As the monsoon rains grace us with their presence, the season brings a refreshing change in the air and a welcome relief from the sweltering heat. With the arrival of the rainy season, our bodies require a different set of nutrients to stay healthy and resilient. Incorporating the right vegetables into our diets during this time can be a game-changer for our overall well-being. In this blog post, we will explore five essential vegetables that you must have during the monsoon season to boost your immunity, stay hydrated, and enjoy the goodness of nature’s bounty.
1. Bitter Gourd
Bitter gourd, also known as karela, is a treasure trove of nutrients and antioxidants. It is particularly beneficial during the monsoon due to its ability to support the immune system and protect against infections. Bitter gourd’s bitter taste is believed to have medicinal properties that help purify the blood and aid digestion. Consuming bitter gourd regularly during the monsoon can help prevent common illnesses and keep your gut health in check. We especially love using it in a sabji with potatoes, stir fry or as bitter gourd chips!
2. Spinach
Spinach is a nutrient powerhouse that should be a part of your monsoon diet. Rich in iron, vitamins A, C, and K, and essential minerals, spinach helps boost hemoglobin levels and strengthens the immune system. Additionally, its high fibre content aids digestion and keeps your gut healthy. Consuming spinach during the monsoon will help you stay energized, hydrated, and better equipped to combat seasonal ailments. Use spinach in dal, in a stir fry or our favorite – palak paneer!
3. Bottle Gourd
Bottle gourd, commonly known as lauki or doodhi, is another monsoon essential. With its high-water content and low-calorie count, bottle gourd helps keep the body hydrated and aids in weight management. The vegetable is also known for its cooling properties, making it an ideal choice to beat the heat and stay refreshed during humid monsoon days. Have you tried making chana dal, lauki sabzi?
4. Okra (Lady’s Finger)
Okra, bhindi or lady’s finger, is a versatile vegetable that thrives during the monsoon season. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. Okra’s slimy texture is a natural mucilage that helps soothe the digestive system, making it an excellent choice to combat digestive issues that are common during the rainy season. Include okra in your diet to enhance gut health and enjoy its numerous health benefits. We especially love it in a sabji with potatoes, onions, tomatoes and masala!
5. Ridge Gourd
Ridge gourd, commonly known as tori or turai, is a monsoon favourite due to its high water content and low-calorie count. Like bottle gourd, ridge gourd helps keep the body hydrated and is an excellent choice for weight watchers. It is also rich in dietary fibre, which aids digestion and supports a healthy gut. Ridge gourd can be cooked in various delicious ways, making it a must-have vegetable during the monsoon. Have you tried making ridge gourd chutney?
During the monsoon, our bodies require specific nutrients to stay healthy and resilient. Including these five essential vegetables – bitter gourd, spinach, bottle gourd, okra, and ridge gourd – in your diet can help boost your immunity, aid digestion, and keep you well-hydrated. Embrace the goodness of nature’s bounty during the rainy season and relish the flavours and health benefits that these vegetables offer. Remember to consume them in fresh, organic forms to enjoy their maximum nutritional value and ensure a happy and healthy monsoon season!
Where can you buy organic vegetables in Bangalore? All you need to do when you look for organic vegetables online is choose Happy Harvest Farms and get our certified-organic produce delivered to your doorstep the very next day!