New Delhi: The monsoons have arrived and are accompanied by a sense of excitement. Truly there is nothing like the rainy season. But along with the rains comes the risk of multiple infections and stomach issues. This is why it is important to have Sampann (wholesome) monsoon diet to keep monsoon health woes at bay and keep us healthy during this difficult season. 

The top food picks that must be included in our Sarvagunn Sampann diet during this season are turmeric, unpolished pulses, raw mangoes, pepper, corn and raw onions.

Turmeric and black pepper

Around this time infections are on an all-time high and immunity on an all-time low so include foods like garlic, onions and methi seeds in your diet daily. Also, depend on pure spices. Have Haldi doodh every day during this season. But make sure you source turmeric powder that has 3% curcumin. And don’t forget to add a pinch of pepper too, as that helps the body absorb curcumin better. In fact, pepper is a brilliant immunity booster on its own, too. But it is important to pick spices that contain natural oils to not just get better, enhanced flavour but also more health benefits.

Raw mangoes

These make for a good cooking ingredient (also go well with fish and okra) because they are rich in vitamin C and B, which helps boost the immune system. Plus, green mangoes are also beneficial in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders like diarrhoea, dysentery, piles, chronic dyspepsia, indigestion and constipation, all of which are rampant during monsoons.

Corn

Our digestion gets a little sluggish during the rainy reason so it helps to stick to high fibre foods like corn atta. It keeps the digestion humming along as it is loaded with both soluble and un-soluble fibre. Corn also helps reign in water retention because of its dry nature and delivers lots of folic acids, vitamin B and C and much-needed protein. 

Unpolished Pulses 

Lentils provide the much-needed fibre and high protein during this season to keep our digestion chugging along (prevent constipation) and to keep our immunity up. The trick here is to buy unpolished dals and eat them twice a day to score maximum benefit. In fact, rains whip up a big appetite, so one feels hungry just as soon as it begins to rain. So it is very important to snack right. And sprouts make an ideal snack to nibble on during the monsoons. Always go for packed dals that promise on health and nutrition. 

Onions

Onions, especially when had raw are loaded with a compound called quercetin which is a known platelet booster. More platelets in the body are always good news for our immunity that is usually on a low during the monsoon season. Some more foods that deliver quercetin are cocoa, cranberry juice, lemon juice, spinach, apple, prunes, peppers, red grapes, dark cherries and berries, tomatoes, broccoli, asparagus, cabbage, sprouts and citrus fruits.

During this monsoon consciously eat a Sampann monsoon diet to score Sarvagunn Sampann Sehat and stay safe and healthy.

Kavita Devgan is a guest contributor. Views expressed are personal.