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Monsoon is like a fresh respite after a daunting summer with unbearable heat and high temperatures. While in summer, a person has to resort to eating only cool and hydrating fruits and vegetables, there is no such restriction in monsoon.
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As the temperature is lower and a person doesn't feel as hot, the room to experiment with different kinds of dishes becomes even better. However, one constraint is that the temperature volatility may lead to higher chances of infections and viruses. Hence, even if the monsoon may deceptively look liberal, one should carefully choose what they're putting inside their system to avoid any seasonal cold or fever.
Monsoon Effect On Spices
As the temperature suddenly starts to become cooler when it's raining, it may take a toll on the immune system. Also, the humidity levels rise as the moisture in the air starts increasing. During this time, the body may produce fewer digestive enzymes as compared to regular ones. A person may feel severely bloated and may also face problems related to indigestion all the time. Hence, eating the right kind of spices in the food can have an extremely positive impact on the digestive health of a person during monsoon. It can also help in fighting against seasonal changes that may lead to flu and cold in a person. Here are the spices that one must have during monsoon.
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* Ginger
Ginger is famous for its anti-inflammatory and antibiotic effects on the body. As per a study published in the journal by StarPearls, ginger is very nutritional and has lots of anti-nausea compounds. The consumption of ginger during monsoon is very good for the body as it can help enhance the process of food breakdown in the body and also prevent nausea that is frequently felt by people during monsoon. It is also a very versatile ingredient, which is why it can be very easily integrated into different types of teas, soups, and even stir fry.
* Turmeric
Turmeric is famous for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is also a great source of antioxidants and is used to treat different types of viral problems. In India, having a turmeric-infused glass of milk is considered a solution for all health-related problems, especially during monsoons and winters. Turmeric can be easily added to different types of curries, soups and vegetable fries. It also gives a very nice and herby flavour to dishes. So that's an extra benefit.
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* Cumin Seeds
As per a study published in the journal Plos One, cumin seeds are great for digestion, and enhancing strength, appetite, and vision. Having cumin seeds during monsoon is extremely beneficial for the body as it alleviates the problem of indigestion in the system. One can also have it in the form of warm water as the first thing in the morning. It instantly has a soothing effect on the system and rejuvenates the body.
* Black Pepper
Black pepper is a famous spice that is generally used as a seasoning ingredient on the top of fruits and different types of flavourful dishes. It has a potent aroma and a very evident taste that can be felt instantly. Black pepper is not just a delicious spice, but it is also quite beneficial for consumption during monsoon as it helps in digestion and also enhances better absorption of nutrients. It can be added to soups, salads, stir-fries, and other types of dishes.
What To Avoid
Several spices should be avoided during monsoon to avoid any kind of stomach imbalance. This includes the following spices.
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* Red Chillies
Red chillies or red chilli powder should be avoided especially during monsoon season when there is a high level of humidity. Excessive consumption of red chilli in any form can irritate the stomach lining and cause acid reflux in the body. One should rather use green chillies and that too in moderate quantities for flavour in the food.
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* Mustard Seed
Mustard seeds are also quite intense in terms of their flavour. Also, they produce a lot of heat in the stomach that can be harmful to the body, especially during monsoon when the stomach becomes more susceptible to getting inflamed. Hence, a person can choose milder options with the same flavour profile, but avoid using mustard seeds.
* Too Much Salt
Excessive salt consumption is always bad for your health. It can also lead to lower water retention in the body which can be a problem in monsoon when the body remains perpetually dehydrated because of the high humidity. Try to avoid consuming salt as much as you can regularly and opt for some alternative options for flavour.
