Avoid These 10 Monsoon Foods: Green Leafy Veggies, Brinjal, and Mushrooms at Risk

Any change in weather means that temperatures will change rapidly. Along with the weather, our bodies also need to adapt. However, it takes time for the body to acclimatize to the new environment. This means that our bodies cannot change their thermodynamics as quickly as the weather. This is why there is a risk of diseases caused by bacteria or viruses in changing weather. During the rainy season, this risk increases manyfold because rainwater and humidity are conducive to bacteria.

Maintaining Strong Immunity During the Rainy Season

In such situations, having strong immunity to fight diseases is very important. The most significant role in this is played by our lifestyle and eating habits. Therefore, special attention needs to be paid to diet during the rainy season. There are many vegetables that can harm your health during this season. In fact, due to the moisture in the vegetables, bacteria and parasites can easily develop. Hence, caution should be exercised when selecting vegetables during the rainy season.

Expert: Dr. Amrita Mishra, Nutritionist and Dietetics (New Delhi)

Question: What changes should be made in food items with the onset of the rainy season?

Answer: During the rainy season, the risk of infectious diseases is higher because the temperature and humidity in the environment decrease, slowing down metabolism. This negatively affects the immune system. In this season, only seasonal vegetables should be consumed as they are suitable for the body according to the season. Vegetables grown during the summer or winter should be avoided during the rainy season.

Question: Why should leafy green vegetables not be consumed during the rainy season?

Answer: Although leafy green vegetables are rich in nutrients that are essential for keeping the body fit, it is better to avoid them during the rainy season. In this season, the breeding capacity of insects and bacteria increases. Due to rain, leafy vegetables do not get enough sunlight for many days. Due to intense sunlight and heat, bacteria do not grow on the leaves. However, during the rainy season, due to the lack of sunlight and humidity in the air, the likelihood of leaves getting infected by bacteria increases. These bacteria are so small that they are not visible to the naked eye. In such a situation, if leafy vegetables are not washed properly, the risk of infectious diseases increases.

Question: Why should root vegetables not be consumed during the rainy season?

Answer: Vegetables like radish, carrot, or turnip are grown in the soil, making them prone to contamination by soil bacteria. During the rainy season, this risk multiplies because the moisture in the soil increases due to rain. Bacteria proliferate in the rain, which can cause gastrointestinal issues like cancer in the intestines. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Question: Why should brinjal not be consumed during the rainy season?

Answer: Brinjal contains a group of chemical compounds known as alkaloids. These are toxic chemicals that all vegetables, including brinjal, develop to protect themselves from insects and pests. In the monsoon season, the pest problem is more prevalent. In such a situation, there is a risk of fungus developing in brinjal. Consuming brinjal during this season can cause skin allergies, which can manifest as rashes, itching, or blisters on the skin.

Question: Which vegetables should be consumed during the rainy season?

Answer: During the rainy season, the risk of waterborne diseases is higher. Therefore, vegetables rich in antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and fiber should be included in your diet. You can include vegetables like bitter gourd and pointed gourd in your diet, as the vitamin C present in bitter gourd strengthens the immune system. Additionally, by improving the digestive system, it provides relief from many stomach-related problems. Pointed gourd strengthens the immune system and also protects against bacterial infections.

Question: What precautions should be taken while cooking during the rainy season?

Answer: Some precautions should be taken while cooking vegetables during the rainy season, such as:

• Avoid consuming raw vegetables as they may contain bacteria. Also, avoid cucumber salad as it may contain bacteria that are not visible to the naked eye.
• Before cooking, soak the vegetables in hot water with a little salt for 10-15 minutes. This will kill any bacteria present in the vegetables. After that, wash them again with clean water before cooking.
• To avoid the risk of fungus, store the vegetables in a clean and dry place.
• Properly clean knives, cutting boards, and other utensils before using them in cooking.