Quiz: Your Heart-Health Nutrition Knowledge

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5.  Which nutrient protects against coronary heart disease?

            a. Folic acid
            b. Vitamin E
            c. Vitamin B12
            d. Vitamin D
            e. beta-carotene
            f. Vitamin C
            g. None

6.  Which one or more of the nutrients listed above is an anti-oxidant?

7.  Which one or more of these fiber-containing foods is likely to lower cholesterol levels?

            a. Corn flakes
            b. Shredded wheat
            c. Celery
            d. Oat bran

8.  Which one or more of these statements about salt substitutes is true?

            a. Sodium is replaced with calcium.
            b. They contain no sodium.
            c. They are safe for everyone.
            d. They may be dangerous for some people.

9.  Which one or more of these recommendations is correct?

            a. Sodium: consume less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) daily.
            b. Potassium: consume less than 4,000 mg daily.
            c. Fiber: consume 25 to 30 grams daily.
            d. Calcium: consume 500 mg daily.

 

Answers:

1. d. Margarine is produced by adding hydrogen atoms (hydrogenation) to the polyunsaturated fats found, for example, in corn oil and safflower oil. Hydrogenation forms a solid product with longer shelf life than polyunsaturated oils. However, hydrogenation also produces trans fats. Get less trans fats by choosing a tub rather than a stick of margarine, or look for margarines labeled trans fat-free.                 

2. d. Margarine is produced from plant oils, and plants contain no cholesterol.

3. e. Except for small amounts of alpha-linolenic acid in some plant foods, omega-3 fatty acids are present only in fish.