I was interested to see last weeks bulletin from the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) announcing the publication of its new Food Pyramid designed to tackle obesity and help citizens develop better eating habits. Called www.choosemyplate.gov this new website is a major step forward in nutrition education for families struggling to keep themselves and their children healthy under the barrage of mass marketed convenience foods, snacks and sugary drinks. A great resource for parents,teachers, doctors and nutrition educators.

Decades of research has now verified that many seeds and nuts enhance brainpower and mood. In the context of our evolution as a species this has to make sense given that, seeds and nuts, fruits vegetables and herbs constituted up to 65% our ancestors' diets, the balance being made up of wild game rich in essential fats. This diet was in essence low in carbohydrates, animal protein, saturated fat and salt and high in fibre, essential fats, phytochemicals including chlorophyll , minerals and vitamins.

According to the findings of a study conducted by The Mayo Clinic, coeliac disease is now almost 5 times more common than it was 50 years ago! It can affect more than 1 in 100 in certain populations but the reason is unclear. The ‘industrialisation’ of breadmaking which virtually eliminated natural fermentation and the breakdown of the gluten in bread and bread products has been linked to the development of the disease. What is becoming clear is that many people with coeliac disease do not develop symptoms until later in life.