"Don't eat pani puris and chaats in the summer season" - our mothers have been advising us since time immemorial, and their universal reason remains: the chaat's 'khatta pani' (tangy water) can make you fall sick. Did you give in to this concept as a kid? Let's agree, most of us did! But today, as grown-ups, we realize it was all true. Hence, it's more important than ever to understand how eating these street food delights throughout the season can hamper our health. Fret not, as always, we've got your back. We've listed a few reasons why one should avoid street food during the summer season. Read on.
Also Read: 'Pani Puri Vs Earth': Harsh Goenka Shares Amusing Post On The Street Food
4 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Street Food In Summer
1. Increases the risk of foodborne illnesses:
Street foods are mostly kept in the open, making them unhygienic to some extent. During the summers, the humid conditions facilitate pathogen growth in food, making it even more unhygienic. This further increases the risk of foodborne illnesses.
2. Food spoils quickly:
Most stalls selling samosas, chaat, and pakodas don't have refrigerators, even during the summer season. As a result, the food gets easily ruined by extreme heat, making it tasteless and unsafe for consumption.
3. Too spicy to handle during the summers:
Summer calls for foods that are cool and soul-soothing. But, if you look into the range of street foods in India, most of them are oily, greasy, and super decadent. These factors often lead to stomach issues, indigestion, acidity, and more.
4. May lead to dehydration:
Extra spicy street foods often heat up your body during the summer season, leading to dehydration and creating an imbalance of water in the body.
We hope that now you have the real story behind those 'Big NOs' for street foods during the summer. This brings up the next question: should you totally give up eating out during the season? Absolutely not! Instead, keep some smart tips in mind while stepping out for indulgence sessions.
Also Read: India To Get Clean And Hygienic 100 Food Streets Across The Country
Here Are 5 Tips To Remember While Eating Out:
1. Choose light food options:
There's no dearth of options of street foods in India. Try to go for the lighter ones, like chatpata fruit chaat, that can easily be digested.
2. Eat it fresh:
Try not to eat foods that are cooked and kept for long. Have the ones that are freshly made to avoid food-borne diseases.
3. Control portion size:
We understand controlling yourself while eating samosas or pakodas can be quite tough. But, in this situation, you have to be strong and control the portion size of the foods you eat to avoid indigestion.
4. Go for frozen treats:
During the summers, you have street-side kulfis to relish. And they are not that unhealthy too. So, we say, don't worry and enjoy kulfi during the summers - but of course, in moderation.
5. Keep yourself hydrated:
Whatever you eat, pair it with a good amount of fluid to keep yourself cool and hydrated. Staying cool may also help you avoid several gut-related problems, including bowel issues and indigestion.
Keep these tips handy and enjoy the summer season to the fullest.
Disclaimer: 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.