The monsoon brings a flush of green to nature, and the markets fill with local seasonal fruits. Jamun (black plum), jamrul (wax apple), latkan (burmese grape), dewa (monkey jack), custard apple, guava and pineapple are full of nutrients. Many people want to eat every kind of fruit all year round, but nutritionists say eating fruit grown in its season is best.

Seasonal fruit grows in natural conditions, stays relatively fresher and plays an important part in meeting the body's seasonal needs. Keeping seasonal fruit in the diet during the monsoon can therefore be a healthy habit.

Each season's fruit is richer in the nutrients needed at that time. Monsoon fruits usually contain vitamin C, antioxidants, dietary fibre, potassium and various minerals that help keep the body healthy.

The risk of infection rises somewhat in the monsoon, and fruit rich in vitamin C can help keep immunity strong. The humid weather brings more colds, coughs, viral fevers and other infections. The antioxidants and vitamin C in seasonal fruit help keep the body's natural defences active, and eating fruit regularly can also give some protection against the harmful effects of free radicals.

Many people suffer from indigestion, gas or constipation in the monsoon. The natural fibre in seasonal fruit helps keep the gut working normally and eases digestion. The fibre in fruits such as guava, pineapple and latkan can also help regular bowel movements.

Even though the air is humid in the monsoon, the body can run short of water. Alongside drinking enough water, it is important to eat water-rich fruit. Jamrul, pineapple and other seasonal fruits contain plenty of water, which helps keep the body hydrated, and their natural sugars give quick energy and can help reduce fatigue.

Monsoon fruits contain antioxidants that help protect the body from harmful free radicals, support its natural defences and help it stay healthy. They also help flush toxins from the body and keep the liver and kidneys healthy.

Fruit rich in vitamin C and antioxidants helps the skin produce collagen, which can make it look somewhat brighter and fresher. The various nutrients in fruit also nourish the skin from within and help keep it healthy.

Fruit produced in its season is usually fresher. Its taste, aroma and nutritional value are often better than fruit stored for a long time and brought from far away. Seasonal fruit is also relatively cheaper, so you get more nutrition for less money.

Choose fresh fruit when buying and wash it well in clean water before eating. Do not leave cut fruit out for long; it is best eaten quickly.

Rather than eating a lot of fruit at once, make a habit of eating a moderate amount of different fruits every day. People with diabetes or kidney disease should ask a doctor or nutritionist which fruits to eat and how much.

Monsoon seasonal fruits are a good source of the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants the body needs. Eating them every day as part of a balanced diet can boost immunity, so keep the seasonal fruits available in the market this monsoon in your daily diet.

This report draws on Healthline, MedIndia, NDTV and other sources.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.