When the rain starts pouring, most of us automatically crave hot chai, crispy pakoras, or even a comforting street-side snack. But according to Dr Tarang Krishna, MD, and a cancer specialist, the monsoon season is not as harmless as it seems when it comes to your health. In an Instagram post shared on August 24, he highlighted how common foods and daily habits during the rainy season can turn into a “cancer trap” if you’re not careful.
From water-borne infections contaminating your drinking water to the reheating and over-frying of oily snacks, many of our favourite rainy-day indulgences can actually expose us to toxins and increase long-term cancer risks.
The warning may sound alarming, but it doesn’t mean you need to give up everything you love about monsoon. Instead, it’s about making smart, preventive choices that protect your body while still enjoying the season. Here’s a breakdown of what Dr Krishna shared and how you can stay safe.
Why your monsoon cravings can increase cancer risks
The rainy season is known for more than just damp clothes and muddy roads. It creates the perfect environment for bacterial growth, fungal contamination, and chemical exposure, all of which can impact food and water safety.
Dr Krishna explains that stagnant water and poor hygiene often increase the chances of harmful toxins entering our daily diet.
He warns that repeated frying, the use of non-stick or low-quality kitchenware, and consumption of contaminated street food are common during the monsoon, and these can all release carcinogenic compounds into the body. Over time, such habits contribute to higher cancer risk if not addressed.
The biggest cancer traps in the monsoon
Tap water
While water looks clean, monsoon often contaminates it with bacteria, viruses, and harmful chemicals. Drinking untreated or poorly filtered water can lead to long-term health risks.
Street food and fried snacks
From pakoras to samosas, fried food is synonymous with rainy days. But reheating oil or frying in poor-quality oil produces trans fats and acrylamide, both linked to cancer.
Tea and reheated beverages
It’s tempting to sip endless cups of tea in the rain, but constantly reheating tea leaves or milk is not ideal.
Non-stick or cheap cookware
Dr Krishna also highlights kitchenware choices. Many households use scratched non-stick pans or cheap utensils, which can leach toxic chemicals when heated.
How to protect yourself this monsoon from cancer
You don’t need to eliminate your favourite foods, just adopt safe practices. Dr Krishna suggests:
Monsoon cravings are natural, but they shouldn’t come at the cost of your health. As Dr Tarang Krishna warns, ignoring food and water safety during this season may create long-term health problems, including cancer risks.
The good news is, with small lifestyle tweaks and better awareness, you can still enjoy your tea and pakoras without fear.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or lifestyle change.
Also read| 5 Indian foods that increase risk of diabetes, heart disease and obesity
From water-borne infections contaminating your drinking water to the reheating and over-frying of oily snacks, many of our favourite rainy-day indulgences can actually expose us to toxins and increase long-term cancer risks.
The warning may sound alarming, but it doesn’t mean you need to give up everything you love about monsoon. Instead, it’s about making smart, preventive choices that protect your body while still enjoying the season. Here’s a breakdown of what Dr Krishna shared and how you can stay safe.
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Why your monsoon cravings can increase cancer risks
The rainy season is known for more than just damp clothes and muddy roads. It creates the perfect environment for bacterial growth, fungal contamination, and chemical exposure, all of which can impact food and water safety.
Dr Krishna explains that stagnant water and poor hygiene often increase the chances of harmful toxins entering our daily diet.
He warns that repeated frying, the use of non-stick or low-quality kitchenware, and consumption of contaminated street food are common during the monsoon, and these can all release carcinogenic compounds into the body. Over time, such habits contribute to higher cancer risk if not addressed.
The biggest cancer traps in the monsoon
Tap water
While water looks clean, monsoon often contaminates it with bacteria, viruses, and harmful chemicals. Drinking untreated or poorly filtered water can lead to long-term health risks.
- Why it’s risky: Contaminated water may carry toxins that, with prolonged exposure, damage organs and potentially trigger cancerous changes.
- What to do: Always boil or filter water before use, and avoid drinking directly from taps during the monsoon.
Street food and fried snacks
From pakoras to samosas, fried food is synonymous with rainy days. But reheating oil or frying in poor-quality oil produces trans fats and acrylamide, both linked to cancer.
- Why it’s risky: Overused oil and unhygienic cooking conditions release compounds that are harmful when consumed repeatedly.
- What to do: If you’re craving snacks, prepare them at home using fresh oil in moderation.
Tea and reheated beverages
It’s tempting to sip endless cups of tea in the rain, but constantly reheating tea leaves or milk is not ideal.
- Why it’s risky: Reheated tea can develop nitrosamines, which are linked to cancer risk.
- What to do: Always prepare fresh tea instead of reheating leftovers.
Non-stick or cheap cookware
Dr Krishna also highlights kitchenware choices. Many households use scratched non-stick pans or cheap utensils, which can leach toxic chemicals when heated.
- Why it’s risky: These chemicals may accumulate in the body, raising cancer risks.
- What to do: Invest in high-quality, safe cookware like stainless steel or iron.
How to protect yourself this monsoon from cancer
You don’t need to eliminate your favourite foods, just adopt safe practices. Dr Krishna suggests:
- Boil or filter all drinking water.
- Limit fried foods to once in a while, and never reuse cooking oil.
- Prepare beverages fresh, instead of reheating.
- Switch to safer cookware materials.
- Maintain proper hygiene when buying produce or eating out.
Monsoon cravings are natural, but they shouldn’t come at the cost of your health. As Dr Tarang Krishna warns, ignoring food and water safety during this season may create long-term health problems, including cancer risks.
The good news is, with small lifestyle tweaks and better awareness, you can still enjoy your tea and pakoras without fear.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or lifestyle change.
Also read| 5 Indian foods that increase risk of diabetes, heart disease and obesity
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