Whilst browsing in a health food shop, my eye was caught by a supplement labelled ‘Lecithin ’ , with the text: ‘Soya lecithin – food for the brain, heart and liver’. I paused for a moment, because it reminded me: this is the secret ingredient my granny used to add to her breakfast, remarking with a smile, ‘It’s the secret to a good memory and a strong heart’ (she always used to say that). At the time, I just grinned and thought to myself. After all, grandmothers have secret recipes for everything from homemade ointments to teas that cure all ills (it’s a shame they don’t cure a broken heart). Even though it wasn’t yesterday, I know that my grandmother really did know the names of my classmates, even though I’ve forgotten where I’ve just put my keys. That’s exactly why I decided to find out whether it’s actually necessary, or just another one of those gadgets. Lecithin, as I’ve discovered, isn’t just some supplement you see in adverts, but an essential component of every cell in our body. It