a new national monument in the northeastern state of Maine. Businesswoman Roxanne Quimby gave the 35,000 hectares of land to the government. The gift honored the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis said “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate” the anniversary. He called the land in Maine’s North Woods “extraordinary.” The Katahdin Woods and Waters monument includes the East Branch of the Penobscot River. From the land, Maine’s tallest mountain -- Katahdin -- can be seen. Many animals live on the land, including moose, black bears, coyotes, deer and bald eagles. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said the gift would permit the area to “remain accessible to current and future generations of Americans, ensuring the rich history of Maine’s hunting, fishing and recreation heritage will forever be preserved.” Supporters of the monument say it will create hundreds of jobs in an area affected by the closing of paper factories. But opponents fear it will hurt efforts to rebuild a forest-based economy in the area. Earlier this year, the Maine state legislature said it opposed federal ownership of the land. Governor Paul LePage also opposed the creation of the monument. Lucas St. Clair is Roxanne Quimby’s son. He has led the efforts in recent years to create the monument. “Many parks over the history of the park system have been criticized upon creation,” he said. “But when we look to the future, we see huge amounts of success.”' Quimby began buying the land in the 1990s. She wanted it to be named a national park. But only Congress can create new parks. The president has the power to create national monuments without the approval of Congress. Many national parks -- including the Grand Canyon National Park -- were monuments before becoming parks. The land has a value of $60 million. Quimby gave 20 million to help care for it. She plans to help raise another 20 million for the effort within three years. I’m Caty Weaver. The Associated Press news agency reported this story from Portland, Maine. It was adapted for Learning English by Christopher Jones-Cruise. Caty Weaver ​was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   accessible - adj. able to be reached or approached​ heritage - n. the traditions, achievements, beliefs, etc., that are part of the history of a group or nation​ preserve - v. to keep (something) in its original state or in good condition​

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Feelings and Fashion at MTV's Video Music Awards

  This is What’s Trending Today… The MTV network held its Video Music Awards, or VMAs, Sunday night. Social media users are still talking about the stars and performances at the ceremony. Rihanna was honored with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. Her friend, singer Drake, introduced her and presented her with the award. In his speech, he declared his love for the singer. “She's someone I've been in love with since I was 22 years old,” Drake told the crowd. He then tried to kiss Rihanna on stage. The media has long questioned the nature of Rihanna and Drake’s relationship. Is it romantic? Or is it just friendship? One fan tweeted that she thought Drake might ask Rihanna to marry Sunday night. Another asked if this meant their relationship was now “official.” ​ Whatever Drake meant, Facebook posts and tweets seem to approve the message. One Twitter user asked “Can someone get me a Drake please?”   ​ Singer Beyonce arrived at the VMAs with her daughter, Blue Ivy, by her side. Her appearance was also a popular subject of social media discussion. The four-year-old Blue Ivy wore a $11,000 gown and a diamond tiara. One Twitter user said the little girl “stole” the show. But, some social media users criticized the amount of money spent on the child’s clothing and jewelry. Social media was also excited about Alicia Keys at the VMAs. She reportedly went without wearing any makeup on her face. Many applauded her decision. One Twitter user wrote “I love Alicia Keys’ no make up movement.” ​ Another wrote that Keys’ decision was something for “women to get inspired by.”   And that’s What’s Trending Today.   Caty Weaver wrote this article for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor.  _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story tiara - n.  a small crown that is decorated with jewels and that is worn by women or girls on special occasions makeup - n. substances (such as lipstick or powder) used to make someone's face look more attractive applaud - v.  to express approval of or support for (something or someone)

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Average Weight of American Men Increased 7 Kilograms in 20 Years

