Is It Okay To Have Imli Or Tamarind During Monsoons? Experts Reveal

It is true that there is no other season like monsoon — it is our favourite too for the respite it brings from the blistering heat of summers. How we wait to finish our work quickly, just to steal some moments of the perfectly nippy, rainy weather. Sipping into our cup of masala tea and nibbling into some piping hot pakodas are some of our most favourite monsoon activities too. But, we have to agree that the season does come along with its fair share of challenges, especially those pertaining to our overall health and immunity.

(Also Read: Here's Why You Should Not Eat Raw Foods During Monsoon )

The season change also calls for some tweaks in our diet. There are certain foods that aren't advisable to eat, and then there are some that are unnecessarily infamous. It is said that sour foods like tamarind, pickles and chutney should be avoided in monsoon. Tamarind has a sweet-sour flavour, excess consumption of which could apparently lead to water retention in body — this may increase risk of discomfort and affect overall health. Eating excess sour foods may also aggravate the kapha dosh as per Ayurveda, and this imbalance may lead to problems like cold and sore throat. Given how we all love to dunk our samosa in imly chutney in this sultry weather, are we putting our health at risk? We asked some experts.

(Also Read: Monsoon Diet: 7 Delicious Drinks To Help You Stay Hydrated In Monsoon )

"Tamarind that is brought off the roads are subject to a lot of bacterial contamination due to moisture. Hence, to be safe one is told not to consume such tamarind for hygiene purposes. While many say it triggers water retention, there is no conclusive research or study to prove this.  If you have been having it for long enough and it has not caused any serious health issue then there is no reason why you should not have it in monsoons, " says  Delnaaz T. Chanduwadia, Chief Dietitian, Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre.

Abhilasha V, Senior Clinical Nutritionist of Cloudnine group of Hospitals, Bangalore, also believes that there is no cause to worry if tamarind is consumed in moderation. She says  "tamarind (or Imli) helps strengthen the immune system and hence is beneficial during the monsoons to fight viral and bacterial infections. It has lot of antioxidant properties, which help reduce atherosclerosis. It helps in maintaining gut function by helping in easing constipation. It also has potassium content, which could help control blood pressure if used in small amounts daily. During pregnancy, expecting mothers with severe acidity should use caution while consuming tamarind in excess amounts."

(This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.)