The things we consume are the real number one killer when it comes to causing death related to cancer.

"Which is why it is important to eat the right things," said Dr Andy Sun, a senior physician hails from National Taiwan University Hospital, who was in Brunei to conduct two health seminars at Chung Hwa Middle School in Bandar Seri Begawan.

"Smoking and alcohol consumption remain high on the list, but if you eat lousy food, they are even more deadly than these two supposed ills," added Dr Sun.

At the seminar conducted in Mandarin, Dr Sun stressed the need for Bruneians to avoid deep fried and barbeque foods.

"For barbeque food, the most toxic is the part where the food is burned into black pieces. Food with oil dripping from it is also very bad for our body."

A list of vegetables and fruits were provided for their usefulness to help the body build a stronger immune system, and the common fruits mentioned were oranges, bananas, grapefruit, kiwi and papaya.

Vegetables cited by Dr Sun include broccoli, cauliflower, celery, carrot, apricot, avocado, Brussels sprout, bell pepper, radish and spinach.

The advice was to consume at least 50 per cent of fruits and vegetables in our daily diet.

Organised by the Taiwan Graduates Association, Dr Sun has another seminar scheduled for 7.15pm tonight at Chung Hwa Middle School BSB, and the entrance fee is $10 per person.

Dr Sun also told the audience about a soup that was termed as "Andy's soup" by his fans in Taiwan after he recommended the recipe through one of his publication. "The recipe is very simple, and it really helps with maintaining your health," said Dr Sun.

The book, "How to strengthen your immunity", provided the recipe of "Andy's soup" as 12 grammes of "huang qi" (radix astragale), nine grams of wolfberry, and nine grams of red dates.

Boil them in water for two hours in low heat, and the soup is ready. The soup can even be kept in the fridge for cooler consumption, as written in the book.

Besides having the effects of strengthening one's immunity, it also helps with balancing the body system. The soup is reportedly drunk by Taiwan president Ma Ying-Jeou on a regularly basis.

"The body is yours, and we all know that prevention is definitely better than cure," advised Dr Sun.

Dr Sun even found time during the seminar to sing a short Chinese song for the audience to lighten the atmosphere.

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office representative to Brunei Terry Ting was the guest of honour at the event, and made the opening speech.

-The Brunei Times/Asia News Network