Foods to avoid during the Indian summer
Junk foods are the leading cause of obesity
The summer months in India often witness multiple ailments related to the stomach, due to unhealthy eating patterns. It is as important to monitor our eating habits as it is to drink plenty of fluids.
One can choose between a refreshing Mojito and Lime Soda, or the more common fruit juices to stay hydrated and cool. It is advised to consume a minimum of two litres of water every day to stay fit and healthy.
Dr. Reshmi Mondal, a nutritionist mentioned, “It is very important to prepare a proper diet-plan especially during the summer season. In India the summer lasts roughly from April-July, and this is the time when we witness several stomach-related diseases cropping up, among other things. I encourage my patients to have a balanced meal by avoiding an excess of fats as it heats up the body. Water is very important even if you drink other liquids; there is no substitute to water. Avoid consuming tea and coffee in excess as it can leave you dehydrated. Have watermelon, cucumber and seasonal fruits like mangoes. Eating light is essential, else the body can generate excess heat that results in sleeplessness, exhaustion, inflammation, stomach upset and acidity.”
So what are the types of food to avoid this summer?
1. Junk food
Though it is almost never advisable to consume junk food, that too on a regular basis, it is especially smart to avoid street food and other junk foods during the summer. They are soaked in oil and often undercooked thereby increasing the chances of having indigestion and food poisoning. Goodbye, burgers, French fries and momos!
P.S. Momos, though considered to be healthy, given that they are steamed food products, can be equally harmful.
Fried foods are fattening and harmful
2. Red meat
Indians have a penchant for spicy foods that is best avoided during summer. Spices like chili, ginger, nutmegs, mustard, pepper, cumin and cinnamon are body heating and known to boost the metabolism rate.
Red meat are better avoided due to high protein and fat content
3. Spicy food
Indians have a penchant for spicy foods that is best avoided during summer. Spices like chilli, ginger, nutmegs, mustard, pepper, cumin and cinnamon are body-heating and known to boost the metabolism rate.
Spices are an integral part of almost every Indian dish
4. Dairy products
Fond of the rich spread on your morning salad? Say cheese no more. Dairies contain high quantities of fat. Doctors hence advise to cut down on our daily dairy intake as they are heat generating, result in gastric problems and cause pimple eruptions. Improper storage of butter, milk, cheese, ghee, can cause it to putrefy resulting in stomach upsets. So , save the dairy craving for the winter.
Dairy products though rich in calcium should not be consumed in excess during summer
5. Seafood
It is better to go easy on the seafood as spoilt seafood is the certain path to food poisoning. If the seafood is not fresh, it can lead to severe gastric problems, diarrhoea and cause skin eruptions.
Fish not freshly caught if consumed can lead to health hazards
Sugary drinks can be the most tempting on a scorching summer day, but remember they do not add any health value. Drinks like aerated colas, sherbets, and fruit punches lead to an increase in calorie intake which also dehydrates our body and affects the kidneys. Do yourself a favour and bid adieu to the leftover cold drinks in your refrigerator.
Chips and cold drinks no more