  American men weigh about seven kilograms more now, on average, than they did 20 years ago. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, reported the finding earlier this month. The CDC report noted that the average weight for American men over the age of 20 is 88.7 kilograms. That amount is based on information gathered between 2011 and 2014. Between 1988 and 1994, the average weight of an American man was 82 kilograms. Over the 20-year period, the average height of men did not change. The report said American women and children have also gained weight. The average woman weighed 64 kilograms in 1960 and now weighs 76 kilograms. On average, the weight of adolescent boys and girls increased 5.4 kilograms over the past 20 years. The report did not tell why the average weight of Americans increased. But many studies show a large number of people in the United States are obese. Obesity is a condition in which the body stores large, unhealthy amounts of fat. Obese individuals are considered overweight. The information for the new report was gathered from 19,000 people. They took part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2011 to 2014. CDC officials say about 35 percent of Americans are obese. Obesity can cause many health problems, including heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and some kinds of cancer. There was some good news from the report. It noted that the rate of weight increase for men appears to be slowing. Since 2002, the average weight of men has increased by just 2.3 kilograms. Goutham Rao heads the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at Case Western Medical Center in Ohio. Rao told ABC News the rate of increase in weight of American men, women and children “is always a cause for alarm.” He said there are some easy ways to prevent weight gain, including choosing water over sugary drinks and taking part in some kind of physical activity every day. Rao said that people should not worry about each pound they lose, but should instead “think about adopting healthy behaviors that can last a lifetime.” I’m Pete Musto. This story was based on a report published on VOANews.com. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted the report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story obese – adj. very fat; fat in a way that is unhealthy adolescent – adj. describing a young person who is developing into an adult stroke – n. a serious health diroder caused when a blood vessel in your brain suddenly breaks or is blocked diabetes – n. a serious disease in which the body cannot properly control the amount of sugar in your blood because it does not have enough insulin adopt – v. to begin to use or have something

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Deaths From Lightning Strikes in US at Highest Since 2010

  Two people in the United States died over the weekend after they were struck by lightning.   The number of deaths from lightning-related accidents in 2016 rose to 29. It is the highest amount of deaths from lightning strikes since 2010, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).  The latest lightning-related deaths happened in the states of Colorado and Michigan on August 19.   Even though there are four months left in the year, the 2016 toll has already exceeded last year's 27.  Eight people have died from lightning in August of this year, making it the deadliest August since 2007. July is usually the month with the most fatalities. This year, 12 people were killed by lightning in July.  John Jensenius, an NWS lightning safety specialist, believes that the rise in lightning-related deaths was due more to people’s behavior than science.   "People are outside, enjoying beaches in the summer time. There's not much variance in lightning activity," Jensenius said.  Fridays have been the deadliest day of the week in 2016, which Jensenius said was unusual.   Usually, the highest number of incidents occur on Saturdays and Sundays, when Americans are outside barbecuing and enjoying other weekend activities.  Florida has had the highest number of lightning deaths in 2016, with six people. Louisiana followed with four lightning-related fatalities and then New York with three.  Deaths from lightning strikes were reported in the hundreds each year in the 1940s and 1950s because there were more farmers riding tractors in open fields, Jensenius said.   Since then, deaths from lightning have decreased significantly.  The chances of being struck by lightning in a lifetime remain low. About 1 in 12,000 people will be struck by lightning in their lifetime. Out of every ten people struck by lightning, one of them will die.   Even though the odds are low, Jensenius wants people to be more careful. "If you can hear thunder, you're close enough to be struck," he said.   Jensenius advises people to get inside during thunderstorms to avoid the risk of being struck by lightning. ​ I'm Mehrnoush Karimian-Ainsworth This story was reported by Reuters news service. Mehrnoush Karimian-Ainsworth adapted this story for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor.   We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.    _______________________________________________________________    Words in This Story    toll – n. the number of people who are killed or injured in an accident, disaster, war, etc.   exceeded – v. to be greater or more than (something) : to go beyond the limit of (something) ​ variance – n. an amount of difference or change ​ significantly – adv. in a way that is large or important enough to be noticed or have an effect 

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Kerry: Stopping Corruption Key to Fighting Extremism

