5 ESSENTIAL FOODS TO BOOST BODY AND SKIN HEALTH DURING MONSOON SEASON

Monsoon provides relief from the scorching summer heat but also brings its own set of challenges for the body, including flu, weakened immunity, and various skin health issues such as increased humidity-induced acne and fungal infections. To combat these issues, Skin Expert and Cosmetologist Dr. Geetika Mittal Gupta recommends maintaining a balanced and clean diet. She advises incorporating nutritious foods like almonds, seasonal vegetables, ginger, and turmeric to maintain a balanced and healthy diet. In this article, Dr. Gupta suggests five foods that can be incorporated into a monsoon diet to boost skin and overall health during the changing season.

Almonds: During the monsoon season, the body's immunity can weaken, leading to illnesses like the flu and affecting skin health. Almonds play a vital role in addressing these challenges. Packed with 15 essential nutrients, including protein, zinc, vitamin E, antioxidants, and healthy fats, almonds naturally boost immunity and enhance skin health. The high vitamin E content in almonds ensures optimal skin health, while antioxidants help reduce inflammation and promote skin healing. Therefore, incorporating handful of almonds into your diet during seasonal changes is a wise choice.

Turmeric: Renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, turmeric is excellent for maintaining skin health and boosting immunity. Curcumin, its active compound, fights acne-causing bacteria, reduces redness and swelling, and evens out skin tone. Adding turmeric to your diet can help combat common monsoon ailments like colds and flu. The best way to add turmeric to your diet is by sprinkling it in curries, soups, or even warm milk for a comforting and health-boosting addition.

Bitter Gourd (Karela): Bitter gourd, a monsoon vegetable, detoxifies the body and purifies the blood. Its antibacterial and antioxidant properties contribute to overall health, promoting healthy, glowing skin and supporting the immune system. This makes it effective against infections common during the monsoon and seasonal changes. Incorporate bitter gourd into stir-fries, or enjoy it stuffed or as part of a curry.

Amla (Indian Gooseberry): Consuming amla during monsoon and seasonal changes offers numerous benefits. Rich in Vitamin C, amla enhances immunity, which is crucial during fluctuating weather that can weaken body’s defenses. Its potent antioxidants protect against oxidative stress, benefiting both skin health—by supporting collagen production for elasticity—and overall well-being. Amla also aids digestion, vital when dietary habits shift, and promotes hair health, helping prevent seasonal hair fall.

Also Read: 5 benefits of Amla that make it a superfood for monsoon and easy recipes

Ginger: Ginger, a versatile root, offers potent benefits, especially during the monsoon season. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are useful as the body becomes more susceptible to infections and inflammations in damp weather. Ginger enhances blood circulation, ensuring the skin receives essential nutrients and oxygen, crucial during cooler, humid months. Its anti-inflammatory effects further reduce redness and irritation, making it beneficial for sensitive skin reacting to seasonal humidity. You can add ginger to your diet during the monsoon season by grating it into teas, stir-fries, marinades, or freshly squeezed juices to harness its health-boosting properties.

Also Read: 8 vegetables to avoid during monsoon season and why

Incorporating these natural and nutritious foods into your diet this monsoon can help tackle common challenges like flu, weakened immunity, and skin issues aggravated by increased humidity and changing weather conditions.

Contributed by: Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, Skin Care Expert and Cosmetologist