Monsoon diet: What to eat and what to avoid during the rainy season
Here is what you should eat and what you should not in monsoon
The transition from scorching summer heat to a refreshing rainy season surely brings respite. But rain also gives a favourable environment for the germination of disease-causing microorganisms. From food infections to mosquito-borne diseases, the rainy season can cause several kinds of illnesses. So to stay in the pink of your health and keep your immune system healthy in this season, you need to eat a balanced diet. Having a nutritious and healthy diet can keep you safe from disease and even ensure a quick recovery. Taking care during the rainy season is even more important when COVID-19 is wreaking havoc all over the world. Here is what you should eat and what you should avoid in the monsoon.
Drink clean water
In
some houses, people drink water directly from the kitchen tap and
borewell. What they do not realise is that in the rainy season it could
easily get contaminated with germs. Drinking this water could cause
stomach infections, diarrhoea or typhoid.
Avoid spicy and oily foods
We
all enjoy lip-smacking pakoras and samosas in the rain. But having too
much of these oily and spicy treats may make you feel bloated. Stomach
related issues are common in the rainy season because humidity slows
down our metabolism. This also makes it hard for our stomach to absorb
nutrients from the food.
Avoid leafy greens
It
is recommended to eat leafy green all the year as they are the
nutritional powerhouse. But in the rainy season, it is best to avoid
them. The green can go bad easily in this season due to moisture on the
leaves. Besides, the humidity in the weather makes the cruciferous
plants a perfect breeding ground for germs. It is better to avoid foods
like spinach, cabbage, and cauliflower in this season.
Masala Chai and fluid
Our
body loses lots of fluid in the monsoon due to humidity and sweat. To
fulfil the requirement of fluid in the body, one must have lots of
water, fluid and masala chai. Herbal concoction or masala chai made with
spices like tulsi, ginger, cardamom can boost your immunity and prevent
all kinds of infection.
Eat only freshly cooked foods
Salads
are undoubtedly healthy and nutritious, but adding raw veggies to them
in monsoon may be an invitation to health problems. Some vegetables
contain a high amount of microbes due to dirt, which can lead to
gastrointestinal issues. So, instead of raw salads, have boiled,
blanched or sauteed veggies. Seafood must also be avoided in this
season.
Spices
Spices are loaded with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Adding more spices like turmeric, black pepper and clove in your diet may protect against infection and reduce symptoms like cold and flu. They may also help to boost immunity.