LSAT Explanation PT 28, S3, Q1: Flavonoids are a common component of

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following can be properly inferred from the passage? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Must Be True question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's understand the passage. It says that flavonoids are a common component of almost all plants, and a specific variety of flavonoid in apples has been found to be an antioxidant. Antioxidants are known to be a factor in the prevention of heart disease. In simpler terms, there is a special ingredient in apples that helps prevent heart disease.

The question type is Must Be True (MBT), which means we need to find an answer choice that can be properly inferred from the passage.

Now, let's discuss each answer choice:

a) A diet composed largely of fruits and vegetables will help to prevent heart disease.

While this answer choice might seem appealing, it is too broad to be supported by the passage. We are only told about the specific flavonoid in apples, not all fruits and vegetables. While it could be true, it cannot be inferred from the passage.

b) Flavonoids are essential to preventing heart disease.

This answer choice is too strong. The passage doesn't say that flavonoids are essential to preventing heart disease, just that a specific type of flavonoid in apples is an antioxidant, which is a factor in preventing heart disease.

c) Eating at least one apple each day will prevent heart disease.

This answer choice is also too strong. The passage says that the specific flavonoid in apples is a factor in preventing heart disease, not that eating an apple every day will definitely prevent it.

d) At least one type of flavonoid helps to prevent heart disease.

This answer choice is the correct one. It matches the information in the passage, stating that a specific type of flavonoid in apples is an antioxidant, which is a factor in preventing heart disease.

e) A diet deficient in antioxidants is a common cause of heart disease.

This answer choice might seem plausible, but the passage doesn't mention the causes of heart disease. It only states that antioxidants are a factor in preventing heart disease, not that a lack of them is a common cause.

In summary, the correct answer is (d) At least one type of flavonoid helps to prevent heart disease.