Add These 5 Monsoon Fruits To Your Diet Today

Dr Archana Batra details the benefits of adding these fruits to your shopping basket during the rains 

Rain is considered a sign of life and growth. Ironically, it also becomes the season for the growth of numerous bacteria and viruses that cause  many ailments and weaken your immune system. Many diseases such as diarrhoea and cholera are caused by drinking contaminated water, and malaria and dengue are caused by mosquitoes who breed and reproduce in stagnant puddles. The humidity present in the atmosphere can also cause various digestive problems.

One of the ways to prevent you from falling ill this monsoon is to consume these five seasonal fruits that can help build your immunity system.

1. Pomegranates (main image)
   Pomegranates are found from August to October and are a rich source of many vital nutrients and vitamins. It is well known that pomegranates  increase haemoglobin content and the count of RBCs in the blood, and that the antioxidants present in the fruit help prevent various ailments. You can enjoy a pomegranate in your fruit salad, or drink a glass of pomegranate juice every day, which will help you build an excellent immune system, keep your bowel movements in check, and make your skin radiant.
   
   Pomegranates have anti-ageing properties and also help in reducing your belly fat. They are also believed to benefit the female reproductive system as they promote uterine health.

Image: PIRO4D/ Pixabay

2. Pears
   Pears are the king of the monsoon fruits. This monsoon, make pears your best friend to have a healthy heart and help you lose weight. This juicy fruit is filled with beneficial plant compounds that give them different shades. For instance, ruby-red shaded pears are filled with anthocyanins that help to improve heart health and strengthen blood vessels. The green pears also have lutein and zeaxanthin, the compounds needed to sharpen your vision, especially once you start ageing.
   
   Pears are rich in dietary fibres, which help keep smooth bowel movements. As we know, a monsoon diet must include sources of vitamin C that help build a strong immune system and fight cold and flu so you remain fit and healthy. Pears are rich in vitamins C and K, potassium and copper.

Image: pasja1000/ Pixabay 

3. Apples
   We all grew up listening to the phrase ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’. While you can grab a bite of an apple all year round, it is advised that you incorporate an apple into your daily diet during the monsoon. This is because apples are filled with vitamins A, B1, B2, and C and minerals such as phosphorus, iron, calcium and magnesium that protect and help each and every part of the body to maintain healthy form along with building a strong immunity system. Apples are also known to be good for your heart health and reduce the risk of cancer. They are also known to boost skin health, and contribute to making your skin glow and look more radiant.
   
   For people suffering from indigestion, an apple can be a real remedy. Cut one up into pieces or enjoy it with your oatmeal every morning.

Image: Shutterstock 

4. Jamun
   The jamun, or the Java plum, is a boon to people with diabetes because it helps in regulating and maintaining blood pressure and sugar levels. Jamuns are also known to increase haemoglobin content in the blood and treat digestive problems. They also help you keep your heart healthy and fight the causes of stroke.
   
   Jamuns are also loaded with vital nutrients such as iron, magnesium, potassium, fibre, calcium and vitamins A and B. The potassium present in the fruit especially works wonders for your heart. Since the fruit is low in calories and with a tangy taste, you can snack on it every day without having to worry about calories and weight gain because it also helps in weight reduction. The high antioxidant and antibacterial content help in strengthening your immune system to fight bacteria-borne diseases in the monsoon.

Image: 32gustavsson/Pixabay 

5. Plums
   Plums are found in abundance in the market from May to October and can easily be grown in your backyard. These colourful fruits can be eaten ripe or made into a jam or dried; the nutritional value doesn’t reduce. The fibre present in the fruit is known to level up cholesterol to a healthy mark and prevent the production of it in our livers. It also strengthens bone health and reduces the risk of many cancers. Plums are high in vitamins C and K, and nutrients such as potassium, dietary fibre and copper. The fruit can strengthen your immune system and also prevents constipation.

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