Health: 10 fruits that help fight infection during monsoon

Monsoon the delightful season that everyone eagerly awaits for also brings apprehensions unique to its own The pouring weather is known to increase humidity and water clogging across cities Both rise in water clogging humidity become breeding grounds for germs and insects Here comes the reason to strengthen our immune during monsoon to keep infections and diseases at bay Adequate intake of antioxidants vitamins and minerals in the natural way lend to a healthy body and strong metabolism Fruits said to be the king of diet are the major contributors of appropriate vitamins and minerals Letrsquos have a glance at 10 such fruits that will help you stay fit and active during the rainy days1 Jamun This is a low calorie fruit which is full of nutrients such as folate iron potassium and minerals Jamunrsquos composition makes it one of the most suitable fruits for consumption during monsoon It is also a rich source of phytochemicals These antioxidants help in boosting immunity and are essential for a healthy body and mind Jamun enriches blood with haemoglobin and protects the liver from damage Its pulp is used as a home remedy for asthma and chronic cough2 Litchi Rich in Vitamin C litchi aids in building up the resistance of the body and strengthens the immune system Litchi is also a powerful source of antioxidants such as phenolic acids and flavonoids which helps to keep infections at bay during the rainy months Rutin a bioflavonoid found in litchi helps in strengthening blood vessels3 Plum The fruit is another good source of Vitamin C that helps in improving the immune system and protects the body from infections like flu and cold Plumrsquos fibre content acts as a digestive aid and take care of various digestive problems that occur during monsoon When the immune system is boosted one can be protected from various inflammations and infections4 Cherries Antioxidant melatonin found in cherries lends a soothing effect to the brain neurons and the nervous system This in turn helps to improve irritability insomnia headaches and establish regular sleep patterns Sweet cherries contain fiber vitamin C carotenoids and anthocyanins Antioxidants vitamin C carotenoids and flavonoids strengthen the bodyrsquos immunity and protect from bacterial viral and fungal infections particularly those of colon urinary tract intestines and excretory system along with cough and cold Cherries are even effective in protecting from seasonal infections like cough cold pox mumps and measles5 Peach The low calorie and highfibre fruit helps in normal functioning and strengthening of the immune system Peach is also rich in zinc and Vitamin C that reduces the chances of getting affected by diseases like common cold malaria pneumonia and diarrhoea6 Pomegranates This nutrientinfused fruit improves immunity and is essential during monsoon season The seeds of pomegranates are the powerhouse of nutrients Antioxidants keep cells in the body healthy and are capable of resisting infections minimizing inflammations and preventing organ damage Pomegranate juice has the highest concentration of natural antioxidants7 Apples Having few slices of apple a day keeps most of the illness at bay during monsoon season Also being rich in several nutrients apples can strengthen the immune system and keep one free from infections Quercetin a flavonoid in apple significantly improves the immunity of the body against infections8 Pear This low calorie fruit contains sufficient amount of Vitamin C dietary fibre antioxidants and minerals which are prerequisites for a healthy living Consumption of pears helps the body to stay away from harmful free radicals9 Kiwi Known for its high Vitamin C content Kiwi is loaded with health benefits Kiwi has the ability to lessen respiratory issues like asthma wheezing and respiratory tract infections Kiwi and other Vitamin C fruits provide protection against a range of ailments boost immune system prevent cold and flu and keep the digestive system robust10 Bananas This is another fruit to stock up at home during monsoon One banana everyday eases the process of digestion However ensure that bananas are not consumed in large quantities during monsoon as it can lead to cough and coldWith inputs from Shefali Bhardwaj food scientist by profession and Chief Operations Officer Cut fruitssalad division at IG International Pvt Ltd