8 food rules to follow in the month of Kartik

The holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar is here. Popularly known as ‘Kartik’, the month, also known as Damodar Maas, is described in the scriptures as the best among months for performing austerities. This year it starts on Wednesday, 23 October and ends on Thursday, 21 November. While many devotional activities are performed during this holy month, food experts feel that this period also calls for change in food habits to stay fit and healthy as suggested in holy scriptures. This piece of information explores the dos and don’ts that you need to keep in mind to stay well as the season changes giving way to winter months.

As per Hindu religious texts, it is suggested that one should avoid non-vegetarian food in this holy month as it leads to ‘demons’ life. According to medical science, in this month animals are in the process of reproduction and develop several diseases. Eating them during this time may weaken the digestion process of the human body.

Consume a glass of milk daily along with 50 grams jaggery to enhance the energy level and immune system of the body in the month of Kartik.

From keeping the body warm to controlling blood pressure, jaggery is known for its magical health benefits. It is suggested to consume jaggery on a daily basis in the month of Kartik to keep the body safe from pollutants, blood pressure issue and seasonal cough and cold.

The holy month also marks the beginning of winter season and it is suggested to avoid refrigerated or chilled water during the weather change as it often leads to cough and cold. Those who are suffering from asthma should avoid it completely to stay healthy.

In case the weather change leads to acute acidity, make a mixture of jaggery, black salt and rock salt and consume at night. This will help control acidity and will also control continuous burping.

The festival of Kartik Purmina involves the preparation of wheat flour halwa as bhog. Experts feel that consuming wheat halwa during the month works as a protection shield that keeps your body safe from illness. It is made with wheat flour, ghee, sugar, cardamom powder and raisin, and it is believed that these ingredients help keep the body warm and safe. (Image: Instagram/spice_palate )

While many Hindu families worship tulsi plant in this holy month, it is suggested to keep an extra plant for consumption and fresh tulsi leaves should be added to food to keep it pollutant-free. It is believed that due to change in weather, dust-particles and bacteria easily contaminate food and use of tulsi leaves makes them safe for consumption.

Experts suggest that bitter gourd fruit ripens in the month of Kartik and at times due to over-ripening, they develop bacteria in seeds. Consuming such bitter gourd may lead to food poisoning and other food-borne diseases.