Rapeseed oil (or Canola oil) contains both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in a ratio of 2:1 and is second only to flax oil in omega-3 fatty acid. It is one of the most heart-healthy oils and has been reported to reduce cholesterol levels, lower serum tryglyceride levels, and keep platelets from sticking together. Some UK farmers such as Hillfarm Oils have started to produce cold-pressed rapeseed oil as a versatile cooking oil and dressing, similar in use to olive oil.

Like the majority of the UK, people with coeliac disease will be able to tuck into a pancake or two this Shrove Tuesday, thanks to gluten-free flour. However, on the flip side, the needs of those with this life long condition are still widely misunderstood and overlooked.

Over the past few days the ‘probiotic’ industry has been thrown into chaos with the news that probiotics have been linked to 24 deaths in a Dutch research study.

During the Christmas season we tend to eat a lot and feel guilty about it, well, I know I do!! But many of the foods traditionally eaten at this time of year, are actually very good for you (eaten with in reason of course!). Here’s a list of my top 10 festive superfoods…

EatingBritain has teamed up with Yeo Valley Organic to bring you a selection of delicious organic recipes. We’re launching this great new feature with a comforting (but oh-so-healthy) Mushroom and Potato Bake. But first, an introduction to those wonderful people at Yeo Valley.

Once more I am waxing lyrical about ethical and fair practises, this time the subject of my adoration is Yeo Valley Organic. From its humble beginnings selling yogurts from the gates of its small Somerset farm, Yeo Valley Organic has grown into the UK’s best-selling organic brand. They claim to be one of the most ethical, environmentally friendly brands and are dedicated to creating deliciously tasting organic delights ranging from creamy natural and whole milk fruit yogurts to mouth-watering fruit compotes and fresh milk, the list is endless.

We’ve received exciting updates about the Chicken Out campaign!

News from Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall

I thought you’d like to know that I’m going to be a guest on Jonathan Ross’ TV show on Friday (Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, BBC1 at 10.40pm, 30th November) - and I’ll be asking him, his audience and friends to sign up to the campaign.

Something I have noticed since turning thirty, is that most of my friends are getting married or having babies, I guess it’s an age thing! My friends that are mothers or mothers to be, all share one major concern, how to make sure they provide a healthy balanced diet for their children. Ingredients and nutrition are of course the greatest priority but time and cost play large roles too.

I enjoyed trying out different methods for roasting pumpkin seeds but life is simply too short to go through it on a regular basis. I include pumpkin seeds and other seeds in my diet on a daily basis, mainly in muesli, but also sprinkled on salads, incorporated in breads and eaten as a snack. I really like the tastes and textures of the different seeds, from pumpkin, to hemp and poppy. Seeds have so many health attributes too!

We are lucky enough to have two mature black elders at the bottom of our garden. The beautifully fragrant flowers came and went before I got around to doing anything with them but I was determined not to let the berries go to waste. So, i made use of the remaining berries on our shrubs by making an elderberry jelly.