  U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says the best way for governments to stop extremist groups is to fight corruption and reduce poverty. Kerry was speaking during a visit last week to Nigeria. He met with the country’s top Muslim leader, Sa’adu Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto, in northern Nigeria. Kerry said it is up to governments to give people reasons not to join extremist movements. “To win the struggle for the future, nations need to do more than just denounce bankrupt dead-end ideologies that the terrorists support. They also have to offer their citizens an alternative that is better.” Kerry added that people who believe the government system is failing them may eventually become demoralized. Boko Haram The Secretary of State condemned the Nigerian-based Islamic extremist group Boko Haram. The group has been fighting for seven years to establish an Islamic government in northern Nigeria. It has so far killed more than 20,000 people and displaced up to 2.7 million. “Boko Haram boasts no agenda other than to murder teachers, burn books, kidnap students, rape women and girls, and slaughter innocent people, most of whom are Muslims.” Nigeria’s military has made progress against Boko Haram in recent years. But the fighting has put millions at risk of starvation.    As Secretary Kerry arrived, the military claimed it had killed senior Boko Haram fighters in an attack in the northeast. A military statement said the group’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, was also believed to have been “fatally wounded.” The secretary linked the fight against groups like Boko Haram to rampant government corruption in Nigeria. Analysts say one  reason that so many of the country’s 170 million people are living in poverty is corruption. Anti-corruption campaign Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari was elected after promising to fight corruption. He says he has made the issue a priority. He spoke about his efforts after meeting Kerry in the capital Abuja. “We will retrain our staff,” Buhari said. “And those who run afoul of these rules will be prosecuted, no matter who is involved.” Some observers say Buhari has broken campaign promises by putting too few reforms in place to crack down on looters. But Kerry said the U.S. supports Buhari’s anti-corruption policies. “Already, President Buhari is working with civil society to encourage official transparency and accountability. It is so important to restoring trust among the people.” Kerry also issued an indirect warning to Nigeria’s military, which has been accused of carrying out atrocities. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have issued reports on the military’s activities. Both reported cases of soldiers torturing Boko Haram suspects and killing members of another separatist group and a Shi’ite Muslim sect. “It is understandable that in the wake of terrorist activity, some people are tempted to crack down on everyone and anyone who could theoretically pose some sort of a threat. Extremism cannot be defeated through repression or just creating fear.”    I’m Bryan Lynn. Chris Stein reported this story for VOA News. Bryan Lynn adapted it for Learning English, with additional information coming from the Associated Press. Pete Heinlein was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   bankrupt – adj. when a business runs out of money and cannot continue demoralized – adj. losing confidence and hope slaughter – v. the violent killing of a group of people rampant – adj. growing quickly in a way that is hard to control priority – n. something important that is put ahead of other things run afoul – adj. some into conflict with something looter – n. person who takes money or belongings, especially in emergencies or riots transparency – n. the state of being transparent, clear sect – n. a group of people who share a particular set of beliefs, often extreme

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Young Programmer’s App Helps War Veteran Father Sleep Better

  Tyler Skluzacek’s father, Patrick, could not sleep through the night. It was 2007, and Patrick had just returned from a year in Iraq, where he was a convoy commander in the U.S. Army. Patrick Skluzacek was energetic and happy when he left for Iraq, Tyler says. But when he returned, he was unhappy and drinking alcohol too much. “I didn’t like it,” Tyler says. “I really did not know what was going on.” It turned out Patrick Skluzacek was suffering from sleep panic attacks. The nighttime panic attacks are a form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Patrick would wake up every night around 3 a.m. as if someone had shocked him with a jolt of electricity. His heart would beat too fast. He would sweat. He would be so awake that it would be hard to get back to sleep. The nighttime panic attacks prevented Patrick from feeling good the next day. He did not do well at work, because he was so tired. “It was a bad, bad phase in my life. Really bad,” Patrick said. Almost 10 years later, Tyler was in a position to help his father. He was about to graduate from a college in Minnesota. Tyler was studying math and computer science. He thought he could make a computer program that might help his father. So he entered a competition in Washington, D.C. He and three other students worked together to solve the problem Tyler’s father, and other U.S. war veterans, were having. People called them “night terrors.” The students had 36 hours to come up with a program. They called it myBivy. That name comes from bivouac, a military term for a safe place to sleep. The application uses a smart watch and a smart phone together. The watch tracks the wearer’s heartbeat. It sends the data to the program on the smart phone. Research shows that a person’s heart rate will increase right before a night terror. So if the wearer’s heartbeat started to rise, myBivy would respond. The smart watch would vibrate and gently wake up the sleeping person. That was enough to prevent a night terror from happening. Patrick did not know that he was his son’s test subject. He wore the watch for two weeks to get used to it. Then, without telling his father, Tyler turned on the application. On the first night, the vibrations from the watch prevented 10 nightmares. Patrick said he had not slept that well in many years, but he did not know why. It turned out that it was because of the app. Tyler and his team won the contest in Washington, D.C. The prize was $1,500. Then the group tried to raise more money from investors, and they were surprised when they took in over $25,000 using the online site Kickstarter. They entered another competition and won that one, too. By the spring of 2016, Tyler and his team were testing the app with volunteers, and hoped to make it available to the public soon. I’m Dan Friedell. Faiza Elmasry wrote this story for VOANews.com. Dan Friedell adapted it for Learning English. Jill Robbins was the editor. Could you be helped by an app like myBivy? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   convoy – n. a group of vehicles or ships that are traveling together usually for protection commander – n. a person who is in charge of a group of people panic – n. a state or feeling of extreme fear that makes someone unable to act or think normally Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - n.  a mental condition that can affect a person who has had a very shocking or difficult experience (such as fighting in a war) and that is usually characterized by depression or anxiety phase – n. a short period of time during which a person behaves in a particular way or likes a particular thing veteran – n. someone who fought in a war as a soldier, sailor, etc. vibrate – v. to move back and forth or from side to side with very short, quick movements nightmare – n. a dream that frightens a sleeping person : a very bad dream

