A balanced diet consisting of whole grains, fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts and oilseeds, milk and dairy products, poultry, fish prepared in a hygienic manner ensures that the body receives all essential nutrients
Due to the weather change, immunity is usually affected and the importance of healthy eating increases
The transition from a very hot season to a wonderfully cooling rainy season is undoubtedly soothing. However, the monsoon also brings its fair share of health problems if not addressed in time. During this season, we are susceptible to a wide variety of health problems, including food poisoning, diarrhea, infections, and the flu. Due to this weather transition, immunity is usually compromised and hence healthy eating can keep us at bay from these diseases.
Dr. Eileen Canday, Head of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital shares certain foods that one should regularly include in their diet during monsoon:
- Turmeric
Curcumin in turmeric provides antibacterial properties that fight against common bacterial infections that are easily caught during the monsoon. - Fermented foods
Foods such as curd, masala buttermilk, and pickled vegetables aid in the inclusion of probiotics in the diet, which helps protect gut health. - Fruit and vegetables
Locally grown fruits such as berries, apricots, papaya and vegetables such as pumpkin, gourds and beans help increase the intake of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium, which contribute to good immunity. - Spices
Indian masala tea made with fresh spices like ginger, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, tulsi leaves and dried black pepper are soothing to the intestines and aid in digestion. - Nuts and seeds
Foods like walnuts and flax seeds contain healthy fats like omega 3, which are anti-inflammatory and help us fight infections.
Foods to avoid:
- fried food
Monsoons and food, especially anything fried and crispy, including pakoras, samosas, are connected by a tantalizing thread. Your favorite fried foods can make your mouth feel blissful, but their excessive consumption can also cause bloating and indigestion. - Green leafy vegetables
One should be careful when buying vegetables from local markets. Leafy green vegetables should be thoroughly cleaned as worm infestation is most likely to occur this season. - Undercooked food
Food items such as undercooked eggs, chicken or meat, over-the-counter or open street foods can be contaminated and so should be avoided to keep infections at bay. Pollution of drinking water is common in monsoon so boiled orfiltered water
before drinking and food preparations is crucial to prevent any infections.
A balanced diet consisting of whole grains, fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts and oilseeds, milk and dairy products, poultry and fish that are hygienically prepared ensures that the body receives all essential nutrients. One cannot drink enough water due to the lack of thirst, but it is essential for optimal health.