In the rainy season, the wet air helps germs and pests to grow. This makes it more likely for food to get dirty and unhealthy. Keep reading to find out more.
As the rainy season comes, the delicious smells of snacks sold on the streets and the tempting appeal of small crispy hollow puris filled with flavorful water can be really tempting. But, eating these famous street foods during this time might not be the best for your health. Even though they taste really good, these street snacks like chaats and panipuri can have some health dangers when eaten in the rainy season.
Why you should avoid consuming these street foods:
In this piece, we’ll delve into the explanations for steering clear of those foods you find on the streets. We’ll also offer you different choices that can help maintain your well-being and safety.
1. Contaminated Water:
An important worry about snacks like street-side chaats and panipuri is the dirty water used to make them. Especially when it rains, diseases that spread through water like cholera and typhoid become more common. People who sell food on the street usually use regular tap water or water that might not be safe to drink. This water might not be cleaned properly. Eating these kinds of foods could make you sick because you might swallow dangerous germs or viruses. This can make you really ill.
2. Poor Hygiene Practices:
Another important thing to think about is how street food sellers sometimes don’t follow good cleanliness habits. Since they serve many customers in busy areas, it’s hard for them to keep things clean. Not washing hands, using dirty tools, and not handling food properly can make the food dirty. This lack of cleanliness makes it more likely for people to get sick from eating the food. This can lead to stomach issues and other health problems.
3. Ingredient Quality:
When you enjoy snacks like street-style chaats and panipuri, they usually have different things in them like fresh veggies and yummy chutneys. But when it’s rainy, the damp weather can make these ingredients not so fresh anymore. The rain might make the veggies dirty, and they could have harmful germs and tiny creatures on them. Even the sauces and chutneys that are made in not-so-clean places could have bad stuff in them that can make you sick. So, be careful when having these snacks, especially during rainy times!
4. Stomach Infections and Allergies:
Monsoon brings with it an increased risk of waterborne infections and allergies. Consuming street-side chaats and panipuri can aggravate these conditions, as they contain ingredients that are more susceptible to contamination during this season. Spices, sauces, and additives used in street foods can irritate the stomach lining, leading to gastric problems, acidity, and diarrhea.
5. Safer Alternatives:
While avoiding street-side chaats and panipuri may be disappointing, there are still plenty of delicious alternatives that you can enjoy during the monsoon season. Choose to have snacks made at home using fresh and clean ingredients. You have the opportunity to try out different healthy choices like momos that are steamed, snacks that are baked, corn on the cob that’s roasted, or soups made right at home. These different options not only make you feel satisfied when you’re hungry for a snack, but they also take care of your health and overall wellness.
In the rainy season, it’s really important to take care of your health and pick the right foods to eat. Even though those yummy snacks you find on the street like chaats and panipuri might look tempting, the problems they can cause are much worse than the short enjoyment they give you. If you skip these street foods and choose other safer options instead, you can keep yourself safe from diseases that come from dirty water, infections, and tummy problems. Just remember, your health should always come first, even if you’re craving something delicious. Stay well and have a happy and healthy rainy season!