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Good Time to Enter Job Market for New College Graduates

  A new study suggests that recent college graduates have a good chance of finding employment. The website Career Builder published the survey. The website reports on the U.S. job market. It found that 67 percent of employers plan to hire new college graduates this year. They also found that 27 percent of employers will be hiring recent graduates for jobs that pay up to $57,000 a year. Career Builder said the improving economy and the rise in retirements of older workers is raising the need for young professionals. There is, however, a concern that young graduates are not ready for life after college. Another Career Builder survey of 2,186 hiring professionals found that they worry new college graduates lack professional experience. They blame universities for placing too much attention on teaching academic subjects that do not relate to real jobs. The hiring professionals suggest that schools should give more support to experience gained through internships. They also said universities are not preparing their graduates well enough for jobs that involve new technologies. The survey found that business, computer science and engineering fields were seeking new workers the most. The biological sciences, architecture and education fields needed fewer new workers. Career Builder’s advice to young graduates looking for jobs was to follow companies they like on social media. The website also suggested students write blogs about their career interests. I’m Patrick Merentie.   George Putic reported on this story for VOA. Patrick Merentie adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. We want to hear from you. Are you graduating from college this year? What is the job market like for college graduates in your country? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   graduates – n. someone who has completed studies at a learning institution and received a diploma or degree survey – n. a study in which people are asked questions in order to find out what the public thinks about certain issues hire – v. to give a person work or a job for which they are paid wages or a salary internships – n. the period of time when a student or recent graduate who works at a job in order to get experience social media – n. online digital services that let people communicate and share information blog – n. a web log; a website where someone writes person opinions, activities and experiences

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August 29, 2016

A look at the best news photos from around the world.

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A Laboratory Turns Deadly Insect Venom into Medicine

  To most of us, medicine comes from a drugstore. But originally, much of the medicine developed in the last century came from natural sources: plants, bacteria and fungi. Now, a group of scientists in Great Britain are hoping to develop a medicine from poisonous insects. They are researching whether the deadly venom of some insects can work against bacteria that make people sick.   Venomtech laboratory About 400 insects live in plastic containers in the Venomtech laboratory. Each container has an image of a skull and crossbones. The images warn that a bite from the insects inside can be anything from painful to downright deadly.    The venom from these insects contains hundreds of chemical components. Each component has a different target and effect. Medical researchers, such as Venomtech managing director Steven Trim, separate the venom into its component parts. Then they create a library of those components, looking for the ones that could be turned into new drugs. “Some of them we found can kill bacteria, bacteria like E.Coli and staphylococcus, so they're very relevant at the moment where modern medicines (are) failing. And we're also finding venoms that are modifying and killing cancer cells.” Finding new ways to kill bacteria is important to researchers. One reason is because people have used antibiotics so much that some bacteria can now resist it. For example, tuberculosis used to be curable with antibiotics. Now it is not.   How do they get the venom out?   To get as much venom as possible, researchers feed the insects well, then put them to sleep temporarily. Steven Trim of Venomtech says researchers anaesthetize the invertebrates to make removing the venom safer. After all, an immobile insect cannot bite. Anaesthetizing the insect is better for the animals as well, says Trim. Researchers then electrically stimulate the insect to contract the muscle and squeeze the gland. The pressure produces a small amount of venom. Researchers separate the venom into hundreds of proteins. Each protein contains between one and five different molecules. Someday, those tiny molecules might be turned into powerful new drugs.                                                                                   I’m Marsha James. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. Marsha James adapted this story for Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor. ____________________________________________________ Words in This Story venom – n. poison that is produced by an animal and used to kill or injure another animal drug-resistant – n. the reduction in effectiveness of a drug downright – adv. completely or totally maximize – v. to increase something as much as possible peptide n. a compound containing two or more amino acids in which the carboxyl group of one acid is linked to the group of other anaesthetize v. – deprive of feeling or awareness immobile – adj. unable to move gland – n. an organ in the body that makes a substance which is used by the body

