Foods that should be avoided in monsoons

We are always aware that what you get in monsoons, I mean the vegetables and fruits are much juicy and nutritious. We do need to eat them all as they are healthy. But we also need to be cautious especially in monsoons as these vegetables and fruits cannot be used in foods if they are not washed thoroughly. With washing I don't mean just holding them under running water, but washing them perfectly and thoroughly.

Foods that should be avoided in monsoons

Get rid off all the mud by washing and soak the vegetables in salt water to kill the bacteria.

This specially refers to leafy vegetables which may contain harmful bacteria. Especially leafy vegetables like spinach that is known to contain E.coli bacteria which causes stomach infections.

Ideally it is advisable to avoid use of leafy vegetables like lettuce, spinach, cabbage, fenugreek, etc during monsoons. If at all you need to consume them then see that you cook them personally. Eating these vegetables in restaurants or other places is a strict no-no.

Avoid eating heavy amounts of sprouts too in monsoons. Sprouts such as Rajma, chana can be avoided as far as possible as they may cause indigestion problems. Many of us buy sprouted grains from vegetable vendors or from supermarkets. But this should be avoided in monsoons as they may contain bacteria.

Avoid use of vegetables like cucumbers and cauliflower in monsoon as they may contain harmful bacteria as well as worms. If at all you need to cook cauliflower do wash it well and soak them in salt water for sometime.

People who are prone to stomach infections should just not eat cucumbers and cauliflowers in monsoon.

Avoid use of fried items in monsoon.

Avoid buying readymade food items like dhokla, idli and dosas from outside during monsoons.

Avoid eating watermelons in monsoon.

Vegetables such as elephant's foot which is completely coated with mud can be avoided, and if at all you need to eat them see that they are scraped and clean thoroughly.

Supposedly you wish to eat something that was refrigerated for a while, do heat them thoroughly and then gorge on them.

Eating fish can be avoided, if not see that you get a good catch.

Avoid buying readymade paneer (cottage cheese) or dahi (curd) from outside. If at all you need them make fresh at home. Try to avoid eating them regularly during monsoons. Instead you can eat tofu which is highly nutritional in monsoon.

Street foods are strict no-no, especially chaats, sandwiches, fried items, salads, fruit juices, fruit chaat or salad, anything that includes open bread and all.

No sherbets and ice-golas in monsoon.

Don't eat raw vegetables in monsoons. If at all you wish to eat them, boil them in salt water for a minute and then carry on.

Avoid buying vegetables and fruits from vendors who stall beside open drains or garbage areas.

Avoid eating sweets and farsans that are bought from unhygienic places.