Nutrition in the News

The way forward to health, vitality and a happy life

Jamie's School Dinners

Television chef Jamie Oliver has been voted "most inspiring political figure" of the year in the wake of his campaign to improve school meals.

More than 14,000 people voted for Mr Oliver in the Channel 4 political awards.

Viewers were asked to choose from a shortlist which also included Tony Blair, Bob Geldof and David Cameron.

Ministers promised an extra £280m to improve school meals in England after Mr Oliver's School Dinners television show and nationwide petition.

One viewer who voted for him to win the award said: "It might be fashionable to say Jamie shamed the government into acting, but what he did was shame us all about accepting second-best for our children.  He showed that with hard work, some care and pride in what you do, that we can achieve a lot and chucking money at problems is often not the solution."

(source:bbc 02/02/06)

Obesity

Childhood obesity in England has doubled in 10 years, figures show.

One in four children is obese, the Health and Social Care Information Centre survey of 2,000 children found.

From 1995 to 2004, obesity among boys aged 11-15 rose from 14% to 24% and girls from 15% to 26%. The rate rose slightly in the two to 10 age group.

Campaigners said England was facing a "health timebomb", and ministers said more had to be done to hit the target to halt the child obesity rise by 2010.

(source:bbc 21/04/06)

Fish Oils

Pupils at a school for children with special educational needs are taking part in a study to see if taking fish oil supplements can improve behaviour.

The 38 boys at Eaton Hall Special School in Norwich will take the fish oil every day for six months and their behaviour will be monitored.

It is thought to be the first such trial at a special school.

The boys at the school are aged between 10 and 16 and have behavioural, social and emotional difficulties.

Lianne Quantrill, project co-ordinator at the school said, : "There is already mounting evidence to suggest that there are benefits of taking omega 3 fish oils, particularly for those with behavioural problems who may already have fatty acid deficiencies.  The results from the trial could well go on to affect national attitudes towards the link between dietary supplements of this kind and behaviour."

 Sources of omega-3 oils:

  • herring
  • kippers
  • mackerel
  • pilchards
  • sardines
  • salmon
  • fresh tuna
  • trout
  • anchovies

(source:bbc 09/01/06)

For more news articles visit :

http://www.guardian.co.uk/food/Index/0,,205712,00.html