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RTHK
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- RTHK
Culinary theme gives Book Fair throng a lot to chew on
Culinary theme gives Book Fair throng a lot to chew on The 35th Hong Kong Book Fair will run from July 16 to 22. Photo: RTHK Book lovers flocked to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai on Wednesday in a bustling opening day for the annual Hong Kong Book Fair. This year's event, themed "Food Culture, Future Living," uses cuisine as a cultural bridge. Through curated culinary literature, the fair invites visitors to explore the world and savour diverse experiences right from the dining table. A major draw is the "World of Art and Culture" zone, featuring the interactive exhibition "Book a Table, Food for Thought." Visitors whom RTHK spoke to expressed excitement about its eight distinct tables, showcasing global works on food, healthy living and culture. "There is a lot of people from around the world [here], and then you can get [an] approach to the cultures there. If I want to go to Turkey for travel, then I can get to know more about there," said a woman, Ngai. "There are a lot of dining tables here and then you can know more about [cultures]. It is a bright idea, like a new idea here, in the book fair." The scale of the fair impressed first-time visitor Mylnikova, director of a library in the United States. "My library is located on a nature reserve and we have a collection of tropical and exotic trees with fruits, so I'm interested in books [and] world studies on tropical trees with fruits," she said, hoping to find valuable additions for her institution. "I'm [also] looking for artists' books, self-published by artists." Local interests were also prominent, with a woman, Lee, hoping to purchase dessert cookbooks alongside Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education reference materials for her children. Booksellers that RTHK spoke to expressed optimism about sales. A woman, Cheung, from Joint Publishing, highlighted the company's focus on Hong Kong-related works and new titles commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. "I think people will likely be interested in that area," she said, adding that she hopes sales, contingent on visitor turnout, would exceed last year's. Eli Lau, from Sup retail, echoed this positive outlook, saying she expects steady sales and a weekend boost. "We remain optimistic this year: you can already see many customers arriving early," she added. The 35th Hong Kong Book Fair will run until Tuesday, July 22.
Global News
27-06-2025
- Health
- Global News
Your ultimate guide to vitamins and supplements
The Curator independently decides what topics and products we feature. When you purchase an item through our links, we may earn a commission. Promotions and products are subject to availability and retailer terms. Magnesium, probiotics, and collagen are some of the buzziest supplements on the market right now, but they are just three of the many vitamins and herbal remedies that Canadians are leaning on to support their health. According to one survey, as many as 38% of men and 53% of women take supplements regularly. There are a variety of reasons why someone might want to start supplementing, says Adrienne Ngai, a registered dietitian in Vancouver. 'Vegetarians may need a B12 supplement, as well as calcium and vitamin D, for example,' she says, because they may not be getting enough from their daily diet. 'And those over 50 should take a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU per day.' So, if you're not already blending a powder into your morning smoothie or popping a pill before bed, you're probably wondering what some of the most popular vitamins are for, and when it might make sense for you to supplement. Story continues below advertisement Creatine Our bodies make this natural compound in the liver, kidneys and pancreas, and it's also found in red meat, chicken and fish. Some new research shows that creatine is beneficial for cognitive function, but it's best known as muscle-building support. Creatine assists with the creation of ATP, which supplies energy to our muscles, reduces cell damage, and assists with post-workout recovery. Organika Creatine Powder If you're ready to get ripped, the folks at Organika recommend starting with a loading phase, where you take the supplement three to four times a day for a week, then switch to a maintenance phase where you take it once per day stirred into a water bottle or beverage. $29.97 on Amazon (was $31.99) Story continues below advertisement Collagen 'Collagen is a structural protein found in skin, hair, nails, and bones,' says Ngai. 'Our bodies do make it naturally, but aging, sun damage, smoking, and drinking alcohol decrease collagen production.' There are some studies that show an improvement in skin moisture, elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles with consistent supplementation, but more extensive research is needed, she says. Story continues below advertisement Folic Acid Most people get enough with a healthy diet, because folic acid is found in a variety of foods including beans, peas, lentils, spinach, broccoli and orange juice. But, its recommended that all women who are planning to get pregnant or could become pregnant ensure they are getting 400 to 1,000 mcg daily, to prevent neural tube defects and pregnancy complications. Folic acid is also essential for heart health and cognitive function. Webber Naturals Folic Acid 1,000 mcg Each tablet contains a full 1,000 mcg dose and is vegan, soy-free and non-GMO. TIP: If you take multiple supplements, consider using a vitamin pack to keep you organized and ensure you don't miss a dose. $7.47 on Amazon Story continues below advertisement Iron Women who are pregnant or menstruating are often at risk of iron deficiency. 'If you don't get enough iron, you can feel tired and irritable,' says Ngai. 