Monsoon is here and so is the time to enjoy the sad pattern on the window panes, the lush green nature and the mild weather. It’s also that time of year when our cravings for fried, decadent food are at an all-time high. But what we often overlook are the health problems that the weather brings. Monsoon comes with a number of seasonal illnesses including colds, flu, fever and intestinal problems. While the change of seasons affects our immunity, leading to colds and fevers, overeating pakora and bhajiya leads to indigestion. This is why health experts insist on adapting our diets to the seasons to keep us immune and nourished from within. This begs the question – what all to include in our monsoon diet.
You’ll find a variety of recommendations on the internet – the easiest and most convenient ones include seasonal produce, healthy herbs and spices. Let’s take turmeric (or haldi) as an example. One of the most common ingredients in our kitchens, haldi is being used in traditional medicine practices since the time of the eons. It is packed with antioxidants, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties that help us detoxify and fight the damaging effects of free radicals.
Also Read: See: This Unique Besan-Sooji Paratha is Spicy and Ideal for Quick Meals
5 Health Benefits of Haldi (Turmeric) During Monsoon Season:
1. Strong immunity:
Turmeric is promoted globally as an ancient Indian spice with healing properties. It includes a compound called curcumin that boosts immunity and prevents the damaging effects of free radicals.
2. Fighting colds and flu:
Besides boosting immunity, curcumin also helps us detox. This helps prevent colds and flu during the changing seasons. Besides, it also has a substance called – lipopolysaccharide – which is famous for its anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.
3. Prevent indigestion:
The antioxidants in turmeric help detoxify and boost metabolism. This helps prevent indigestion. Besides, curcumin is known to prevent esophagitis, prevent acidity, indigestion and heartburn.
4. Improves gut health:
As mentioned earlier, turmeric helps boost metabolism. This further helps to improve gut health and promote regular bowel movements. In addition, the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties act as digestive health aids, contributing to a healthy gut.
5. Enhance liver health:
Turmeric is also known to do wonders for liver health. It helps to increase the production of important enzymes responsible for detoxifying our blood. It then travels to the liver by breaking down toxins.
Now that you know the benefits of turmeric during the monsoon season, let’s have a look at a super easy and incredibly healthy recipe that you can include in your diet. It’s a soothing cup of haldi chai (or turmeric tea).
How to Make Turmeric Tea (Haldi Chai) For Monsoon:
To make this drink, you need turmeric, ginger, black pepper, honey and of course, water. Take the water in the pot and bring to a boil. Add all ingredients, except honey, to the water. Bring to a boil and until the water is reduced to half. Serve hot with a little honey. Click here for detailed recipe. https://food.ndtv.com/recipe-detox-haldi-tea-136
What are you waiting for? Prepare this drink and make the monsoon healthy and happy for yourself. But remember, moderation is key. In fact, turmeric should not be abused. Here we bring you some expert advice on how much turmeric is too much turmeric. Click here to know more. https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/5-side-effects-of-turmeric-haldi-how-much-is-too-much-1746375
