Despite no proof that the consumption of any particular food

[ghong14]

Despite no proof that the consumption of any particular foods reverse hardening of the arteries, studies indicate that refraining from eating certain foods could help reverse blockage of coronary arteries, the blood vessels that feed the heart.

(A) Despite no proof that the consumption of any particular foods reverse hardening of the arteries, studies indicate that refraining from eating certain foods could
(B) Despite no foods having been proved to reverse hardening of the arteries when consumed, studies indicate that refraining from eating certain foods can
(C) Although the consumption of no particular foods have been proved to reverse hardening of the arteries, studies indicate that to refrain from eating certain foods could
(D) Although not proved that the consumption of any foods reverse hardening of the arteries, studies indicate that refraining from eating certain foods can
(E) Although it has not been proved that the consumption of any particular food will reverse hardening of the arteries, studies indicate that refraining from eating certain foods can

Came across this problem. The OA is E. However, I don't really see why Choice A is incorrect in this instance? The only difference is Can v. Could. Is that the proper key to look at when determining the split?

[ghag.kamlesh]

Hi,

In this particular example, we have two splits - Although vs Despite and can vs could.

We know that -
although = conjunction
despite = preposition

ALTHOUGH is used to express POSITIVE CONTRAST given a NEGATIVE situation.
E.g. "Although I did not score well on the GMAT, I was accepted at Harvard."

DESPITE is used to express NEGATIVE CONTRAST given a positive or beneficial situation.
E.g. "Despite the fact that he is rich, he is miserable."

The above rule can apply to the question. This split usage is far easy to use compare to Can vs could.
Past tense of Can is could, and can is the ability to do something.

I hope this will help you in understanding the construction of the original sentence.

Thanks.
Kamlesh

[ghong14]

That sounds like a good split. Especially the Can v. Could. Good luck on your studies as well.

[jlucero]

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