Ultimately, we get the monsoon after the scorching heat and this time we feel ravenously hungry. Digestion becomes quite easy this time and we crave for varieties types of fast foods. Digging into a plate of piping hotĀ pakodasĀ (fritters) with a cup of tea has been one of nation’s favourite monsoon pastimes since time immemorial. And, so has been our irresistible cravings to have street food.
While eating out occasionally does no harm, it is when you start bingeing too often that the problem arises. According to experts, one needs to be extra cautious during monsoon as during this time one is more prone to infections, our immunity too tends to take a dip during this particular season.
One should avoid street foods during this season as the damps weather leads to the rise of germs and diseases like indigestion, conjunctivitis, typhoid and dengue. One of the first victims of monsoon season is our tummy, which needs extra attention.Ā “You should particularly avoid street food during monsoon because they are partially cooked, which promotes bacterial growth. Gol Gappa lovers need to ensure they have it fromĀ trusted places.
The water used in the Gol Gappa can be a host to bacteria that can cause severe stomach infection. The moisture-ridden atmosphere is a perfect breeding ground of bacteria and microbes. Most of these street food vendors keep their food outside, which makes it more exposed to contamination,” says Bangalore-based nutritionist, Dr. Anju Sood. She also suggests someĀ do’s and don’ts that one should keep in mind while eating out.
Monsoon Diet Tips:
1. Always consume cooked food. Try to void raw or semi-cooked food as they may have germs and insects. Cooking raw/semi-cooked foods would ensure the germs are killed in the heat. When you are eating corn cobs orĀ bhutta,Ā make sure it is well-roasted.
2. Consume freshly prepared food. Make sure the food is kept at its ambient temperature.
3. Ditch heavy, oily and very spicy or sugary foods. The humid monsoon weather tends to slow our digestion, which can cause problems like bloating, gas, acidity and indigestion. Besides you never know the oil that they use is of good quality.
4. Avoid Gol Gappas or snacks that include water, you never know whether that is contaminated with disease-causing germs. For that matter, avoid drinking water from any source other than sealed bottles and water purifiers.
5. Do not consume food that is kept outside. Roadside pav bhaji andĀ CholaĀ kulchaĀ may have a bevvy of germs that could cause indigestion and infection.
6.Ā Eating fresh fruits is the best thing you can do. These are most recommended rainy season food. Your temptation to have mangoes during monsoon is understandable but avoid having too many of them as they can cause pimples and indigestion issues.
7. Keep your body well hydrated to make it function optimally. Drink a lot of purified water. Instead of milk take yoghurt or curd.
8. Instead of consuming raw salad, take steamed one and steamed sprouts as during the rainy season viral and bacterial infection are at the highest level.
9.Ā You need to avoid all the food that can lead to water retention or have a high water content as they will create swelling in your body. Try to have foods that are drying in nature like gram flour and corn flour.
So, enjoy the monsoon following the above-mentioned tips and stay healthy.