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Antioxidants in Citrus May Fight Obesity-Related Diseases

  Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons and grapefruit in a diet could reduce the chance of chronic diseases that are related to obesity, according to a new study. Citrus fruits contain antioxidants. New research is giving more evidence about how antioxidants protect the cells inside one’s body. There is a substance in citrus fruits called flavanones. Flavanones are antioxidants that help people’s bodies reduce the amount of stress. The diseases linked to obesity are caused by stress and inflammation. Paula Ferreira is a researcher at the Universidade Estadual Paulista in Brazil. She did the research and spoke of the results. “…[W]e can use citrus flavanones, a class of antioxidants, to prevent or delay chronic diseases caused by obesity in humans,” said Ferreira. Researchers also discovered citrus could help people who are not obese but eat a Western-style diet, she said. A Western-style diet includes foods with fats and red meat. Researchers say antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables, such as citrus flavanones, help keep a good balance of chemicals in the bodies of animals that eat a high fat diet, even when they are under stress. Ferreira said the best way to get antioxidants is to drink them. Millions stay healthy by drinking orange juice each morning. The experiment by Ferreira and colleagues involved 50 mice. They fed the mice either a normal diet, a high fat diet, or a high fat diet with three flavanones. Researchers found the mice that ate a high fat diet, but no flavanones, had significantly higher levels of cell damage. The experiment lasted one month. Researchers now plan to conduct human studies. Researchers want to see whether it is healthier to give citrus flavanones in juice or pill form. The researchers presented their findings at the American Chemical Society’s annual meeting in Pennsylvania. I’m Jill Robbins. Jessica Berman wrote this story for VOA News. Jim Dresbach adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   citrus – n. a juicy fruit that has a thick skin and that comes from a tree or shrub that grows in warm areas lemon – n.  a yellow citrus fruit that has a sour taste grapefruit – n. a large yellow citrus fruit chronic – adj. continuing or occurring again and again for a long time obesity – n. fat in a way that is unhealthy inflammation – n. a condition in which a part of your body becomes red, swollen, and painful pill – n. a small, rounded object that you swallow and that contains medicine or vitamins

