Long drives, gusty winds, jumping in puddles and enjoying savouries, can be anybody’s longing desire, to enjoy the monsoon. However, our body is more vulnerable to infections, during the monsoons. Water-borne diseases like diarrhoea, food poisoning and viral infections like the common cold, cough and allergies, can ruin your day and spoil the fun. Not only that, the monsoons, also bring with them the desire to have hot pakoras and samosas, with cups and cups of hot tea. While that can satisfy cravings, it can play havoc with the digestive system. Taking quick-fix pills and home remedies further aggravates health.
Boost your immunity with this interesting monsoon diet and reduce the risk of falling sick.
1. Power up on nutrients and antioxidants – Fruits like cherries, plums, papaya, jamun and pomegranate, are rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Full of fibre, vitamins and minerals, like potassium and iron, these fruits help to boost immunity and keep us healthy and fit. Just make sure, that they are washed thoroughly.
2. Say Yes to nuts and seeds – A handful of nuts can provide you, with healthy fats, vitamins and minerals, which not only improve our physical health but also boost mental health.
3. Spice up on Spices – Turn to your kitchen for the powerhouse of health, in our daily spices, like turmeric, ginger, garlic and pepper. They are not only laden with anti-inflammatory properties but also have anti-bacterial and antiviral properties which can boost immunity and fight disease-causing germs.
4. Gourds – Come monsoon and we see different types of gourds at the vegetable vendor. Gourds are very high in water content, and therefore keep you hydrated. Bottle gourds and bitter gourds are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
5. Probiotics – Known to improve digestion and build immunity, probiotic foods are a must-have during monsoons. They help to fight off disease-causing pathogens or bad bacteria, that contaminate food or drinking water. Therefore, regular consumption of probiotics can help to eliminate pathogens or bad bacteria, which may cause disease and infection.
6. Reduce salt intake – High intake of salt causes water retention and high blood pressure. Lower your salt intake during the monsoon season, to avoid other problems.
7. Boil it well – Drink boiled water to stay hydrated. Boiling kills viruses and bacteria, which are harmful to human health. Drinking water sometimes gets contaminated because of the heavy rains, hence drinking boiled water is a much safer option.
So, while the rains pour and the wind roars, to stay fit, keep your immune system strong and enjoy the weather.
Ingredients
- Half cup cornflakes
- 2 bottles Yakult Light
- 1/4th cup almonds (sliced)
- 1/4th cup walnuts (crushed)
- Half apple (grated)
- Raisins (1 teaspoon)
- Vanilla extract (1/4th teaspoon)
Method
- Put all ingredients in an airtight jar.
- Mix and stir well.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Serve chilled and enjoy.