Choosing a vegetarian diet can be beneficial both to your health and to the health of the environment. A vegetarian diet can help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancers, and other degenerative diseases. It can help the health of the environment by reducing pollution caused by animal waste runoff as well as pollution caused by pesticides, which are used on meat, fish, and dairy products. To learn more about vegetarianism read The New Becoming Vegetarian, by Vesanto Melina, M.S., R.D., and Brenda Davis, R.D. Also, be sure to ask about CCNH courses HNU 223 Vegetarian Health and Lifestyles and PHL 410 Sustainable Living. These courses contain valuable information on the benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle.

Vegetarian Awareness Month

October is “Vegetarian Awareness Month.” Research has shown that a vegetarian diet can prolong life by reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Take this quiz to find out how much you know about this healthy way to eat!

1. The life span of vegetarians is generally __________ years longer than meat-eaters.

a. 20-22
b. 3-5
c. 7-9
d. 12-15
d. No difference


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2. According to The Health Professionals Study, which is more beneficial for protecting against heart attacks?

a. The fiber in fruit and vegetables
b. The fiber in grains
c. There are no differences among types of fiber
d. Strained juices each day


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3. Organic food, which is an alternative to pesticide-laden food, is known as what in Europe?

a. Genetically modified food
b. Biofood
c. Frankenfood
d. Smartfood


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4. What food group is the most concentrated source of essential fatty acids?

a. Seeds
b. Legumes
c. Beef
d. Nuts


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5. The main source of phytochemicals in the diet comes from:

a. seeds and nuts.
b. whole grains.
c. dairy products.
d. vegetables and fruits.


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6. What anti-clotting, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory agent is found in the skins and seeds of grapes?

a. Fructose
b. Resveratrol
c. Malvidin
d. Limonene


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7. What is a reliable way to ensure a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals from plant-based food sources?

a. Strictly follow the USDA food pyramid recommendations.
b. Eat at least three servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
c. Take supplements.
d. Eat a variety of colors.


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8. What cooking method is best able to enhance the sweetness of a fruit while changing its texture and color?

a. Grilling or roasting
b. Poaching
c. Baking
d. Sautéing


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9. When cooking beans, when is the best time to add flavoring?

a. During the first half-hour
b. During the last half-hour
c. Before heating, while beans are soaking
d. It makes no difference


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10. Which raw food has the highest protein level per caloric content?

a. Fruits
b. Nuts
c. Vegetables
d. All of the above.


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