Why Your Food Choices Matter More During Monsoon

Your body does not experience monsoons the same way you do. As the weather changes, so do the challenges your body faces. During the monsoon, increased humidity and fluctuating temperatures create favourable conditions for bacteria growth, making food and water more likely to become contaminated. Digestive complaints such as bloating, indigestion and stomach infections become more common.

Foods to Embrace This Monsoon

Seasonal foods like ginger, turmeric, amla, moong dal and jamun are among the most recommended for building immunity and supporting digestion. Nutritionists encourage eating vitamin C-rich foods like amla, including zinc sources like pumpkin seeds, and keeping your gut healthy with light, easily digestible foods like moong dal.

Corn, or bhutta, is practically inseparable from monsoon in India. It is a good source of vitamin C, B vitamins and antioxidants like zeaxanthin and lutein, which help protect cells from oxidative damage. Roasted with lime and salt, it is one of the more enjoyable healthy foods the season offers.

Foods Ayurveda Says to Avoid

Ayurveda recommends reducing curd consumption during monsoon, especially at night. Cold drinks and iced foods should also be avoided. Deep-fried foods, including the beloved pakoras, can be heavy on digestion. Leafy greens in excess are not recommended as rainy weather naturally brings more moisture, making leafy vegetables more prone to contamination and difficult digestion.

The Power of Indian Herbs and Spices

Use plenty of Indian herbs like turmeric, coriander, fenugreek, mustard, asafoetida, ginger, curry leaves and garlic as all these help in boosting immunity. Hydrate well as sweating leads to loss of fluids and electrolytes. Drink coconut water, fresh lime water, freshly made juices, lassi and fresh soups.

Warm, Cooked Meals Are Key

Ayurveda sees monsoon as a time to lean into warm, freshly cooked meals. Khichdi, warm dals, light sabzis, soups and a little ghee for nourishment are recommended. Eat only cooked food during this period and stop eating after 8 pm. Pumpkins, ash gourd, yams, onions, garlic and tomato are good to consume this season.

Practical Tips for Daily Meals

According to Ayurveda, food should be cooked properly and meals should be light, fresh, easily digestible and home-cooked. Limit consumption of fried and oily food. Go for light and fresh cooked food instead. Avoid eating raw vegetables as they contain bacteria and virus. Prefer drinking only boiled and filtered water consumed within 24 hours.