Monsoon Diet Alert: These 8 Foods to Avoid During the Rainy Season
Monsoon Diet Alert: These 8 Foods to Avoid During the Rainy Season
Stay safe and healthy by skipping these common items that could cause trouble in the wet months.
Monsoon brings relief from the heat, but it also increases the chances of food contamination and waterborne infections. The high humidity, stagnant water, and damp surroundings create the perfect environment for bacteria, fungus, and parasites to thrive. That’s why your plate needs to adapt as much as your wardrobe.
Here are some foods best avoided during this season:
Street Food
Tempting as it may be, roadside chaats, samosas, and sandwiches are often exposed to open air, polluted water, and unhygienic conditions. Avoid these to reduce your risk of stomach infections.
Leafy Green Vegetables
While usually healthy, greens like spinach, methi, and lettuce tend to trap dirt and moisture during the rains, making them harder to clean. If you do consume them, wash them thoroughly and cook them well.
Seafood
Fish and shellfish spoil faster in the monsoon due to improper storage and transport. With the sea often turbulent and fishing discouraged, much of the seafood available may not be fresh. It’s best to skip it during these months.
Pre-Cut Fruits
Fruits sold in the open, already sliced, attract flies and are prone to bacterial growth. Even at home, avoid storing cut fruits for long—always eat freshly chopped portions.
Fried Foods
While bhajiyas and pakoras feel like a monsoon tradition, oily and heavy foods can strain the digestive system, which is already sluggish during the rains. Moderation is key if you can’t resist.
Raw Sprouts
Raw sprouts, though packed with nutrients, can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria during the monsoon. Lightly steaming or sautéing them is a safer option.
Carbonated Beverages
Sodas and fizzy drinks may interfere with digestion and can lead to bloating. They also offer no nutritional value and can weaken your system when your immunity needs to be strongest.
What You Can Do Instead
Stick to freshly prepared, home-cooked meals. Include immune-boosting ingredients like ginger, turmeric, garlic, and seasonal fruits such as pears, jamun, and pomegranate. Drink boiled or filtered water, and keep everything you eat clean, simple, and warm.
Your digestive system needs extra care during this season. A little mindfulness about what you eat goes a long way in keeping you energetic, infection-free, and enjoying the rains worry-free.
