Weekly Health Quiz: Sleep, Spirulina and Microplastics

1 Which of the following is NOT a known health benefit of spirulina?

• Treatment for arsenic poisoning
• Protection against radiation
• Fever-reducing effect

  Spirulina, a freshwater and saltwater, blue-green algae, has been used as a treatment for arsenic poisoning, and research shows it protects against radiation damage and may lower your risk of stroke and cancer. Learn more.

• Anticancer activity

2 Which of the following statements is true?

• A chemical contamination level below the safety limit set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proof of safety
• EPA set safety limits for glyphosate in 2008, after most of the studies on glyphosate had already been completed and published
• Novel testing has revealed the presence of glyphosate in biopsied tumors
• The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified glyphosate as a Class 2A "probable human carcinogen" based on limited evidence showing it can cause Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and lung cancer

  In March 2015, the IARC classifiedglyphosateas a "probable carcinogen" based on "limited evidence" showing the weed killer can cause Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and lung cancer in humans. Concerns are now growing as glyphosate is found in most foods. Recent testing reveals that were glyphosate listed as an ingredient on nutrition labels, it would be listed above vitamins D and B12 on Honey Nut Cheerios. Learn more.

3 Microplastic pollution is ubiquitous. The following has not yet been identified as being contaminated with microplastics:

• Blood samples

  Tests reveal both tap water and bottled water contain microplastics, as does your household dust and many foods. The suspicion that we're consuming our own plastic pollution was recently reconfirmed when researchers discovered microplastic particles in human stool samples. Learn more.

• Drinking water
• Household dust
• Stool samples

4 The omega-3 index test is a recommended annual health screen to measure your blood level of omega-3 fatty acids. For optimal health, you'll want an omega-3 index of:

• 1 percent or higher
• 8 percent or higher

  Getting an annual omega-3 index test is the best way to customize your dosage to ensure sufficiency. For optimal health, you'll want an omega-3 index of 8 percent or higher. Learn more.

• 4 percent or lower
• 6 percent or lower

5 Which of the following plants can be used as a natural biofumigant to suppress pest and diseases by chopping it up and incorporating it into your soil prior to the plant's flowering?

• Buckwheat
• Iceberg lettuce
• Mustard greens

  Mustard greens and other brassica crops can be used as a natural biofumigant to suppress plant diseases and pests by chopping it up and mixing in with the soil prior to flowering. Inhibitory chemicals are created when enzymes in the soil mix with water and break down the glucosinolates in the leaves. Learn more.

• Leeks

6 For optimal health, school-age children (ages of 6 to 13) need how much sleep?

• 8 to 10 hours
• 10 to 13 hours
• 11 to 14 hours
• 9 to 11 hours

  According to a scientific review of more than 300 studies published, school-age children need anywhere from 9 to 11 hours of sleep each night to maintain good health and mental functioning. Learn more.

7 Industrial processed vegetable oils such as Crisco are a primary source of:

• Omega-6 linoleic acid

  Industrial processed vegetable oils contain primarily omega-6 linoleic acid. Over the past 100 years, omega-6 intake has nearly tripled while intake of plant- and marine-based omega-3 fat has decreased tenfold, severely skewing the omega-3 to omega-6 ratio in our diet. Learn more.

• Omega-3 ALA
• Omega-3 EPA
• Omega-3 DHA