Why you must avoid salads and fish in the monsoon

This is the breeding season for fish, which means you are at risk of eating fish with eggs, which may lead to food poisoning, warns Delnaaz Chanduwadia.

Monsoons are the time when cravings surge and exercise plummets.

This season calls for fried pakodas and bhajiyas.

However, it is best to stay away from these kinds of foods.

1. Avoid fried snacks

Fried foods should be avoided.

Apart from being unhealthy, it is also scientifically proven that the moist weather slows down the digestion of food and causes symptoms of bloating.

The weather brings with it its fair share of infections and occasional flu.

It becomes important to consume fresh fruits, to make the best of the seasonal fruits and the nutritional value they impart.

2. Avoid greens

As against what we have heard commonly to consume green leafy vegetables, these are best avoided during the monsoons.

This means, avoid cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, methi etc.

These vegetables carry a high amount of microbes due to the dirt and grime and could lead to gastrointestinal issues.

Avoid raw salads, go for boiled veggies.

Choose gourd vegetables like bottle gourd, bitter gourd, ridge gourd etc.

It's also important to wash all your vegetables, clean and cook them thoroughly.

Foods with a short shelf life shouldn’t be consumed. Fruits that are cut should be consumed immediately.

3. Avoid seafood

Seafood, especially fish is best avoided during the monsoon.

It is the breeding season for fish, which means you are at risk of eating fish with eggs.

This could lead to poisoning and other stomach infections.

You can replace it with chicken and lamb provided the meat is fresh and cooked well.

4. Avoid processed and preserved foods

Processed foods are high in salt and sugar, which would also lead to water retention. Hence, it is best avoided.

5. Avoid mushrooms

Mushrooms are the least clean among vegetables and best avoided during the monsoons.

6. Avoid street food

Most street foods are prepared in an unhygienic set up.

There is an increased risk of salmonella and other infections, that could lead to instant poisoning.

The slightest contamination can cause diarrhoea or jaundice.

7. Avoid fizzy drinks

Soda based drinks are high on sugar and delay the digestive process.

It is healthier to choose warm drinks like ginger tea which will help soothe the sensitive tummy. 

Even though you may not feel thirsty, it is important to hydrate yourself from time to time.

Delnaaz T Chanduwadia is chief dietician at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre.

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