Monsoon is a great time to honor your cravings, but only in moderation. So make the necessary swaps and stay healthy this season.
With the monsoon season approaching, the skies have opened up and the scent of wet earth has filled the air. And during this time, we all tend to crave warm, spicy, and indulgent comfort foods. With our appetites shifting, most of us want to have crispy pakoras and steaming cups of masala chai. But while the season tempts the tastebuds, it is also the prime time for higher risk of foodborne illnesses, digestive issues due to weakened immunity.
So how do you wish to satisfy those cravings and stay safe at the same time? Well, here’s a quick guide on what to eat—and what to avoid—during the monsoon season
Make sure to stick to freshly prepared, hot meals as they reduce bacterial contamination risk and keep you cosy at the same time. You can have Khichdi, soups, stir-fried veggies, steamed rice with dal or kadhi.
From jamun, plums to pears, apples, and lychee, the seasonal fruits are high in antioxidants and aid digestion. But always be sure to wash them thoroughly or peel them to avoid contamination.
Incorporate spices like turmeric, ginger, garlic, and black pepper in your diet as they have antimicrobial properties and help redecing seasonal infections. Try herbal teas or "kadha" with ginger and tulsi.
Support your gut by consuming natural probiotics like curd, buttermilk, and fermented foods, as they help in maintaining digestive health.
Always avoid heavy or oily food and eat foods that gentle on the stomach like idlis, poha, upma, oats, or moong dal.
As tempting as street food and those pani puri or aloo tikki might be, monsoon is the worst time to consume them as water contamination and unhygienic can lead to infection.
Leafy greens like spinach and cabbage are best avoided during this season as they can have waterborne parasites during monsoon. If not cleaned and cooked, they can be harmful to your stomach.
Carbonated beverages and excess coffee or tea can cause dehydration and acidity. Instead have herbal teas, warm water, or infused drinks.
A few pakoras are fine, but avoid frequent oily or sugary snacks as they can slow digestion and weaken immunity. You can opt for dry-roasted options like makhana or peanuts.
Monsoon is a beautiful season, but it comes with its own health pitfalls. Hence, always align your indulgence with a little caution.
