Can snacking be a key element of a healthy lifestyle？If your first response is "No!"，here's a chance to update your opinions.Some of us were raised with the advice of "Never cat between meals"，which can protect our teeth from sweets.Yet there can be significant advantages of snacking on healthy foods.Researchers have found that eating frequent mini-meals offers health benefits.Dr.David Jenkins and colleagues at the University of Toronto have reported some remarkable advantages.
   In one study，participants were randomly divided into two groups and both groups were given the same type and amount of food over a two-week period.One group consumed three meals a day.For those having a "Nibbling Diet"，food was divided into 17 mini-meals a day.After two weeks，the nibblers had reduced their blood cholesterol （膽固醇） levels by more than 15 percent.Cortisol （皮質(zhì)醇），a stress indicator，was reduced by 17 percent.Average serum insulin （血清胰島素） levels of nibblers were reduced by 28 percent.With less insulin，the body is less likely to convert loads of calories into body fat.
   Also，you may think eating concentrated sources of fat or sugar （or both） will pack the weight into your body.However，see below for some examples of healthy snacks：
   Nuts are high in fat so keep portions moderate.
   However，the fat comes with a wealth of minerals and protective substances.For growing youngsters，high-energy adults，athletes and those who have difficulty maintaining their weight，nuts are a great solution.
Dried fruits （raisins，currants，apricots） help you stock up on iron.If you tend to feel cold in winter，keep raisins handy.When your blood sugar drops，you'll have an instant remedy.Fresh fruit is also a great choice.

（1）Why does the author propose a question at the beginning of the passage？

B

B

A．To raise the readers' awareness of refusing snacks.
B．To arouse the readers' interest in the topic.
C．To show the significance of healthy lifestyles.
D．To emphasize the importance of eating snacks.
（2）What do the underlined words "Nibbling Diet" in paragraph 2 refer to？

A

A

A．Not eating too much food at a time.
B．Eating many snacks at a time.
C．Eating food gently each time.
D．Eating food quickly each time.
（3）What can be inferred from the passage？

C

C

A．The nibblers are more likely to pack the weight into their body.
B．More insulin helps the body to burn off excess calories.
C．Having snacks high in fat or sugar doesn't necessarily put on weight.
D．Eating a considerable amount of nuts is a brilliant choice for everyone.
（4）Who can benefit from dried fruits in daily life？

C

C

A．An athlete who needs to maintain his weight.
B．A child who is eager to grow up quickly.
C．A girl who wants to warm herself in winter.
D．A patient who longs to decrease his blood sugar.