Top 6 Seasonal Foods to Incorporate in Monsoons

Monsoon is definitely a pleasant season as it gives us relief from the scorching heat, dripping sweat and lazy vibes. However, with the chilled air, breezy days and a unique fragrance of drizzly land, it can also increase the risk of various bacterial infections which can lead to various health ailments like cough, cold and flu. Virtuous health during the season of monsoon all depends upon your hygiene and the type of food you are consuming. Picking up the right food during monsoon can not only decrease the risk of various diseases but also help you in boosting your energy so that you can enjoy the freshness of this season.

Here we jot down some of the seasonal foods that you can incorporate in your diet during monsoon to enhance your nutritional profile and to keep the diseases at bay.

• Bottle gourd: Bottle gourd aka lauki is well-known as one of the nutritious vegetables to consume during this season. It contains various essential nutrients like fibre, iron, Vitamin C and B and help in keeping in the digestive problems at bay. The calories found in this vegetable are extremely less which keep your stomach happy and healthy. In addition to this, it keeps the body cool, gives you heart-healthy nutrients and cures health problems that come with the rainy season.
• Pears: The various health benefits and nutrients found in pears make it a versatile fruit to consume during the season of monsoon. Pears are rich in antioxidants, dietary fibre and various other essential nutrients which help in losing weight while reducing the risks of various health ailments like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Not only this, but it also helps in boosting the immune system and thereby reduces the risk of common cold and flu during the monsoon.
• Tinda (Indian round gourd): Indian round gourd or tinda is extremely nutritious and delicious. This vegetable is rich in water content and fibre and Vitamin B, C which can provide various health benefits to the human body. Adding this vegetable in your diet can keep the digestive problems like bloating, acidity and burning sensations at bay and helps in the effective functioning of the bowels. Be it bharvan, with puree or cooked with tomatoes- there are plenty of ways to cook and enjoy this vegetable.
• Jamun: Jamun offers a wide variety of nutrients like Vitamins, potassium, folate, and iron and consuming these during the season of monsoon are extremely beneficial for the overall health and well-being. Jamuns are low in calories which makes it a humble fruit to snack on. Consumption of jamuns also helps in digestion and bowel movement. The bioactive phytochemicals found in it is extremely beneficial for the kidneys and liver and helps in reducing blood sugar levels. You can consume it in juice (unstrained) or enjoy it raw with black salt to get the maximum health benefits.
• Sweet Potato: This is the healthiest root vegetable that you can consume during the rainy season. Sweet potato offers various nutrients like Vitamin A, C, fibre, manganese and many other which helps in enhancing the gut health, eye health, brain health and immune system. Baked, roast, or boiled- you can cook sweet Potatoes in various ways and enjoy it with your favourite herbs and spices.
• Radish: Radish is extremely nutritious and can give various health benefits to the human body. Radish is packed with Vitamins E, A, C, B6, K, antioxidants, fibre, zinc, potassium, calcium, iron and manganese which helps in keeping your digestive tract healthy, reducing blood pressure, treating common cold while decreasing the risk of various other ailments that comes with the monsoon.

Over to you
Do include these seasonal foods in your diet during monsoon to keep yourself in fine fettle. Apart from this, try not to add green leafy vegetables in your diet as there are high chances of bacteria and microbes in it during this season. If you are consuming it, wash these veggies thoroughly in salt water.