レッスンを予約する
Step 1
Read the Article
Read the article to understand the main idea.
記事を読んで、おおよその内容をつかみましょう。
Study says washoku may prevent depression
A new study suggests that Japan’s traditional washoku diet may help reduce the risk of depression.
Japanese researchers studied around 12,500 employees at five big companies for three years. They were mostly men with an average age of 42.5. About 31% said they felt depressed.
The researchers created two diet scores — one for traditional washoku and one for a modified version that includes fruit, raw vegetables, dairy, and unprocessed rice. They found that people who ate more of these foods were 17–20% less likely to show signs of depression than those who ate less.
The researchers believe that nutrients such as folate (found in seaweed and soy), antioxidants (in vegetables, green tea, and miso), and even umami flavor might support brain health and reduce stress.
(The Japan Times)
Step 2
Check the Vocabulary and Phrases
Check the following vocabulary and phrases.
以下の単語やフレーズの発音、意味、使い方を確認しましょう。
diet
食事
The food and drink that you eat and drink regularly
I try to follow a healthy diet with lots of vegetables.
私は野菜をたくさん食べる健康的な食事を心がけています。
depression
鬱病
A medical condition in which a person feels very sad, anxious and without hope and often has physical symptoms such as being unable to sleep, etc.
Many people suffer from depression.
多くの人がうつ病に悩んでいます。
modify
改良する
To change something slightly, especially in order to make it more suitable for a particular purpose
We modified the recipe to make it healthier.
より健康的にするためにレシピを改良しました。
dairy
乳製品
Foods made from milk, such as butter, cheese, and yogurt
I try to eat less dairy, like milk and cheese.
牛乳やチーズなどの乳製品を少なめに食べるようにしています。
nutrient
栄養素
A substance that is needed to keep a living thing alive and to help it to grow
Vegetables are full of important nutrients.
野菜は重要な栄養素が豊富です。
Step 3
Comprehension Questions
Answer the following questions based on the article.
理解度問題に挑戦しましょう。
What was the main finding of the research?
What extra foods were part of the modified washoku diet?
Step 4
Discussion
Share your opinions on the following questions.
以下の質問について、自分の考えを述べてみましょう。
Do you usually eat Japanese food? If yes, what dishes do you like?
What are some healthy foods you eat in your daily life?
What kind of foods do you eat when you feel stressed?
How often do you eat vegetables and fruit?
Would you rather eat traditional food or modern fast food? Why?