Everyone has a love-hate relationship with the monsoon season. While it works as a relief from all the scorching heat of May and June, the cold and flu that comes with the rains can be pretty annoying. But, by working a little on your diet and keeping a check on what you are eating, you can boost your immune system and possibly say goodbye to unwanted sickness. Here's a list of all the foods you can consume to strengthen you immunity and stay fit when the rains hit.
1. Eat light and seasonal
In India, we are blessed with abundance of so many varieties of fruits and vegetables throughout the year. Each season comes with its own special stock you surely cannot miss eating and if you are someone who avoids including seasonal fruits and veggies in your diet, please stop!!
Seasonal fruits include peaches, plum, cherries, jamun which are rich in Vitamin A, anti-oxidants and fiber while vegetables you should definitely eat during this time are gourds (bottle gourd, ridge gourd, Indian squash, etc.). Avoid leafy greens because there are chances of them being contaminated (or wash them thoroughly in salt water to remove impurities). You should also have sweet potatoes, yam, brinjal and pumpkin.
Try eating foods that are light, easily digestible and yet provide sufficient energy to get you through the day. Include cereals like barley, corn and gram; avoid fermented foods, meat, fish and pork.
2. Include spices in your diet
Spices are probably the easiest and most convenient way to boost your immune system. Every food that you eat contains at least one spice, use these flavouring agents to work in your benefit. Ginger, turmeric, garlic, pepper, cinnamon, cardamom are all rich in anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial properties, which can really help you during monsoon season. You can add ginger, cinnamon and cardamom to your morning tea; have turmeric milk; use ginger, garlic and pepper while making curries and sabzis. The possibilities are truly endless.
3. Probiotics
Probiotics help in the growth of good bacteria, which boost digestion and keep the gut healthy (and a healthy gut means a healthy body). Curd, buttermilk, pickled vegetables are some common sources of probiotics. Try consuming buttermilk as much as possible, but in case, having curd, add salt/sugar/amla powder to make it more digestible. Kombucha are also good sources of probiotics. Check out Tassyam's range of Kombucha here.
4. Have your fluids
Keeping your body hydrated is a pre-requisite to having a healthy body. Water is the best way to keep the hydration in check. In addition, include soups, herbal teas, dal, broths, coconut water in your diet. All these help in detoxifying the body, keep the electrolyte balance in check and are essential in building a strong immune system.
5. Eat nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are packed with nutrients, healthy fats, anti-oxidants and vitamins and have been known to boost immunity since time unknown. Instead of munching on unhealthy evening snacks, take handful of raw and 100% natural almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts and dates.