Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
As the weather changes, everyone is prone to colds and coughs. While we have all heard about the benefits of vitamin C for colds, few of us are aware of a secret solution - Zinc! Zinc is helpful as it can reduce the severity and duration of respiratory tract infections. It soothes sore throats with its anti-inflammatory properties. It plays a pivotal role in supporting various functions of the body like the immune system, wound healing and maintaining overall health. It prevents viruses from growing in the body. Zinc is also known to boost the immune system and fight infections.
Notably, zinc is a vital mineral found in a variety of plant and animal foods. When consuming zinc-rich foods during a cough and cold, prioritise moderation and diversity in your diet. Include lean meats, poultry, sea food, dairy, nuts and seeds. Combine zinc-rich foods with vitamin C sources for enhanced immune support.
Phytates, a substance found in unprocessed whole grains hinder the absorption of zinc, thereby making it less available for the body to utilise. Hence, vegetarians should follow some cooking techniques such as soaking them for 5-6 hours to reduce the phytate content and increase the bioavailability of zinc. Organic acids in fermented foods aid in higher absorption, so always include foods in your diet like buttermilk and yogurt along with some zinc-rich vegetarian sources.
It is important to remember that a higher dosage of zinc supplement inhibits the absorption of other minerals. Therefore, it is always good to check with the healthcare professionals while taking supplements. Stay hydrated, choose cooking methods that preserve zinc, and be aware of factors like phytates affecting absorption.
The passage reminds us to 'stay hydrated' which means that
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → we should have plenty of water.
Hydrated means having enough water in the body. To stay hydrated is to keep drinking enough water and fluids, so the advice means we should have plenty of water.
Example: Runners carry bottles to stay hydrated during a marathon.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 2: we should stay indoors. — Incorrect. Wrong meaning: staying hydrated has nothing to do with staying indoors; the passage does not ask us to stay in.
Option 3: we should have fermented foods like yogurt. — Incorrect. Wrong part of the passage: fermented foods are a separate piece of advice: they help the body absorb zinc. It is not the meaning of staying hydrated.
Option 4: we should have zinc-rich foods with vitamin C. — Incorrect. Wrong part of the passage: this too is separate advice, given for better immunity, not the meaning of staying hydrated.