Weekly Health Quiz: Longevity, Exercise and Depression

1 Which of the following has traditionally been used to treat malaria and other tropical diseases in indigenous cultures, and is known for its pain-relieving and antiparasitic, antimicrobial, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties?

• Pau d'Arco

  One of the ingredients in Pau d'Arco is beta-lapachone, a potent catalyst for a molecule called NAD+. By increasing NAD+, Pau d'Arco helps improve mitochondrial ATP production. Learn more.

• Resveratrol
• Turmeric
• Sunflower lecithin

2 According to a still-ongoing lawsuit filed by former company employees in 2010, Merck falsified efficacy testing of which vaccine to hide its poor effectiveness?

• Mumps vaccine

  In 2010, two Merck virologists filed a federal lawsuit against their former employer, alleging the vaccine maker lied about the effectiveness of the mumps portion of its MMR II vaccine, artificially inflating its efficacy in testing. Learn more.

• Measles vaccine
• Rubella vaccine
• HPV vaccine

3 Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a cluster of factors, including low LDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, obesity, high blood pressure and insulin resistance. Which of the following have recently been identified as significantly increasing your risk of metabolic syndrome?

• Low vitamin D and regular consumption of artificial sweeteners

  Recent studies have identified vitamin D deficiency and regular consumption of the artificial sweetener sucralose as factors that significantly increase your risk of metabolic syndrome. Learn more.

• Smoking and high-fat diet
• Low blood glucose and lack of exercise
• Insomnia and regular consumption of artificial sweeteners

4 An alkaloid compound found in goldenseal plant has been shown to have similar mechanisms of action as the drug metformin. It's also been shown to have neuroprotective benefits and improve gut health. What is the name of this compound, which some believe is one of the most beneficial nutritional supplements available?

• Resveratrol
• Ubiquinone
• Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)
• Berberine

  Berberine, an alkaloid compound found in goldenseal, has powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antidiarrheal, antineoplastic, antidiabetic, neuroprotective and immune-enhancing properties. Learn more.

5 True or false? One of the most recent studies looking at what it takes to lower your risk of dying showed that mini-bursts of activity are as effective for extending your life as longer, dedicated fitness regimens.

• Universally true

  The more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity you get, the lower your likelihood of death, regardless of whether that activity is done in bouts lasting 10 minutes or done in longer, continuous sessions. Learn more.

• Universally false
• Only true if you are normal weight
• Only true if you are overweight

6 Which of the following has been shown to be the most influential factor for longevity?

• Optimism (having a positive outlook on life)

  Centenarians tend to have positive attitudes, optimism and a zest for life. Indeed, having a positive outlook on life has been shown to be the most influential factor in longevity studies. Learn more.

• Appropriate exercise
• Never smoking or drinking
• Having a large family

7 Which of the following is NOT a key component of successful detoxification?

• Exposure to electromagnetic fields and microwave radiation from cellphones and Wi-Fi routers
• Intake of minerals such as magnesium and zinc to replace lost minerals
• Use of sauna to sweat out toxins
• Walking barefoot (grounding)

  Excellent detoxification aids include a full spectrum low EMF infrared sauna, and minerals such as magnesium, zinc, selenium, potassium and iodine. Another key component many fail to take into consideration when detoxing is their exposure to electromagnetic fields and microwave radiation from cellphones and Wi-Fi routers. Learn more.