IELTS Listening: 'brain foods' transcript

Here's the full transcript for the 'brain foods' exercise that I put on the blog a few weeks ago.

Click here to listen

A complete and balanced diet is probably the most sound advice. But some specific types of food are especially good for brain health. Here are a few of the best:

Fish: The original brain food contains lots of omega-3 fatty acids and fish oils, especially cold-water fish like salmon and cod. Omega-3s are beneficial in a number of ways, including promoting neuronal growth, improved cholesterol, and fortification of myelin sheaths which facilitate communication between neurons.

Vegetables: These are a great source of antioxidants, which may reduce the risk of developing cognitive impairment by diminishing oxidative stress. Spinach, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower are among the top candidates.

Fruits: Like vegetables, fruits are rich in antioxidants; however, fruit tastes better. Some of your healthiest options are blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, plums, avocados, oranges, red grapes, red bell peppers, cherries and kiwi.

Water: Be sure to get enough to keep your body and brain hydrated. Dehydration can cause a headache now, and can lead to long term neuronal damage sustained from elevated stress hormones.

Chocolate: Last and arguably least beneficial are cocoa beans which contain the flavonol epicatechin and antioxidants. Dark chocolate is best, and avoid candy bars with lots of added sugars. Also, recent research suggests that chocolate can improve memory.

Comments

[Hitomi]

Dear Simon

Thank you always! You help us a lot, Simon.
Today, I have a question related to enumeration.
You encourage us to use the 'paragraph building' techniques with 'Firstly, Secondly, Finally', but an English speaking friend has pointed out it's not correct; he says 'First, Second, Finally' should be used for listing things.
So, what do you think which is better for the IELTS and/or daily usage?
I'm actually a bit confused because you've always taught us to use '-ly' words.

Thanks,
Hitomi

[Simon]

Hi Hitomi,

The "ly" words are definitely correct. I'm English, and thousands of English speakers have seen my blog (including many teachers).

I also sometimes use "first, second" - I prefer these when I'm speaking.

[Hitomi]

Simon

Thank you! It's really helpful :)

Hitomi

[B.B.]

Hi Simon,

In this transcript, I am a little confused about "Last and arguably least beneficial", could you give some explanations for it?

Thanks!

[auau]

I strongly feel that I need to increase the exposure to spoken English...

[pommie]

where can I see your previous post for this listening???? thanks you sir

[Yasha]

Coco beans should be Cocoa beans

[Simon]

Well noticed Yasha. Thanks!