Health Quiz

1. Which of the following is good for your heart?
a. cinnamon
b. garlic
c. ginger
d. ginkgo biloba

Answer: Studies show that garlic may fight plaque
build up in arteries, which contributes to heart disease.

2. Which of the following lowers cholesterol?
a. cinnamon
b. garlic
c. ginger
d. ginkgo biloba

Answer: A daily quarter teaspoon of cinnamon has been shown to reduce
cholesterol in type 2 diabetics by 12-24%.

3. Which of the following combats nausea?
a. cinnamon
b. garlic
c. ginger
d. ginkgo biloba

Answer: Ginger can ease morning and motion sickness.

4. Which of the following improves memory?
a. cinnamon
b. garlic
c. ginger
d. ginkgo biloba

Answer: Ginkgo Biloba can enhance memory and help treat symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

5. Two of the methods below are thought to help prevent a cold. Which ones?
a. avoid getting your feet chilled and wet
b. wash your hands frequently
c. take the proper dose of Echinacea
d. cover your mouth with your hands when you sneeze

Answer: a and b. Scientists at the Common Cold Center in Cardiff, Wales studied 180 people and found those whose feet were chilled in water were more likely to develop cold symptoms. Their theory: the frigid temp may have restricted circulation, so fewer immune cells reached the nose, where germs lurk. Hand washing is the top way to prevent a cold. As for Echinacea, a University of Virginia study found that participants who took the herbal supplement were no better off than those who didn’t. To keep germs from spreading, sneeze into a tissue or your arm- not your hands.

6. Antioxidants is a substance that is believed to help prevent heart disease and maybe even cancer. Which drink has the most amount of antioxidants?
a. hot cocoa
b. red wine
c. green tea

Answer: Cornell University study measured 2 types of antioxidants found hot cocoa: plant chemicals called polyphenol, and compounds similar to vitamin c. Cocoa was the clear winner with 610 milligrams polyphenol and 830 milligrams of the vitamin c like compound. Red wine was distant second and green tea was third.

7. A nightcap is a good antidote for insomnia. True or False.

Answer: False, a glass of wine before bed will make you sleepy however research from Detroit sleep center found that insomniacs who have one or two drinks before bed, in fact, sleep more deeply. But here’s the catch: As tolerance to the alcohol builds up- in as quickly as 3 days- its initial benefit wears off, and the insomniacs’ sleep becomes even more disrupted.

8. In addition to good hygiene, brush your teeth, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly can potentially lower your risk for heart disease. True or False.

Answer: True. Aggressive gum disease, which can result from poor dental care, has been linked to higher than normal levels of a particular LDL (the so called bad cholesterol.) Elevated levels of this LDL have been associated with a three to six fold increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

9. Which of the following lifestyle interventions do doctors primarily recommend once hypertension is diagnosed?
a. More exercise
b. Less dietary salt
c. Weight reduction/control
d. All the above

Answer: All the above.