7 Food Rules for Rain

After the long and torrid summer months, monsoons bring exceptionally cool weather and it’s that time of the year when we are attracted to piping-hot pakodas, chaat, samosas, and bhajjiyas from the local chaat-wallahs. The street food may taste delicious, but the chances of it being contaminated are high. Our body becomes more susceptible to certain health risks, as our immunity becomes weaker. The humidity in the atmosphere is high in monsoon, as a result of which the body’s digestive capability tends to reduce. The damp and filthy conditions in monsoon play a host for many diseases causing germs and bacteria, which further result in diseases like dengue, malaria, typhoid, viral fever, gastrointestinal disturbances and dysentery. It is always good to prepare foods and drinks at home.

Our general health and immunity should not take a toll during this season. To stay healthy throughout the rainy season, here are 7 food rules that you should take care of:

• Wash the fruits and vegetables thoroughly as soon as you bring them from outside. Make sure you wash them at least four to five times. Boil veggies like green leafy veggies as they are said to be the bearers of bacteria.
• Avoid buying fruits and vegetables that are pre-cut. When they are cut and kept in the open, they can catch bacteria and germs. Make sure they are cooked well.
• Eat a light meal, considering your digestive system has already gone for a toss this monsoon season. You can add bitter vegetables in your diet, Vitamin C rich foods especially amla in your diet.
• Consume more fruits in the rainy season as they help build immunity and restore energy. Apple, pomegranates, mangoes and pears are some of the best fruits you could eat. Avoid watermelons and muskmelons as they can lead to digestive problems.
• Don’t forget to add ginger and turmeric to your diet. Ginger and turmeric are well-known for their medicinal properties and can easily give a quick boost to your immune system. Both of these contain anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can safeguard you from cold, cough, fever and sore throat. Also, these ingredients are readily available in your kitchen and can easily soothe the upset stomach and digestive issues. You can consume turmeric milk, ginger-lemon and honey concoction and turmeric- black pepper concoction to reduce the risk of monsoon health illnesses.
• Make sure to say bye-bye to fried, oily and processed food items. These foods can wreak havoc on your stomach health while taking you close to various health ailments like acidity. Not only health, but such foods can also make your skin greasy.
• Keep the spices in your meals low during the monsoon season. Too many spices can increase the risk of water retention and bloat.

Footnote

Paying special attention to your diet during monsoons is essential if you want to remain healthy. Ensure they are all veggies and fruits are washed properly before consumption. This can prevent you from contracting water-borne diseases that spread during this season. Instead, consume more home-cooked meals and opt for hot beverages over cold ones.