PharmEasy Blog

Monsoon Special: 6 Fresh fruits You Should Eat!

Nature has provided us with all the promising comforts to keep ourselves fit and healthy in all the seasons, be it the dry summer or the humid monsoon. Though the monsoon brings many smiles and is a welcome change after the summer heat, it also brings along risks to your health with infections, flu, and seasonal cold. To prevent all these, you need to see that you make the correct choice of food. One of the best ways is to have fresh seasonal monsoon fruits.

Monsoon special fruits

During monsoon, the immune system of your body becomes weak due to change in the atmosphere. As a result, your body may be continuously affected by allergies and indigestion problems. Therefore, it is important to strengthen your body’s immunity with some proper intake of vitamins and antioxidants. So, if you are looking to eat something fresh, then a healthy fruit basket is an excellent option to keep you fit.

Mentioned below is a list of some of the fruits which can be consumed during monsoon to help you fight infections and increase your immunity. However, do not forget to wash them well and check whether they are ripe and ready to eat.

  1. Cherry

This is one of those monsoon fruits that you will find abundantly. They contain melatonin as an antioxidant that prevents the damage caused to your body cells by free radicals. Free radicals are the natural by-products of metabolism which can initiate a sequence of harmful chemical reactions which cause the cells to function poorly.

The antioxidant can also cross the blood-brain barrier, relax the neurons and calm the nervous system irritability. Thus, it helps in relieving insomnia and headaches. Further, cherries also help combat heart diseases as they reduce cholesterol levels and possess anti-carcinogenic properties. Cherries also decrease high blood pressure levels and uric acid levels.

  1. Peach

This is a fruit enriched with lots of Vitamin A, B carotene, and Vitamin C which ultimately increase immunity. Peach is helpful in protecting the skin and improving the vision. As it has high fiber content, it also helps with weight loss.

I would recommend eating starfruits during monsoons. Some studies show that starfruits possess many medicinal properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-infective, immune-boosting properties to mention a few. Due to these properties, starfruits might be beneficial in combating infections during monsoons.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
  1. Jamun or Jawa Plum

These oblong, dark purple coloured berries are one of the best sources to reduce blood sugar levels and diabetes. Jamuns have low-calorie content and are loaded with nutrients – iron, folate, potassium and vitamins. They are also used to treat various gastric disorders.

  1. Litchi

A rich source of dietary fibre, along with high Vitamin C, Vitamin B, potassium and antioxidants, litchis help to build resistance and boost the immune system. The fibre helps to clean the digestive system and Vitamin C fights against the common cold.

  1. Pomegranates

This monsoon fruit helps safeguard your body from various infections like cold, flu, etc. owing to the antioxidants it contains. These antioxidants present in pomegranate juice possess potent anti-inflammatory properties. Research studies have shown that pomegranate reduces the inflammatory activity of the digestive tract and colon cancer cells. The fruit’s extract also reduces cancer cell reproduction, prevents breast cancer and sometimes, even destroys cancer cells. It also helps reduce systolic blood pressure. The fruit is also beneficial against several forms of arthritis.

  1. Plums

Plums are small package fruits with great value. They greatly help in relieving constipation as plums contain a high amount of naturally occurring sugar sorbitol and plant fibre, thus acting as a laxative. Further, plums also increase iron absorption because they provide a high amount of vitamin C that boosts the haemoglobin content and ultimately, helps in preventing anaemia. The reddish-blue pigment (anthocyanin) present in these fruits also protects against cancer.

Monsoon brings several medical issues like infections. Many fruits might increase your immunity. One such fruit is the Indian gooseberry, Amla. Amla may show antimicrobial activities and might be beneficial against acquired infections during monsoon.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Foods to avoid during the monsoon:

  • Avoid deep-fried snacks like samosas and fries, these can contribute to monsoon weight gain since your metabolism is lower during these months. Weight gain can reduce your immunity.
  • High sugar, carbonated beverages can not only cause stomach issues but also lower your mineral levels. Try to avoid these or you risk making any healthy diet choices redundant.
  • Avoid street food as much as possible, they carry a higher risk of infection during the monsoons.

Thus, during the monsoon, your body is more vulnerable to infection and water-borne diseases which can take a toll on your health. Hence, it is essential to stay fit. So, if you don’t want to fall ill and suffer from some health issues, start consuming these special monsoon fruits and stay healthy.

Also Read: Health Benefits and Precautions: Can You Eat Pomegranate Seeds?

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.