Monsoons are here and that means the pitter-patter of rain, clean air, vibrant greenery and of course, a great many insta-worthy moments. While the rainy season brings respite from the scorching heat, it also brings with it a series of infections and the contagious flu, and that’s not what you want this time of year to bring you. Hence, it is important for us to avoid doing certain things, and even eating certain foods, in order to stay healthy during this time.
We’ve rounded up a list of foods for you to avoid this monsoon, to help you make the most of this wonderful time of year.
Deep-fried food
Pakoras with tea is an irresistible snack during monsoons. However, they are deep-fried which is not-so-healthy even if they are made at home. Humidity levels are generally high during the rainy season because of which the body’s digestive ability is reduced. Therefore, consuming fried and oily foods can lead to an upset stomach, bloating and indigestion.
Sour foods
Sour foods like tamarind, chutneys and pickles can cause water retention in the body which can make you fall sick in the rainy season. Since, pakoras and other oily foods are out of the picture, it shouldn’t be too hard to let go of the chutneys as well.
Seafood
Monsoon is the breeding season for fish and other sea creatures. Many fish contain eggs inside their bodies which when consumed can cause stomach infection or severe food poisoning. So it's better to steer clear of seafood during the rainy season.
Green leafy vegetables
Green leafy vegetables, which is otherwise an extremely healthy food option, should be avoided in the monsoon as much as possible. The humidity in the weather and the natural dampness in the vegetables make it the perfect breeding ground for germs. Put lettuce, spinach, cabbage and cauliflower on the 'not to consume list' for this season.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms generally grow in damp areas and should be cleaned properly before consumption. During the rainy season, the risk of bacterial infections is way higher. Therefore, to be on the safer side, it is recommended not to eat mushrooms during the monsoon.