We’ve all had it drummed into us – it’s life threatening to be overweight; ;whether it be an increased likelihood of heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, cancer … you name it, being overweight is likely to increase the chances of suffering from at least one of the aforementioned. Not that I’m making light of it – it’s pretty obvious that if you’re overweight then you’re not fit and “leanness” has always been considered to be a major factor in a longer, happier life.

I think the majority of us would love to live to a ripe old age and be healthy to boot, but is it actually possible to reverse the ageing process to some degree? A recent survey carried out at the University of California believes it is.

Are you one of those people who loves eating walnuts at Christmas but then seldom buys them throughout the year? I currently have a packet of them in my cupboard “just in case” I feel like making a date and walnut or coffee and walnut cake and just occasionally I fancy a smattering on my cornflakes if I haven’t got any of the honey nut variety to hand.