It is that time of the year again. The monsoon showers are here to take all our summer woes away. The arrival of the much-awaited rains has also triggered a bevy of our monsoon indulgences. Piping hot chai, pakodas, instant noodles; the list in endless. But that's not everything that the nippy weather brings along with itself. Monsoon is also the time when our chances of catching an infection or flu are fairly high, because of all the germs and bacteria around. Cases of upset stomach, diarrhoea, and food poisoning are especially rampant during this weather, which is why experts often advice to keep the diet clean and light during monsoon. There are a plenty of dietary do's and don'ts that one must ensure during monsoon and one of them is avoiding raw foods or semi-cooked foods.
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Here's what the experts say:
"The moisture-ridden atmosphere is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and microbes," says Bangalore-based nutritionist, Dr. Anju Sood. This is why it is better to practice caution in not just what you eat but how you eat it too. "Always consume cooked food. Avoid raw or semi-cooked food as it may have germs and insects. Cooking raw/semi-cooked foods would ensure that the germs are killed in the heat. When you are eating corn cob, or bhutta, make sure it is well-roasted," she adds.
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Cooked food is much easier to breakdown and digest once it enters the system. It is also said that warm food is beneficial for gut health as it makes nutrients more bioavailable. In monsoons, when our digestion is not particularly at its peak, it is a better idea to have cooked foods.
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During this time, it is also recommended to avoid street foods like momos or bhelpuri. Sushi lovers should also be a little cautious with their favourite sea food delights. Made with raw fish, sushi is not quite an ideal pick for the monsoons. Raw meat preparations are also not advisable to have during the rainy season. Make sure it is well cooked, baked or grilled.
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Macrobiotic Nutritionist and Health Practitioner, Shilpa Arora says, "During monsoon, waterborne and airborne infections intensify due to the presence of bacteria around. One of the worst victims of the same is our digestive system, which becomes acutely vulnerable. Raw food provides breeding ground for bacteria to multiply. One must be careful of what they eat in monsoons. Avoid raw seafood as well. Be cautious about your salads too."
This monsoon make sure your food is well cooked to avoid bacterial infections.