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The monsoon is here, bringing with it rhythmic downpours and an enchanting earthy aroma. This season is also celebrated for its lush greenery and the abundance of refreshing seasonal fruits. Seasonal fruits are often harvested at their peak ripeness, ensuring they are packed with the maximum amount of nutrients. They offer higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to out-of-season fruits.
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Purchasing seasonal fruits supports local agriculture and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting out-of-season produce from distant locations. This helps sustain local economies and promotes environmentally friendly practices. Most importantly, each of these vibrant fruits not only delights the taste buds but also offers a range of health benefits. Here is a guide to the fruits grown during the monsoon season and how they can contribute to a healthy lifestyle:
Jamun
The Jamun, or Java plum, is a well-known fruit that takes about 3-5 months to ripen after full bloom and is renowned for its astringent prowess. These astringent properties are known for curing the common sluggish digestion and stomach woes during the monsoon season. You can enjoy them by sprinkling a pinch of black salt on the jamun.
Beyond these principal benefits, Jamun is the winner in immunity, brimming with vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins act as real warriors and enhance the body’s defense system to fight against infections during the monsoon season. In addition, jamun boasts a low glycemic index, which ensures a gradual rise in blood sugar levels, which makes it a diabetic-friendly fruit.
Blackberries
Blackberries are those juicy, dark purple fruits that you might have enjoyed fresh from the bramble bush or in jams and pies. These tiny fruits offer a powerful melody of health benefits and are mostly known for the vitamin C content present in them. This vitamin C content plays a key role in the production of white blood cells in the body and acts as a frontline soldier against infections.
Blackberries help with the smooth digestion of food and prevent common issues like constipation and bloating during the monsoon. Moreover, blackberries are the powerhouse of anthocyanin antioxidants, which act as shields, reducing inflammation and protecting cells from damage, contributing to overall health and well-being.
Pears
Pears, fruit with crisp flesh and refreshing sweetness, are a perfect counterpoint to the monsoon's humidity; they are an organic way to stay hydrated and provide the body with a refreshing tone.
Pears also boast a significant amount of potassium, which is an essential mineral for regulating blood pressure. Monsoons can lead to fluctuations in blood pressure levels due to changing weather patterns. Therefore, including potassium-rich pears in your diet might help maintain healthy blood pressure.
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Pomegranate
Pomegranate, with its shiny, vibrant red arils, is not just stunning, but it also offers a powerful rhapsody of health benefits. These red jewellers are loaded with polyphenol antioxidants, which act as natural detoxifiers, fighting free radicals that can damage cells and weaken the immune system. As a result, pomegranates help the body combat common monsoon ailments like colds and flu.
Studies claim that consuming pomegranate prevents the onset of osteoarthritis. If you are a patient with arthritis, you should include this fruit in your daily routine, either in the form of raw red jewels or by consuming it in the form of juice or a smoothie.
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Litchi
Litchi, a fruit with a bumpy exterior and sweet, juicy flesh, is the best natural source of hydration due to its high water content, which keeps you feeling refreshed and cool during the monsoon. Litchi offers the same antioxidant properties as pomegranate and acts as a key player in protection against cellular damage.
When consumed during the monsoon season, litchis are known to aid digestion, preventing common monsoon issues like bloating and indigestion. It is believed that this fruit boosts immunity and helps fight common monsoon ailments like colds and infections.
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Plums
Plums are fruits with sweet and tart flavour profiles rich in dietary fibre that helps regulate bowel movement and prevents constipation and bloating, like common issues during the monsoon season. Like litchis, plums also have a high water content, which helps in staying hydrated during the humid season. It boosts the immune system and improves skin health, keeping you protected from infections and maintaining a healthy glow.
Despite their sweetness, plums have a low glycemic index, making them a suitable fruit for those managing blood sugar levels. Also, they are well-known for their natural laxative effect, which is due to their high fibre content and the presence of sorbitol, which helps to relieve constipation.
