Question 3
ComprehensionJAMB 2008 Passage I: Fluted pumpkin
As a candidate for this examination, you are being examined on one type of this paper, namely Type A, Type B, Type E and Type K.
The reason for the popularity and acceptance of the leaves of fluted pumpkin in various parts of the country is largely well understood. Consumers of the leaves have grown owing to the claim that the leaf is a blood-boosting vegetable and a delicacy in the preparation of various dishes including local Nigerian soups. That is the much that many consumers know of this vegetable. The growing consumption has also meant that growers of the vegetable have been under increased pressure to keep up the supply. This has translated into more income for vegetable garden owners.
Beyond the leaves lies the giant pod with scores of seeds that have proved to be a rich source of several nutrients required by the body. It is a sweet, nutty, flat, cream-coloured seed with a chewy texture. At the tender stage, the pod can be broken open to clean the seed before boiling in water till cooked. Another option is to roast the seed that produces a pleasant flavour.
The use of pumpkin seeds has increased since it has been found effective in treating prostate enlargement in men. The fact that pumpkin seeds serve as a good source of zinc makes them doubly well-suited for this role as a prostate protector, since zinc is a mineral also used by healthcare workers to help reduce prostate size. The healing properties of pumpkin seeds have also been recently investigated with respect to arthritis. Studies have shown that the addition of pumpkin seeds to diet compares favourably with conventional drugs in reducing inflammatory symptoms. Apart from enhancing prostate health, another reason for older men to make zinc-rich foods such as pumpkin seeds a regular part of their diet is maintaining bone mineral density.
Adapted from The Guardian, 23 April, 2006
The reason for the popularity and acceptance of the leaves of fluted pumpkin in various parts of the country is largely well understood. Consumers of the leaves have grown owing to the claim that the leaf is a blood-boosting vegetable and a delicacy in the preparation of various dishes including local Nigerian soups. That is the much that many consumers know of this vegetable. The growing consumption has also meant that growers of the vegetable have been under increased pressure to keep up the supply. This has translated into more income for vegetable garden owners.
Beyond the leaves lies the giant pod with scores of seeds that have proved to be a rich source of several nutrients required by the body. It is a sweet, nutty, flat, cream-coloured seed with a chewy texture. At the tender stage, the pod can be broken open to clean the seed before boiling in water till cooked. Another option is to roast the seed that produces a pleasant flavour.
The use of pumpkin seeds has increased since it has been found effective in treating prostate enlargement in men. The fact that pumpkin seeds serve as a good source of zinc makes them doubly well-suited for this role as a prostate protector, since zinc is a mineral also used by healthcare workers to help reduce prostate size. The healing properties of pumpkin seeds have also been recently investigated with respect to arthritis. Studies have shown that the addition of pumpkin seeds to diet compares favourably with conventional drugs in reducing inflammatory symptoms. Apart from enhancing prostate health, another reason for older men to make zinc-rich foods such as pumpkin seeds a regular part of their diet is maintaining bone mineral density.
Adapted from The Guardian, 23 April, 2006
The chief quality of the seed of fluted pumpkin is that it
- A.brings income to vegetable growers
- B.is cream-coloured
- C.is a source of many minerals the body needs
- D.has a chewy structure.
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: C (is a source of many minerals the body needs)
Explanation
The seeds 'have proved to be a rich source of several nutrients required by the body', and the passage goes on to praise their zinc.