November December, January is a season for getting married, because it's pleasant it's cold and it’s a season for celebration. It’s a feel-good factor for eating, drinking, making merry. Similarly, our body also enjoys different foods from its soil of environment in different seasons. as the season outside, so is the environment outside and inside would like to match with the same. Compatibility of food with philosophy of eating is very important.
Long before supermarkets existed, traditional cultures across the world structured their diets around what grew naturally at specific times of the year. This wasn’t accidental it was a deep understanding of nature, the human body, and health working in harmony and in sync. It aligns our nutrition with nature’s natural cycles, supporting better health, immunity and vitality.
So, there is a reason for food being produced in different regions in different seasons. There is deep underlining intelligence hidden in the scheme of things that nature has designed not just for mankind, but for the whole ecology. Understanding why our ancestors valued seasonal menus can help us make more mindful food choices even in the modern age.
Rooted in ancient wisdom
As per vedic wisdom and ayurveda, it is said our body changes with the seasons as we are made from the elements of the nature called as Panchmahabhutas. Nature elements like temperature, soil, humidity, and activity levels all influence metabolism and nutritional needs. Seasonal foods naturally evolved to meet those changing requirements.
For example, summer fruits tend to be high in water content and cooling properties like muskmelon, water-melon or cantaloupes. These foods help prevent dehydration, cool the body, and provide quick energy during hot months. In contrast, winter foods such as root vegetables like sweet potato, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are denser and richer in calories, helping the body stay warm and nourished when energy demands are higher.
Ancient wisdom works in sync with nature and provides what the body needs it.
Digestive health
One of the strongest benefits of seasonal eating is improved metabolism and digestion. Our digestive fire (often referred to as agni in Ayurveda) fluctuates throughout the year. In colder months, digestion is typically stronger, allowing us to handle heavier foods such as grains, legumes, and fats. In warmer months, digestion weakens, making lighter meals with fruits, vegetables, soups are more suitable.
When we eat foods out of season, we may unknowingly strain our digestive system. For example, consuming heavy, starchy foods in peak summer or excessive raw, cold foods in winter can lead to bloating, gas, sluggishness, or weakened immunity.
Seasonal nutrition align with the body’s natural digestive rhythm, reducing stress on the gut and improving nutrient absorption and gut microbiome.
Nutritional superiority
Seasonal fruits and vegetables are often more nutritious than their off-season time. When produce is allowed to ripen naturally in the sun and soil, it develops higher levels of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients and are connected to nature. Off-season produce, is often harvested early, stored for long periods, or artificially ripened, which can reduce its nutritional value and may cause problems as it is not aligned with the natures clock.
For example, tomatoes grown in summer contain significantly higher levels of vitamin C and antioxidants like lycopene compared to those grown in artificial conditions during colder months. Also, leafy greens harvested in their natural season tend to be fresher, tastier, and richer in micronutrients like spinach and methi leaves.
Seasonal foods and immunity
Our immune system faces different challenges throughout the year, and seasonal foods support it accordingly. In winter, when infections are more common, foods rich in vitamin C, zinc, and warming spices like cinnamon help strengthen our immune system. Root vegetables, citrus fruits, garlic, ginger, and turmeric are classic examples.
During monsoon or transitional seasons, the body is more prone to digestive issues and infections. Traditional diets often include bitter and astringent foods, herbal teas, and cooked vegetables to support gut health and immunity. In summer, antioxidant-rich fruits protect the body from oxidative stress caused by heat and sun exposure.
Nature’s seasonal offerings act as preventive medicine quietly even without realizing it and supports the body before problems arise.
Hormones and energy
Seasonal eating can also influence hormonal health and energy balance. Exposure to natural light, temperature changes, and food availability affects hormones like melatonin, cortisol, and insulin. Seasonal food work in sync with these hormonal shifts.
Mental well-being
Food doesn’t just nourish the body it affects the mind. Seasonal eating can support emotional balance by grounding us in natural rhythms. Traditional comfort foods in winter provide warmth and emotional stability, while fresh, vibrant foods in spring and summer uplift mood and mental clarity.
Modern research increasingly supports this connection, showing that nutrient-dense, fresh foods improve gut health, as gut is our second brain. Seasonal eating encourages consciousness, mindfulness, and a deeper connection with food all of which positively affect emotional health.
Ethical benefits
Beyond personal health, seasonal eating benefits the planet. Locally grown, seasonal produce requires fewer resources, less transportation, and minimal artificial preservation. This reduces carbon emissions and supports sustainable farming practices.
When we choose seasonal foods, we respect natural cycles rather than forcing constant production.
Why modern consumers are sisconnected
The convenience of supermarkets, delivery apps, aggressive marketing, and a fast-paced lifestyle have made food availability constant. Many are unaware when certain foods naturally grow or why that matters. This disconnect doesn’t mean seasonal eating is impossible today. It simply requires awareness, small and intentional choices.
Seasonal wisdom
You don’t need to eliminate all non-seasonal foods to benefit from this ancient practice. Start slowly.
Know your fruits and vegetables that grow naturally in your region each season
Prioritising seasonal produce when shopping
Trying meal styles like lighter in summer, warming in winter
The ancient wisdom of seasonal menus is a powerful reminder that health is not just about what we eat, but when and why we eat it.
Also, aligning with natures intelligence and identifying yourself with the purpose of the higher interest in higher intelligence gives us abundance in health, energy resulting into Longevity, Immunity and Vitality
(Dr Mickey Mehta is a global leading holistic health guru and life coach; website: www.drmickeymehta.com)
