DINING

Boosting immunity with food

Founder of Holistic Nutrition HK Dr Emilie Berthet Clairet shares her tips for keeping healthy

When we are sick we often rely on medication to make us feel better, forgetting that our food can also be a great help and source of healing nutrients. Here are some of my tips for keeping your body fit and healthy to help fight an infection.

Fresh fruits are the best source of vitamin C

Lemons, oranges, guavas, blackcurrants, strawberries, kiwis, papayas and also persimmons are packed in vitamins especially vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for some immune cells to function and defend themselves. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps our body fight against infection and is the only vitamin that can help prevent illnesses. You can take it as a supplement, but fresh fruits are more natural and better absorbed with no risk of toxicity.

Whole grains are rich in vitamins B, zinc and fibers

Vitamins B6, B12 and zinc are essential to energy reactions in our body and help fight infections. Whole grains are one of the best sources of these nutrients. Whole grain is a grain that hasn’t been processed. Processed grain is white and loses its bran and nutritional qualities. When you can, add whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta and brown rice into your diet.

Nuts, seeds and avocados are rich in vitamin E

Containing powerful antioxidants like omega 3 and vitamin E, nuts, seeds and avocado help our body to cope with the stress of an infection. Avocado is perfect in salads or even at breakfast on toast, while nuts are one of the best snacks you can have when you are hungry in the middle of the day.

Fermented foods are a source of probiotics

Our intestinal flora or gut is referred to as the second brain and is essential to our health, in particular for our immune system. Probiotics are good bacteria similar to the ones living in our gut. While we can take probiotics as a supplement, the probiotics coming from food such as Kimchi, tempeh, kefir, yogurt and sauerkraut are more natural and a great help to repopulate our gut with a healthy stream of germs.

Leafy greens and vegetable are rich in fibers

Green vegetables are packed with fibre, essential to strengthen your gut and immune system. Kale is considered the most nutritious food per calorie, meaning that it has the most nutrients and the least calories. Spinach and broccoli are also recommended for fighting against infections, preventing cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

Avoid sugar

Sugar has a negative effect on our immune system. A high level of sugar in the blood, called hyperglycaemia, impairs many immune cells in their function and is the main reason why diabetes patients are more sensitive to infections. While battling an infection or to protect ourselves from catching it, it is essential to avoid sodas, dessert and sweets. Foods rich in vitamin B, C, zinc and magnesium are the best way to keep our immune cells strong and ready for the fight. Incorporating these foods in our diet can help us prevent infection and not getting sick.

Dr Emilie Berthet Clairet is a registered medical doctor in her native France and works as a nutritionist and holistic practitioner at the Vitality Center and is the founder of Holistic Nutrition HK. Find out more about starting a healthy lifestyle at

holisticnutritionhk.com

Classy deals a Classified

To beat the pandemic blues, the Europeanstyled café in Repulse Bay is offering a 40 percent discount on all pick up orders after 6pm. Diners can enjoy its wide selection of salads, sandwiches and pizzettes and enjoy a cosy night in.

classifiedfood.com Road

Originally set to open in July, Cuban-inspired rum bar had to postpone its opening due to concerns over the coronavirus outbreak and government restrictions but finally opened in late August. Industry veteran Gerry Olino, makes up one-half of the founding team behind The Daily Tot. Guests can enjoy curated rum cocktails as well as a niche collection of rums sourced from Caribbean distilleries at the 1,300 square feet drinking den. thedailytot.com

Do it yourself pasta

Love Fratelli’s signature artisan pastas? Learn how to make them at home with its new Cook Your Own Pastas sets. With easy step-by-step instructions from head chef Pradip Malbul and fresh ingredients, you can practice your cooking skills and enjoy a delicious Italian meal from the comfort of your own home. Sets start at $160. fratelli.hk

A pizza my heart

Artisan pizza bar Amalfitana is offering special delivery packages when you order via its direct delivery bikes (WhatsApp 6274 3932), Deliveroo or Food Panda. The packages include the Romantic Package for two which comes with a tricolore salad, bufala mozzarella, dough balls, Italia pizza and a bottle of Chiara Prosecco for $700. The Family Package feeds four with a tricolore salad, dough balls, French fries, bufala mozzarella, margherita pizza, pepperoni pizza and a Nutella pizza along with two soft drinks and two Peroni’s for $650. amalfitana.hk

Takeaway teas

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong

Served in an elegant bento box, you’ll find a range of savoury and sweet items including prawn and lobster choux and elderflower summer berry cheesecake. At $398 for two, this set is very popular so be sure to order online in advance. hongkong.grand.

The Daily Tot opens on Hollywood

hyattrestaurants.com

Fortnum & Mason

The luxury British department store is offering its signature afternoon tea set for pick-up or delivery, so you can spoil yourself at home. Available at $588 for two, savour a range of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and bite-sized cakes, all accompanied by the brand’s best-selling Royal Blend Tea.

181fortnums.com.hk

Rosewood Hong Kong

Rosewood Hong Kong is now offering its signature afternoon tea to-go, available for pick-up from its all-day lounge The Butterfly Room. Packaged in elegant monochromatic boxes, the tea set features an array of savoury and sweet treats including traditional tea sandwiches and baked scones. The set is priced at $625 and serves two to three.

rosewoodhkshop.com