'If you think you have an iron deficiency, speak with your doctor to get it checked.' AOR Ortho Iron This iron supplement also contains vitamin C, B6, copper, and B12, which are supporting nutrients that enhance iron absorption and further assist with red blood cell formation. It's also easy to digest, gluten-free and non-GMO. TIP: If you are also taking calcium, take it at a different time of day, as these two nutrients can interfere with each other's absorption. $52.86 on Amazon $66.49 at Story continues below advertisement Magnesium Sometimes called the 'antistress' mineral, lately magnesium has been touted as a sleep-supporting nutrient, but it plays a role in a number of functions, from muscle recovery to bone building. It's found in a slew of foods, including nuts, whole grains and dark green veggies. Nature's Sunshine Magnesium Complex Product description If you think your body needs a top-up, this complex contains two types of the best-absorbed types of magnesium. But to avoid unpleasant side effects like gastro issues, be sure to take no more than 350 mcg daily, says Ngai. $28.20 at Nature's Sunshine Story continues below advertisement You may also like: Ninja Professional Blender – $119.99 Ello Pop & Fill 22oz Stainless Steel Water Bottle – $26.97 Greens Superfood Powder – $38.98 Melatonin This sleep aid has been steadily rising in popularity, as more people struggle to get enough zzz's. Your body does produce it naturally, but if you're trying to overcome jet lag, or turn back your internal clock to help you fall asleep earlier, a supplement can help. Genestra Brands Melatonin Spray Melatonin is safe to take in low doses for short-term use but be sure to talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or thinking about giving it to your kids. This spray contains 3 mg of melatonin in every spritz, to help reset your body's sleep-wake cycle. $22.25 on Amazon Story continues below advertisement Omega-3s These are healthy, unsaturated fats that we can get from foods like salmon, trout, eggs, chia and walnuts. Omega-3 fats help to support and maintain immune function, heart health and cognitive abilities. Orange Naturals Omega-3 Fish Oil Each caplet contains 1000 mg of a wild fish oil blend including sardine, anchovy and mackerel. The easy-to-swallow soft gels can be taken daily with food. Tip: 'If you find supplements to be fishy tasting, store them in the freezer and take them frozen,' says Ngai. $25.19 at Story continues below advertisement Probiotics These are live bacteria and yeasts that can have health benefits for your body, by assisting with digestion and gastrointestinal issues. Probiotics are naturally found in fermented foods like yogurt but can also be taken as a supplement in the form of a pill or powder. Cymbiotica Probiotic This supplement contains 19 potent strains of gut-friendly, rebalancing bacteria that work to support a healthy microbiome. For best results, take three capsules daily with a meal. $116 at Cymbiotica Story continues below advertisement Vitamin C This water-soluble vitamin is essential for collagen formation, wound healing, immune function and more. Fortunately, vitamin C is found in a number of food sources, including strawberries, red peppers, leafy vegetables and citrus fruits. For example, an orange contains about 70 mg of C, and women need 75 mg daily. Sports Research Vitamin C Product description It's important to note that taking too much vitamin C can result in diarrhea, nausea, and other unpleasant side effects, says Ngai. $30.95 on Amazon Story continues below advertisement Vitamin D It's called the 'sunshine vitamin,' but sun exposure isn't sufficient to get all the D your body needs. The best way to get enough is through diet—including foods such as fortified dairy products and nut milks, eggs, fatty fish and mushrooms—and taking a daily supplement. Vitamin D helps to support muscle function and keep bones strong. Jamieson Vitamin D These easy-to-swallow little tabs are a simple way to get your daily dose. TIP: To maximize vitamin D absorption, take your supplement with a meal containing healthy fats, like avocado, fish, eggs or nuts. $6.67 on Amazon Story continues below advertisement Note: Before you start taking a new supplement, it's smart to consult with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure the product is right for you and that it doesn't conflict with any of your prescription medications. You may also like: Neoprene Coated Dumbbell Hand Weight Set – $17.30 Sleep Enhancing Gummies – $29.96 Percussion Massage Gun – $99.99
BBC News
13-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Community hub in empty Ipswich shop marks third birthday
A community arts project set up in an empty town centre shop is celebrating its third Hub Ipswich (CHIp) took over the historic Curson Lodge on St Nicholas St in March provides space for artists to sell their work, along with events such as writers' groups, a climate cafe, youth council and film Ed Ngai said: "Anyone can walk through the door and be part of this community and that's what's exciting about it." The 15th Century Grade II* listed building has previously been used as a retail space but had been vacant during the group, which has since become a community interest company, initially expected to be based there for just a few Ngai said: "When we came in, it wasn't in a terrible state, but it wasn't getting any better."Just by us occupying this place, we've kept the lights on, we have kept the heating on, the property itself adds value with people in it." Suzanne Chung started volunteering at CHIp when she returned to Ipswich from studying in London and has since become a said: "I got involved because I was trying to find a sense of community. "We all know about the negative reputation Ipswich has, that nothing's going on... then I found this place and realised that was just a myth. "There are hidden gems within this town that are thriving and this is something to be very proud of in Ipswich."Last year the group also took over 16 Turret Lane, now branded as the CHIp Studio, a co-working creative space. CHIp Hub regular Matthew Applegate said: "This is a wonderful community space for people to share their work, sell their work and there's different groups here. "I come here for the writers' group on Wednesday, which is fantastic and allows me to set aside some time to do some writing and have it critiqued by other local writers."To me this is a really wonderful, generous, kind place." There is a birthday celebration event on Sunday, 16 March at the CHIp Hub from 12:00 to 1600 GMT, open to everyone, with people encouraged to bring food to share. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
