Q i’m confused by conflicting dietary advice. What should we eat or avoid?

AI’m not surprised! When saturated (animal) fats and cholesterol were first linked to heart disease, low-fat foods (bulked up with sugar) became popular, and we were encouraged towards carbohydrates. Then, red meat and smoked, processed or charred meats, rich in iron, were linked to BSE (mad cow disease) and bowel cancer. Branded ‘smoothies’ often release sugar while removing healthy fibre, while many people – even those without proven gluten sensitivity – now avoid nutritious cereals, and veganism and allergies have put some people off dairy.

The latest worry is that US scientists say low-carb diets may increase mortality rates. However, sugar, processed foods, calories, obesity, and type 2 diabetes are some of our current major concerns. So, unless your doctor recommends otherwise, I’d suggest eating lots of unprocessed fruit and veg, and smaller amounts from all the other food groups (see nhs.uk). This balanced diet should help you to get the full range of nutrients without becoming overweight.