By Sakshi Arora
As the monsoon rains bring relief from the scorching summer heat, they also bring about a unique set of health concerns, especially when it comes to what we eat. While the monsoon season is renowned for its lush greenery and wholesome meals, this season also goes hand in hand with food contamination and infections. As the season tends to rise, one of the key reasons is the increased moisture levels in the air and on our food, which also creates an environment for bacteria, microbes, and fungi to thrive. Also Read: 8 Tips To Prevent Vegetables Spoiling During The Monsoon Some of the veggies which are not handled or cooked properly can increase the risk of infections, stomach issues and food poisoning. Check out these 5 veggies that you need to be cautious about this monsoon. Green leafy veggies Green leafy veggies like fenugreek and spinach are considered nutritional powerhouses in dry seasons, but during the rains, these veggies are prone to carrying risks. Despite thorough washing, leafy greens can still retain microbes due to their texture and high water content. The chances of bacterial growth are high, which can cause food poisoning. MushroomsMushrooms are loved for their umami flavour and texture, but during the rainy season, this veggie becomes a health issue if not handled properly. Due to their sponge-like quality, mushrooms soak up moisture from the environment, which also increases the risk of bacterial growth. Potatoes Potatoes look harmless, but if the potatoes have sprouted due to excess moisture, they are not recommended for consumption. Sprouted potatoes contain a compound called solanine, which is toxic and leads to symptoms like headache, nausea and more. Cruciferous veggiesCruciferous veggies like cabbage and cauliflower are considered another group of veggies that come under the radar of bacterial growth during monsoon. The tightly packed florets and layers are loaded with moisture, water, dirt and microorganisms even after washing, and the risk increases during this time of year. Safer alternatives to try during the monsoonNot all veggies are off limits during the season. We鈥檝e plenty of safer options that have low moisture content and are less prone to bacterial growth and contamination. Some of the safest options include: Bottle gourdCorn Ridge gourdCluster beansTindora These veggies are easy to clean and are safe to consume during the rainy season.