Dangers Of Eating Raw Fruits During Monsoon: Which Fruits Are Safe To Eat?

The monsoon brings with it a number of illnesses. The warm and humid temperatures provide a suitable environment for pathogens, like viruses, bacteria, and fungi, to thrive, which in turn increases the risk of infection. In such scenarios, there are several precautions we must take. This includes avoiding raw fruits, particularly the ones sold on the streets or in the market. In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Joydeep Ghosh, Consultant - Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, explains why and lists fruits that must be avoided and those that can be had.

Also Read: Avoid Eating Out During Monsoon: Doctor Lists Health Risks

Why It Is Risky To Eat Raw Fruits During Monsoon

“Eating raw fruits during the monsoon season becomes riskier than it is at other times of the year because of the increased bacterial growth and waterborne illnesses during this season,” says Dr Ghosh, adding that both waterborne infections and bacterial development are accelerated by the humid, moist air and highly contagious water that is contaminated.

He further notes that the uncovered raw fruits and high-water-content fruits come into contact with this tainted air and the contaminated water, respectively. These are also susceptible to the contaminated water while being washed.

Infections To Beware Of

As discussed, the moisture in the air can create a suitable environment for the bacteria to rapidly grow and contaminate the raw fruits if they are not refrigerated or covered.

Furthermore, those fruits with higher water content are also contaminated with rainwater.

Dr Ghosh adds that when washing the fruits, highly contaminated water from various sources is used for the washing process. Waterborne infections arise during the monsoon season, when the bodies of water become a perfect breeding environment for pathogenic bacteria, debris, and other impurities.

Which Fruits Are Safe To Eat And The Ones You Should Avoid?

While fruits and vegetables are essential in a diet, it is crucial to choose the right fruits for your health and safety.

During the monsoon, Dr Ghosh recommends eating seasonal fruits like apples, pears, plums, jamuns, cherries, etc., as they act as great immunity boosters and antioxidants during the season.

Moreover, such fruits are pulpy with low water content, which makes them less susceptible to water contamination.

On the contrary, avoid fruits that hold water, such as cucumbers and melons. The contaminated rainwater from these foods can raise the risk of waterborne diseases. Moreover, the digestive system is more sensitive during the monsoons, so eating such fruits can also result in indigestion and bloating, says Dr Ghosh.

Also Read: Is There A Right Time To Eat Fruits? Expert Decodes

Precautions To Take

Here are some precautions you must take to avoid infections during the monsoon.

• Careful thought should go into how the fruits are stored.
• Keep the fruits properly covered and/or refrigerated.
• Try to avoid fruits with a higher water content.
• Wash the fruits under running water.
• Avoid eating cut fruits.
• Freshly cut fruits should be eaten immediately.
• Wash your hands before eating.

Conclusion

While fruits are a great source of fibre and antioxidants, they can sometimes pose health risks, especially when the air is moist. During this season, bacterial growth is highly prevalent, and the risk of water-borne infections is on the rise. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid fruits with high water content and cut fruits sold on the streets. If you experience symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach cramps, consult your doctor immediately to understand the underlying cause and receive proper treatment.