Nature brings us a refreshing life in the monsoon season. As much as we love the rainy season, it comes with its own challenges, especially when you have a kid at home to protect. Monsoon increases the dampness in an environment which encourages the growth and spread of infection-causing germs. If proper care is taken along with an appropriate diet, we can prevent certain infections. No doubt, we ensure to avoid outside food mainly raw vegetables, fermented and fried food.
In order to strengthen immunity, we must include these fruits and vegetables in our diet. This would ensure we take enough precautions and simultaneously enjoy this enchanting season.
1. Apple
Apple contains nutritional elements including vitamin-C, vitamin-K, vitamin B6 and riboflavin. It reduces tooth decay by lowering the levels of bacteria. It decreases the risk of diabetes, reduces cholesterol levels, and protects from diarrhoea and constipation. It also protects the heart and prevents heartburn. Antioxidants rich in apples may help to protect the lungs from oxidative damage.
The high fibre content in apples can help fight bad cholesterol. The B-complex vitamins (vitamin B6 and riboflavin and thiamin) found in apples
help maintain your red blood cells. It also prevents critical ailments like heart disease, hypertension and diabetes. Apple also improves your neurological health and prevent dementia and stroke.
2. Pomegranate
Pomegranates are rich in vitamin C, potassium and fibre. Consuming pomegranate inhibits viral infection and shows antibacterial effects against dental plaque. Pomegranate juice is a great way to hydrate your body and satiate your craving for something sweet while you are pregnant.
Pomegranate may help to fight prostate cancer and is useful against breast cancer. It can help to fight bacterial and fungal infections and helps to improve memory. They can lower bad cholesterol (LDL) as well.
3. Bottle Gourd
Bottle gourd is one of the lowest calorie vegetables-carrying just 14 calories per 100 gram. It is one of the vegetables recommended by dieticians in weight control programs. The fresh calabash gourd is a modest source of Vitamin-C, vitamin-C is one of the powerful natural antioxidants that help the human body scavenge harmful free radicals, which are labelled as one of the reasons for cancer development.
Fibre is the key to weight loss and bottle gourd contains fewer calories with no fat. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin- C, vitamin B, vitamin K, vitamin-A, vitamin E, iron, folate, calcium, zinc, potassium and manganese. Bottle of gourd juice helps in curing constipation and also treats diarrhoea.
4. Bitter Gourd
Bitter gourd stimulates smooth digestion and peristalsis of food through the bowel until excreted from the body. Thus, it helps in relieving indigestion and constipation problems. A fresh bitter gourd is an excellent source of vitamin C. It contains health-benefiting flavonoids such as beta-carotene, Alpha-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthins. Fresh pods are an excellent source of folates.
Eating a moderate amount of bitter ground during pregnancy is safely studied showing that excess consumption can lead to problems in the uterine system, which in turn can result in Preterm labour.
5. Lady Finger
Lady finger is an excellent source of antioxidant vitamin, vitamin-C helps the human body develop immunity to combat infectious agents, reduce episodes of cold and cough and protect it from harmful free radicals. The pods are also a good source of many essential minerals such as iron, calcium, manganese and magnesium. The pods compose a healthy amount of vitamin-A, vitamin-A is essential for maintaining healthy mucosa and skin. Natural vegetables and fruits rich in flavonoids help to protect against lung and oral cavity cancer. Fibre helps you to fill your stomach faster and creates satisfaction for longer. Vitamin- K is a co-factor for blood clotting enzymes and is required for strengthening bones.
Lady finger benefits not only help in conceiving but also help in facilitating the proper brain development of the baby. it contains high folate content which is beneficial for fetal development having okra also reduces the chances of miscarriage. It also increases the level of testosterone and improves sexual performance in men.
6. Ginger
Ginger helps to improve the intestinal motility and has anti-inflammatory, painkiller (analgesic), nerve soothing, antipyretic as well as anti-bacterial properties. Ginger contains Gingerol . a substance with powerful medicinal property properties.
Ginger roots slices, boiled in water with lemon or orange juice and honey to relieve common cold, cough and sore throat. Gingerol increases the motility of the gastrointestinal tract and has analgesic sedative, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
7. Cilantro or Coriander
Cilantro herb is having antioxidant essential oils, vitamins and dietary fibre which may help reduce LDL or “bad cholesterol” levels in the blood. Its leaves and seed contain much essential volatile oil such as borneol, linalool, cineole, cymene, terpineol, di-pentene, phellandrene, pinene and terpinolene.
Herb is a good source of minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and manganese. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that help regulate heart rate and blood pressure. Iron is essential for red blood cell production.
Takeaway
Boost your immunity this rainy season. Intake more vitamin C, eat nutritious food and drink lots of water to remain healthy. You need to increase your immunity to fight infections, bacteria and viruses and enjoy the pleasing showers in monsoon as it pours.
