The monsoon season brings welcome relief from the scorching summer heat. The cool breeze, gentle showers, and earthy aroma of wet soil make it a favourite time of year for many. However, along with the beauty and comfort it offers, the rainy season also brings a surge in waterborne diseases and food-related infections. The combination of moisture, humidity, and fluctuating temperatures creates an ideal environment for bacterial and fungal growth, making food hygiene more critical than ever.
To stay healthy and avoid falling ill during the monsoon, it’s essential to watch what you eat. Here are five common food items you should avoid during the rainy season and why skipping them might be the best choice for your well-being.
- Cut Fruits
As tempting as it may be to grab pre-cut fruits from vendors or open-air stalls, it’s best to steer clear during the monsoons. The exposed surfaces of the fruits are prone to contamination from air pollutants and moisture, which can lead to bacterial growth. Humid weather accelerates this process, making cut fruits a potential carrier of infections. Instead, always wash fruits thoroughly and cut them just before eating.
- Street Food
Chaat, pakoras, and other savoury delights might be monsoon favourites, but street food is a major culprit when it comes to stomach upsets during this season. The use of contaminated water, unhygienic preparation conditions, and constant exposure to moisture increase the chances of foodborne illnesses. Monsoon rains can also mix with drainage water, leading to bacterial breeding grounds near food stalls. Home-cooked alternatives are a safer bet. - Seafood
While seafood is a staple for many, it’s best to avoid it during the monsoon. This is the breeding season for most marine life, meaning the chances of contamination and spoilage are high. Additionally, acidic rains can pollute water bodies, affecting the quality of the catch. Consuming seafood during this period may lead to infections or allergic reactions, so it’s better to wait until the season passes.
- Spicy Food
Monsoon weather impacts digestion. The body’s metabolic rate slows down, and consuming spicy or oily food can aggravate issues like acidity, bloating, and indigestion. Instead of overloading your gut, choose light, mildly seasoned meals that are easier to digest and promote gut health.
- Raw Leafy Greens
Spinach, lettuce, and other leafy vegetables tend to carry dirt, worms, and harmful microbes during the rainy season. Washing them thoroughly is often not enough. Raw consumption can lead to gastrointestinal infections. To enjoy their nutrients safely, cook leafy greens well before eating.
Choosing safe, freshly prepared food is the key to enjoying monsoon in good health. Stay mindful, eat clean, and let the rains refresh, not ruin, your well-being.
