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With the monsoon season approaching, maintaining a healthy diet is crucial to avoid falling ill. Eating the right foods can help keep the body healthy and resilient. To understand the essential food habits for the rainy season, BE spoke to Dr. Arindam Biswas, a physician from RN Tagore Hospital.

Dr. Biswas advises, “There isn’t a specific food for each season, but certain items are more available during specific times. First, focus on fruits and vegetables. It’s important to consume protein, but not excessively. Fruits like apples, bananas, oranges, and guava are recommended, even for diabetic patients. Next, incorporate spinach and plenty of pulses into your diet, as they provide protein equivalent to many animal sources. Carbohydrates are necessary but should be consumed in moderation, especially for diabetics and those with kidney issues. Avoid oily foods, especially during the monsoon, as they can harm cardiac function and burden the digestive system due to inadequate enzyme production. Fatty and processed foods containing excessive trans fats, like reheated oil, should be avoided. Additionally, stay hydrated, as dehydration can lead to several health problems. Although you might drink less water during the monsoon compared to summer, it’s important to maintain hydration to prevent dental decay, infections, and electrolyte imbalances.”

Dr. Biswas emphasizes, “To stay healthy, focus on fruits and vegetables, avoid overeating, especially oily foods, and limit alcohol consumption as it has no beneficial effects on health.” Food Trends During Monsoons To understand common food habits during the monsoon, BE also spoke with individuals connected to the food industry. Gaurav Patra, a vegetable seller, notes, “During the rainy season, foot traffic in my shop decreases slightly. People tend to buy more cabbage, tomatoes, and carrots.” Saibuddin Sheikh, a fruit seller, says, “I stock seasonal fruits year-round, and in the rainy season, people buy apples, bananas, black plums, sweet lemons, and pomegranates.”

Geeta Shaw, another vegetable seller, adds, “I sell more leafy greens, cauliflower, and drumsticks during the rainy and winter seasons.” For non-vegetarian items, the pattern remains consistent across seasons. Shibu Majumdar, who runs a chicken stall, reports, “I have about 70-80 customers daily during the rainy season. The highest sales are in winter, particularly in January and February, when prices are higher.”

Akbar Ali, a mutton seller, shares, “I sell more meat in winter, especially during the wedding season in December, January, and February. I receive bulk orders for weddings, which boosts my sales. On average, I have 10-15 customers daily.” Manoj Shaw, an egg vendor, mentions, “Egg sales increase in winter. During the rainy season, I have 25-30 customers daily.”

Amol Biswas, a fish seller, observes, “I sell fish like barramundi, prawns, carps, mullets, catfish, and hilsa. I have 30-40 customers daily, with consistent footfall throughout the year.” Sawarmal Agarwal, a groceries and condiments store owner, notes, “During the rainy season, people prefer oily and fried foods. Sales of soybean oil, white flour, and gram flour increase as people prepare snacks like pakodas, samosas, and namkeen. Biscuits and instant noodles are popular year-round.”

Surya Singh, a teacher, says, “In the rainy season, I enjoy snacks like kachori, samosas, and onion pakoras with milk tea. These are quick to make and perfect as light meals.” Arkajyoti Nag, a food connoisseur, adds, “I love having khichdi with fried eggplant, momos, jalebis, aloo chop, chicken soup, fish fry, parathas, samosas, popcorn, lemon corn, groundnuts, jhal muri, and pakoras with tea during the monsoon. The cooling weather and rain enhance the enjoyment of these dishes.” By following these tips and being mindful of food choices, one can stay healthy and enjoy the monsoon season to its fullest.