You might have thought resisting that piece of chocolate cake or extra biscuit was simply a matter of exerting a little will power.

But for some of us it’s much more difficult than that – because of the way our brains are wired.

Scientists have found that a key part of the brain which stops the body from acting on impulse – and gorging – does not function as well in those who are overweight or obese.

A study by scientists from Yale University has shown that falling glucose levels lead to a loss of self-control in the brain which subsequently lead to parts of the brain craving high-calorie food such as cakes, biscuits or crisps.

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Exercising for as little as 15 minutes a day can add three years to your life, researchers say.

Just a short burst of vigorous activity, rather than gruelling hours at the gym, reduced the risk of dying early by 14 per cent and the cancer risk by 10 per cent, according to a study of 400,000 people.

Every additional 15 minutes of exercise a day further reduces the risk of early death by 4 per cent and cancer by 1 per cent.

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They may be known for helping you over an embarrassing episode of constipation but prunes have another very useful effect.

Scientists have found that post-menopausal women can protect themselves against osteoporosis and bone fractures by simply eating around 10 of them a day.

Florida State and Oklahoma State academics proved that dried plums are far better than figs, dates, dried strawberries, dried apples, and raisins for improving bone density.

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