Monsoon brings relief from the heat, enhances the beauty of nature and wakes up the appetite to eat hot, delicious fatty foods. It also changes the temperature, humidity of the climate and affects the immune system. The onset of monsoon also means an increase in different types of diseases like malaria, dengue, typhoid and many more. However, by keeping an eye on what to eat and what not to eat, one can save oneself from getting sick. Fauzia Ansari, dietician, Apollo Spectra Mumbai, shares her thoughts on the dos and don’ts that can help you stay healthy this monsoon.
what to eat:
- Stay hydrated by drinking enough water. You can also opt for herbal teas and soups.
- It’s a good idea to include seasonal fruits such as berries, pears, plums, cherries, peaches, papayas, apples and pomegranates, rich in vitamins A, and C, antioxidants and fiber. These fruits improve digestion and gut health.
- Eat bottle gourd, bitter gourd, ash gourd, ridge gourd, snake gourd, cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, okra and radish to improve immunity.
- Add turmeric, ginger, garlic, black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg as they have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-bacterial and immunity-boosting properties.
- Turmeric is rich in antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help improve immunity and manage infections. Drinking turmeric milk is a good way to improve overall health.
- Probiotics improve one’s gut health. Try opting for curd, buttermilk and pickled vegetables for easy digestion.
What not to eat:
- It is important to avoid eating outside food during monsoon. Avoid roadside cut fruits, chaat, burgers, pizza, bakery items or colas. The risk of food poisoning and waterborne infections doubles when outside food is left open for a long time due to bacteria growing on it.
- Eating fried foods like samosas or pakoras can lead to several gastrointestinal problems like indigestion, bloating, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and acidity.
- Monsoon is notorious for the rise of a large number of water-borne diseases. Another reason is that monsoon is the breeding season for fish and prawns. Hence, it is best to keep yourself away from seafood till the rainy season is over.
