WHAT'S THE ISSUE?

Since the arrival of the pandemic, we've been encouraged to maintain a strong immune system to help fight against COVID and other viruses. Nutritious foods can play a key role in boosting our immunity.

To find out more about the powers of nutrition, Stephen talks to Sally Shi-Po Poon who is a registered personal dietitian based in Hong Kong.

MEET THE EXPERT

Sally Poon is a registered dietitian who graduated from the University of Sydney, Australia with a Master of Nutrition & Dietetics.

Sally is also now a part-time dietitian at Hong Kong Bariatric and Metabolic Institute and Maggie's Cancer Caring Centre, a freelance dietitian at China Coast Community, as well as an affiliate dietetic consultant at ADEC Medical Alliance and Sacred Heart Oncologists Cancer Center.

She is currently the Chairman of Hong Kong Practicing Dietitians Union and a committee member of the Child Nutrition Advisory Group.

Sally tells Stephen that a balanced diet means everything in moderation. "We should not go for too many carbohydrates because these days we are going through a COVID-19 pandemic, so our activity levels in general are way lower than previous.” But some types of carbs high in fibre might be good because "they give you a feeling of fuller for longer."

She says having three meals regularly is the key to good health. "Our immune system is actually located in our gut…So make sure we're going to the toilet regularly."

ALSO ON THE AGENDA

- Food security Professor Chris Elliot speaks to the Agenda to discuss the best way of eating under the supply chain crisis and the urgency to reduce carbon emissions.

- We visited one of the most famous Chinese restaurants in London and talked to the manager John Man about the role of food in Chinese culture.   

FIND MORE STORIES FROM THE AGENDA WITH STEPHEN COLE  HERE