Speed Reading — Food - Level 6 — 500 wpm

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This is the text (if you need help).

A new study indicates that a diet rich in ultra-processed foods and refined carbohydrates may increase the risk of depression and other mental health conditions. The research has been published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Kristin Kirkpatrick, a nutritional psychologist and registered dietitian, said there is "a tremendous amount of high-quality data linking food to beneficial (or worsening) mental health outcomes". Ms Kirkpatrick advised people to reduce the amount of sugary and low-fibre food they eat to lessen the chances of developing mood disorders. She wrote: "Limits should be made on sugar, refined grains, ultra-processed foods, and alcohol."

Ms Kirkpatrick also advised people to increase their intake of high-fibre and fermented foods. She said the plant-based Mediterranean diet has been shown to be effective in reducing depression. She said the diet included "omega-3 fatty acids, colourful plants like berries, extra virgin olive oil, leafy greens, and lean sources of protein". She added that the diet "has been shown to assist with both depression and anxiety". Related research from Professor Felice Jacka at Deakin University in Australia corroborated Ms Kirkpatrick's findings. Dr Jacka said fermented, probiotic foods may influence brain-related biology and lead to more positive moods and enhanced learning.

Comprehension questions
  1. What increases the risk of depression besides ultra-processed foods?
  2. In what format has the research been published?
  3. What is Kristin Kirkpatrick's job besides being a nutritional psychologist?
  4. What did Ms Kirkpatrick say linked food to worsening mental health?
  5. What did Ms Kirkpatrick say lessened the chances of mood disorders?
  6. What did Ms Kirkpatrick urge people to increase their intake of?
  7. What plant-based diet was mentioned in the article?
  8. What oil was mentioned in the article?
  9. What kind of protein did Ms Kirkpatrick urge we eat?
  10. What can fermented, probiotic foods lead to besides positive moods?

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