Reading for Fun （好文趣事）

If you’ve ever searched for a healthier, natural version of your favorite sports drink, you’re in luck. No, not coconut water —switchel. Switchel is the healthy, tasty, power-boosting beverage you’ve been looking for. Never heard of it? Well, it’s been around for 200 years or so, so now might be a good time to check it out.

Switchel is a traditional Amish drink made from raw apple cider vinegar, a natural sweetener, powdered or freshly grated ginger, and water. It was used to refresh and rehydrate men while they were out working the fields — as a natural, restorative sports drink.

Here are some more potential benefits of switchel:

-regulated metabolism
-balanced body pH
-improved digestion
-improved concentration
-reduced muscle soreness
-loaded with vitamins and minerals
-increased immune function
-anti-inflammatory

Switchel－Make your own! Try this recipe.
（yields 3-4 drinks） 

˙1/4 cup raw organic apple cider vinegar
˙2 tablespoons high-quality maple syrup or raw honey
˙2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
˙2 cups water

Mix everything together in a jar. Shake well. Let sit for 2 to 24 hours in the fridge. Strain through a cheesecloth, if desired. Pour over ice or combine with seltzer. Enjoy!

1. 根據本文，有關Switchel的敘述不包括哪一項？
（1）它是一種飲料
（2）具抗發炎功效
（3）有200多年的歷史
（4）睡前飲用佳。

2. 根據本文，Switchel由哪四種材料調製？

3. 試做杯冰涼的Switchel分享給家人朋友吧！

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解答：
1.（4）
2. Raw apple cider vinegar, a natural sweetener, powdered or freshly grated ginger, and water.（生蘋果醋、天然甜味劑、薑粉或現磨生薑和水。）

（文章來源：英文大紀元時報）

The Health Benefits of Ginger.（123RF）

Ginger has been used for medicinal purposes in China for more than 2,500 years, and it has had a prominent role in Chinese, Indian, and Japanese medicine since the 1500s.

What Have We Learned?

Ginger has been studied for several types of nausea and vomiting. Almost all of these studies tested dietary supplements rather than foods. Research shows that ginger may be helpful for mild nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy. A small amount of research suggests that ginger dietary supplements might be helpful for menstrual cramps.

What Do We Know About Safety?

Ginger has been used safely in many

Research studies where it was taken orally （by mouth） as a dietary supplement. Ginger products may also be safe for topical use （on the skin）.

Ginger can have side effects such as abdominal discomfort, heartburn, diarrhea, and mouth and throat irritation, especially if taken in large doses.

1. 根據本文，有關薑的敘述何者有誤？
（1）食用大量薑對身體有益。
（2）研究顯示薑能緩解孕吐。
（3）薑在中國以藥用目的使用超過2,500年。
（4）含薑產品塗抹皮膚上大多安全。

2. 根據本文，如果食用過量薑，可能有哪些副作用？

3. 試舉幾個你所知道的薑的好處？

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解答：
1.（1）
2. abdominal discomfort, heartburn, diarrhea, and mouth and throat irritation（輕微腹痛、胃灼熱、腹瀉、口腔和喉嚨發炎）

（文章來源：英文大紀元 時報）◇