The rains bring joy and cool breezes—but also increase the risk of infections. Here’s how to eat smart and stay healthy during monsoon.
As the monsoon season sets in, our cravings spike—think hot pakoras, roadside chaat, and endless cups of masala chai. While the rain brings relief from summer heat, it also creates a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses, raising the risk of waterborne illnesses, indigestion, and food poisoning. That’s why your monsoon diet needs special attention. Choosing the right foods can strengthen your immunity, aid digestion, and help you enjoy the season without falling sick.
Let’s explore what to eat and what to avoid during monsoon, along with the science behind each suggestion.
✅ What to Eat During Monsoon
1. Seasonal Fruits like Pears, Jamun, Apples, and Pomegranates
These fruits are rich in antioxidants and fiber and help improve digestion, which often slows down in humid weather. They also boost immunity and keep infections at bay.
Avoid cut fruits sold on the roadside as they may be contaminated by dirty water or flies.
2. Light, Warm, and Cooked Foods
During monsoon, digestion becomes sluggish. Eat light, freshly cooked meals like moong dal, khichdi, soups, and steamed vegetables. These are easy to digest and reduce the load on the gut.
Steaming is better than raw salads in monsoon to prevent bacterial contamination.
3. Spices That Boost Immunity
Incorporate ginger, garlic, turmeric, pepper, and asafoetida (hing) in your cooking. These not only enhance flavor but also have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
A pinch of hing or ajwain helps prevent bloating, which is common in monsoon.
4. Herbal Teas and Warm Fluids
Sip on tulsi, ginger, cinnamon, or mint tea to keep your respiratory system clear and boost immunity. Warm liquids also help in keeping the body temperature balanced in fluctuating weather.
Add honey and lemon to your tea for added Vitamin C and antioxidants.
5. Probiotic-Rich Foods
Consume curd, buttermilk (chhaas), and fermented foods in moderation. These promote gut health and aid digestion. However, make sure they’re fresh and not cold.
Always consume curd at room temperature, not straight out of the fridge.
🚫 What to Avoid During Monsoon
1. Leafy Greens Like Spinach and Cabbage
While generally healthy, leafy greens tend to carry mud, worms, and bacteria during monsoon. The moisture also makes them more susceptible to fungal growth.
If consumed, wash thoroughly in warm water and cook well.
2. Fried and Street Food
Tempting though they may be, roadside foods like pani puri, samosas, or bhajiyas are risky due to unhygienic oil and contaminated water. These foods can cause indigestion or food poisoning.
If craving fried food, make it at home using fresh oil and clean ingredients.
3. Excess Dairy and Cold Milk Products
Cold milk, cream-heavy desserts, or ice creams can lead to phlegm formation and respiratory discomfort. During monsoon, the body struggles to digest heavy dairy.
If consuming dairy, keep it minimal and always lukewarm.
4. Seafood and Non-Vegetarian Street Food
Avoid seafood during monsoon as it is breeding season, and fish is more prone to contamination. Meat sold in the open may spoil quickly in the humid air.
Stick to home-cooked, fresh, and well-cooked non-vegetarian meals.
5. Carbonated Drinks and Excess Caffeine
Cold sodas and too much caffeine can dehydrate your body and disturb digestion. During monsoon, hydration should come from warm, nutritious liquids.
Instead, opt for coconut water, lemon water, or herbal decoctions.