It's finally monsoon time. The time when raindrops and beautiful weather provide relief from the sweltering heat of the sun. However, because of the increased humidity in the air, this is also the time of year when germs and fungi thrive.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Sowmya Bharani, Lead Nutrition Expert, Lil Goodness, stated, "The moisture content of the air rises during monsoons. People become more prone to infections as a result. Several diseases, especially those related to the stomach and digestion, may be brought on by the heat itself. For many people, metabolism also slows down, causing bloating, gas, indigestion, acidity, etc.
Gourds, radish, cucumbers, garlic, tomatoes, ladies' finger, and other vegetables should be consumed during the monsoon, according to Dr. Bharani. To prevent infections and diseases, there are a number of vegetables that should be avoided during the monsoon. Deepti Khatuja, Head – Clinical Nutritionist, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon further noted down the vegetables that should be avoided during monsoon:
Green leafy vegetables
Crop growth and the occurrence of pests and diseases are both impacted by rainfall. Green leafy vegetables are more likely to become infected because of the moisture and dirt in them. Avoid vegetables like spinach and cabbage in favour of bitter gourd, Bottle Gourd, and tori.
Eggplant
The purple bulb of eggplant is made up of a class of chemicals called alkaloids. In order to protect themselves from insects and other pests, these crops create this deadly substance. The consumption of eggplant or baingan should be kept to a minimum during the wet seasons when insect infestation is at its worst. Alkaloids can produce allergic responses that result in hives, itchy skin, nausea, and skin rashes.
Other than vegetables, there is also a range of food items that should be avoided during monsoon:
Fried food
Our digestive process is slowed down by the intense humidity of the monsoon season. Despite how pakoras, samosas, and kachori may look, they might cause stomach discomfort and bloat. We retain water when we eat a lot of salt. Avoid street foods such as golgappas because the season brings many bugs and bacteria that might lead to a serious sickness.
Fizzy drinks
When we consume carbonated beverages, our bodies lose minerals, which in turn results in drop-in enzyme activity. This is especially bad for someone who already has a damaged digestive system.
Meat and seafood
In order to avoid waterborne diseases and food poisoning, it is best to refrain from consuming meat and seafood during monsoon.