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Some Foods Can Be Medicine

  From VOA Learning English, this is the Health & Lifestyle report. Food as medicine is not a new idea. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates is commonly quoted as saying, 'Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.' Hippocrates is often called the “father of modern medicine” even though he was born around 460 B.C. But modern medical research confirms that certain foods can help cure, prevent, or even cause some diseases. That is the subject of a new book called Anti-Inflammation Cookbook, by Amanda Haas. Haas is a professional cook. Before we talk about her book, let’s first talk about inflammation. Inflammation is a natural response of our immune system. It is a condition in which a part of your body becomes red, swollen and painful.  Neil Bernard is an associate professor of medicine at George Washington University's medical school. When he explains how inflammation affects the human body, it sounds as if he is talking about a war zone. "It's the body's way to attacking an invader. So if bacteria or viruses enter the body, inflammation is a way of knocking them out." Dr. Bernard also says that when inflammation becomes chronic, the body turns against its own tissue. He compares it, again, to war. He uses the term, friendly fire. This is when a soldier accidentally fires upon his own troops. "It's a biological equivalent of friendly fire. So for example, in rheumatoid arthritis, the joints are inflamed and that's not a bacterium that's being attacked, it's the lining of your own joints. That's where inflammation becomes a problem." Rheumatoid arthritis was one of several conditions that Amanda Haas suffered from. She went to an allergist to try to find out what was wrong with her body. An allergist is a doctor who is an expert in the treatment of allergies. And an allergy is a medical problem that causes someone to be sick after eating, touching or breathing something that is harmless to most people. The allergist suggested that perhaps her health problems were caused by the food she was eating. "Things like chronic heartburn and stomach pain and back problems. And it was an allergist who said to me one day, Amanda, these are just all different forms of inflammation in your body. I think it's something that you're eating. And since you cook for a living, why don't you go and figure out what's going to make you feel great and share it with other people?'" And that is what she did. She stopped eating some kinds of sugars and reduced the amount of caffeine she drank. Haas found that some healthy foods were also causing her some problems. People with joint pain from inflammation, she says, could be sensitive to peppers, tomatoes and eggplants. Haas is a professional cook. So, she started to look closely at the ingredients she often uses in her recipes. "… things that we all probably know we shouldn't have too much of, things like refined sugars, too much caffeine. A lot of people (know that) if you have joint and arthritic issues, you can be sensitive to peppers and eggplants and tomatoes. And I had so much to work with. She uses a lot of green, leafy vegetables, spices and citrus in her cooking to make it anti-inflammatory. “And I wanted people to understand that eating an anti-inflammatory diet can be delicious, It’s just you're going to be using a lot of green, leafy vegetables as you can get. I use a lot of spices, fresh herbs as well. You'll see me use a lot of citrus and natural sweeteners, like a little honey or maple syrup. You wouldn't see me using a lot of refined sugar at all." In her Anti-Inflammation Cookbook, Haas shares many of her vegan recipes along with others that use animal protein. A vegan diet does not include any animal meat or animal by-products such as milk or eggs. She explains that most people who are trying to eat an anti-inflammatory diet will not eat much animal protein. But, she says that grass-fed beef has omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Those are good for the body.   “I learned so much about grass-fed beef. So, the thing that's so fascinating is that if cattle is grass-fed, the meat has a lot of the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that we find in salmon and other oily fish that are so good for us. So, most doctors would say 4-ounce portion or less can really be a great part of any inflammatory diet." One of the author’s favorite recipes in her book is her grandmother’s Country Captain's Chicken. The dish has lots of turmeric, a spice that is known for reducing inflammation in the body. She also uses black pepper in the recipe but not just for flavor. Haas says the black pepper makes it easier for the body to use the turmeric. She calls this “bioavailability.” “And one little thing to note that's interesting is that turmeric is well-known for being very anti-inflammatory (spice), but to increase the bioavailability of it if you add black pepper it actually becomes more effective.” Haas even made sweets and desserts healthier by changing the fat she used. She explains that her Chocolate Coconut Brownies use coconut oil instead of butter. Unrefined, pure coconut oil, she says, can help lower cholesterol levels. And the coconut oil gives the brownies what she calls, “the most incredible texture.” “They have coconut oil in them as the fat source. And you know, we thought coconut oil was bad for us, but that's because it was being so refined. And now we're finding out that good coconut oil can potentially lower our cholesterol. And so they're just these amazing brownies that have the most incredible texture with the coconut oil in them." Dr. Bernard says he is happy to see more people becoming aware of the importance of healthy eating, especially eating a more plant-based diet. "We always favor vegan diet, plant-based diet. We want to emphasize some these food as the healthy --nuts or seeds --and getting away of greasy stuff. Unfortunately, the medical world tends to rely on prescriptions and we sometimes neglect things that can be more natural, safer and in the long run, more effective." Cutting out foods that may be making you sick is one way to make that ancient advice – let food be your medicine – useful in your modern, daily life. I’m Anna Matteo. In what ways do you use food as medicine? Let us know in the Comments Section. Faiza Elmasry wrote this story for VOA News. Anna Matteo adapted it for Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. ___________________________________________________________ Words in This Story ingredient – n. one of the things that are used to make a food, product, etc. recipe – n. a set of instructions for making food chronic medical : continuing or occurring again and again for a long time allergist medical : a doctor who is an expert in the treatment of allergies spice – n. a substance (such as pepper or nutmeg) that is used in cooking to add flavor to food and that comes from a dried plant and is usually a powder or seed citrus – n. a juicy fruit (such as an orange, grapefruit, or lemon) that has a thick skin and that comes from a tree or shrub that grows in warm areas honey – n. a thick, sweet substance made by bees maple syrup – n. a sweet, thick liquid made from the sap of maple trees refined sugar – n. White and brown table sugars are refined, meaning they have gone through a chemical process that removes impurities and beneficial nutrients. vegan – n. a person who does not eat any food that comes from animals and who often also does not use animal products (such as leather) bioavailability – n. the degree and rate at which a substance (as a drug) is absorbed into a living system or is made available at the site of physiological activity potentially – adv. capable of becoming real texture – n. the way that a food or drink feels in your mouth greasy – adj. containing or cooked with a large amount of fat long run – n. a relatively long period of time —usually used in the phrase in the long run  

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