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b. Regular soft drinks - The largest source of added sweeteners in the diets of Americans age 2 years and older is regular soft drinks. A study conducted during 1994-1996 found that the average American consumed about 16 percent of their calories from added sweeteners found in beverages, sweetened grains such as cookies and cakes, candies, and table sugars. Regular soft drinks accounted for a third of added sweetener intake, followed closely by sweetened grains which amounted to 13% of total added sweetener consumption.

1. What food is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids?

c. Seafood - Omega-3 fatty acids are abundant in fish and other seafood and are thought to increase the level of HDL, or "good" cholesterol. These fatty acids also have effects on blood clotting, blood pressure, and immune function which may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

2. Carbohydrate loading, a practice used to maximize athletic performance, involves depleting glycogen stores through exercise followed by the consumption of a high-carbohydrate diet several days before an athletic event.

True - Carbohydrate loading is a practice used when an athlete competes for longer than 60 minutes. Six days before the event, a low carbohydrate diet is consumed and strenuous exercise is performed. This is followed by several days of a carbohydrate-rich diet (70-80 percent of total calories) and a reduction in activity. For competitions lasting less than an hour, the consumption of a normal mixed diet followed by a high carbohydrate diet on the day of the competition is recommended.

3. An active young adult needs to consume at least 1000 calories in order to meet his or her nutrient requirements.

False - It is difficult to meet the body's need for essential nutrients on diets less than 1200 calories. An active young woman needs about 2000 calories and an active young man requires at least 2800 calories per day to support energy requirements. In addition, the need for calories may increase depending on how active an individual is.

4. Which nutrient is the only one that the brain can use for fuel?

b. Carbohydrate - While all three energy nutrients- carbohydrate, fat, and protein fuel body processes, carbohydrate, in the form of glucose, is the only one that the brain can use. Brain cells are continually active, even while you sleep, and draw upon the supply of sugar in the fluid surrounding them. When the supply of glucose is too low, mental processes are affected, causing light-headedness, irritability and the inability to concentrate. Fortunately, the body is able to make adjustments to raise blood sugar level when concentrations fall in order to maintain an internal balance of energy.