Best foods to eat during monsoon rains

• Warm foods and herbal teas help boost immunity during July rains
• Ginger, tulsi, and turmeric provide antiviral and digestive support
• Eating cooked lentils and seasonal gourds aids monsoon digestion

As July rains bring welcome relief from the summer heat, they also bring a shift in our body's needs. The damp, cool weather calls for warm, nourishing foods that are easy to digest and help bolster our immunity against seasonal ailments.

Warm Herbal Teas

There's nothing more classic during a downpour than a steaming cup of tea. Beyond simple comfort, herbal teas are a fantastic way to stay hydrated and healthy. Ginger tea, in particular, is a monsoon powerhouse. It stimulates a sluggish digestive system, which is common during this season, and its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties can help ward off colds and sore throats. Other great options include tulsi (holy basil) tea, which helps in detoxification, or a simple blend of spices like cinnamon, clove, and cardamom, which warm the body from the inside out. These beverages not only provide warmth but actively support your immune system.

Hearty Soups and Lentils

Ayurveda recommends favouring warm, cooked meals over raw foods during the monsoon, as they are gentler on the digestive system. Hearty soups are an excellent choice. A simple vegetable soup, perhaps with a bit of garlic and ginger, can be both nourishing and comforting. Lentils (dals), especially lighter varieties like moong dal, are easy to digest and provide a great source of protein and fibre. A warm bowl of dal, perhaps prepared as a simple soup or a wholesome khichdi with rice, is a complete meal that provides sustained energy and comfort on a dreary day. These meals help maintain your internal warmth and strengthen you against weather-related health issues.

Seasonal Gourds

The monsoon brings a bounty of seasonal vegetables, particularly a variety of gourds like bottle gourd (lauki), ridge gourd (tori), and bitter gourd (karela). While sometimes overlooked, these vegetables are perfectly suited for the season. They are high in water content, low in calories, and rich in dietary fibre, which aids digestion. Bitter gourd, despite its sharp taste, is highly recommended for its strong antiviral and immune-boosting properties. Lightly cooked as a stir-fry or added to stews, these gourds are an essential part of a healthy monsoon diet, helping to keep the system clean and resilient.

The Power of Turmeric

Turmeric, the golden spice found in every Indian kitchen, is a true superfood for the rainy season. Its active compound, curcumin, has potent anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties. A warm glass of 'haldi doodh,' or turmeric milk, before bed is a traditional remedy to boost immunity and fight off infections like the common cold and flu. Adding a generous pinch of turmeric to your daily cooking, from dals to vegetables, is an easy and effective way to leverage its health benefits and keep your body's defences strong throughout the season.

Roasted Corn (Bhutta)

The sight and smell of a cart roasting corn on the cob is synonymous with the Indian monsoon. This beloved snack is not just delicious but also a healthy choice. Corn is a good source of fibre, which aids gut health, a key concern during this season. It is also packed with B vitamins and antioxidants. Enjoyed roasted or steamed with a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of salt, bhutta is a guilt-free indulgence that perfectly captures the spirit of the season while providing valuable nutrients.