With the rains just around the corner, one needs to eat healthy food so as to avoid falling sick in monsoons. It is important to have a perfectly healthy body and for that, one needs to be a little more careful about the food we consume.
Well, here’s a quick guide on the must have foods for monsoons.These are the foods that would helptoboost your immunity and ward off a lot of diseases this monsoon. Nature seems to have provided for these foods specifically keeping the monsoons in mind.
- Foods Rich in Zinc
ZINC is an important mineral during monsoon as it is helps improve gut health and relieve symptoms of diarrhea. Good sources of zinc are protein rich foods like eggs, dairy and its products, cashew, pumpkin seeds and mushrooms.
One can fight infections and gastrointestinal problems by being proactive. Start including pumpkin seeds and nuts in our daily diet at the onset of monsoons. - Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are rich in antioxidants, iron, zinc, magnesium and many other nutrients. The antioxidants help protect against disease and reduce inflammation. It is easy to incorporate them into our diet.
– As a snack, they can be eaten either raw or roasted, salted or unsalted.
– One can add them to breakfast cereals, salad bowls, curd, soups and fruits.
– Try and make pumpkin seed tea. Check out our recipe section for the same.
- White Turmeric
Commonly known as Amba Haldi as it imparts raw mango flavor but looks a lot like ginger. It is a seasonal plant abundantly available only during monsoons. One should consume the fresh root and feel the difference in their system because of its high anti inflammatory and strong antibiotic properties. It also works wonders for arthritis patients by providing relief from joint pains.
It helps get rid of throat infections as well as nasal and bronchial congestion.
- Yellow Turmeric
This brightly coloured spice has traditionally been known as a natural antiseptic and antibiotic agent. Drinking turmeric infused milk is a sure shot cure when we suffer from a bout of cough or fever. Turmeric is also known to keep the levels of blood sugar under control.
As with Amba haldi, it is preferable to have raw turmeric root as it has the essential oils that enhance its healing properties. - Garlic
Packed with antioxidants, these cloves are rich with immunity boosting properties. It also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties which are immensely beneficial in rainy season as this season is conducive for the growth of microorganisms. They also help ease our digestive system so that the metabolic rate does not hit rock bottom.
Add garlic to hot soups, stews, broths, curries, salad dressings, dips to fight sinusitis, cough and cold. - Ginger
This root has magical medicinal properties that protect the body against many ailments. However, in monsoons, it specifically plays an important role in fighting flu and inflammations in our upper respiratory track. What is noteworthy about this spice is that it accentuates the properties of other herbs when combined with it.
We are used to adding ginger in our cup of tea but you may experiment with making a ginger infusion. Grate some fresh ginger into a mug of warm water and squeeze in a lemon (or better still add lemon grass). Mix 1 tsp of honey. Lo and behold, a daily dose of our immune boosting supplement is ready!
- Black Pepper
These fiery black beads are not just zingy, but come with an awesome dose of good health. Black pepper being antibacterial in nature is a natural antidote for fever, cough, cold, muscular pain, flu, and various respiratory conditions. It is a must include rainy season food and should hold a place of pride in the kitchen.
One may add ½ a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper powder to turmeric milk, to concoct a life elixir.
- Fruits and Vegetables Rich in Vitamin C
Almost all the fruits available in this season are important as they are rich in vitamin C and thus help fight infections and gain immunity against the changing weather. These include peaches, plums, cherries, litchi, Jamun etc.
Litchi, being rich in dietary fiber and high in vitamin C, B and potassium, is highly recommended. The fiber in litchi helps keep the digestive system clean and aids in cases of acidity while vitamin C helps in fighting the common cold.
Keep your spirits high as well as the intake of the above-mentioned foods and you are going to have a smooth sailing this monsoon.
