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.
Finding the Opposite of 'Pivotal'
The question asks for the word that means the opposite of 'pivotal'. In the provided text, 'pivotal' is used to describe the role of zinc in supporting body functions: "It plays a pivotal role in supporting various functions of the body..."
Understanding 'Pivotal'
The word 'pivotal' means critically important, central, or essential. It signifies something that is crucial for the functioning or success of something else.
Analyzing the Options
- Option 1: Central - This word is a synonym for 'pivotal', meaning in the middle or most important.
- Option 2: Important - This word is also a synonym, indicating significance or value.
- Option 3: Life-changing - While suggesting great importance, this term implies a transformative effect, which is a stronger degree of significance rather than the direct opposite.
- Option 4: Unimportant - This word directly means lacking importance or significance, making it the antonym of 'pivotal'.
Determining the Antonym
Comparing the options with the meaning of 'pivotal', the word 'Unimportant' stands out as the direct opposite.
Therefore, the correct answer is the word that signifies the lack of importance, which is 'Unimportant'.
Important Questions from Reading Comprehension
Why, according to the writer can't people be motivated to use a resource prudently?
1. They feel that others may overuse the resource
2. It is possible to substitute the resource
3. Abundance of the resource availability
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
When do people use resources exhaustively?
The self-interest of people affects the use of renewable resources
People rooted in a locality
Which among the following is closest in meaning with the word 'deplete'?
