Mangoes are not only tasty, but they are also very healthy. The unique fragrance, flavor, and nutritional benefits of this super fruit make it a popular choice among fruit lovers, who call mango the ‘king of fruits’. Mangoes are good to eat as they are and they can also be used as an ingredient of many types of beverages, dessert even facial masks.
Scientifically it is known by the name Magrifera Indica, and is a member of Anacardiaceae family. Cashews and Pistachios come from the same family. India and Pakistan produces the best quality mangoes and exports it all over the world. There is a large variety of this fruit i.e. all most 1000, varying in shape, size, color and fragrance. The Inida’s Alphanso and Pakistan’s Sidhuri are two of the best known varieties available. The mango season begins in April and lasts till August.
For ages mangoes have been used in many herbal medicines. A cup of mango i.e. 225gm, gives you 105 calories. And in this one cup you will get 76% immunity boosting vitamin C, 25 % vision enhancing vitamin A, 11% of vitamin B-complex beneficial for brain, 9% probiotic fiber, 9% red blood cell producing copper, 7% potassium, and 4% magnesium.
Benefits of Mango
1. Fights Cancer
Research shows that mango contains antioxidant compounds, which help protect against leukemia and cancers of the breast, colon, and prostate. These include quercetin, astragalin, isoquercitrin, fisetin, methyl gallate, gallic acid, and other enzymes.
2. Reduces Cholesterol
Mangos contain high levels of pectin, vitamin C, and fiber, which help reduce serum cholesterol levels, especially LDL (bad) cholesterol.
3. Controls Diabetes
The juice from boiled mango leaves is used as a home remedy to help reduce insulin levels in the blood. Eating mango fruit does not cause spikes in blood sugar levels because it has a low glycemic index.
4. Prevents Heat Stroke
Green mango juice with water and sweetener helps cool down the body during summer, thus preventing heat stroke.
5. Maintains Alkali
Mangos contain tartaric, malic, and citric acids, which help maintain the body’s alkali reserve.
6. Boosts Immune System
Mangos contain generous amounts of vitamins A and C, plus various kinds of carotenoids or antioxidants, which keep the immune system strong.
7. Benefits Skin
Mangos are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A, a nutrient that helps prevent dull skin and acne. The fruit can also be used externally on the skin to eliminate pimples and clear up clogged pores.
8. Protects Eyes
A cup of mangoes provides 25% of the daily value of vitamin A, which prevents dry eyes and night blindness and promotes good eyesight.
9. Improves Sex Drive
Mangos may help improve one’s sex drive because of its rich vitamin E content.
Cautions of Eating Mango
- Mangos, especially the green ones, contain anacardic acid, which can cause a reaction similar to latex allergy.
- Mango peel and mango sap contain a chemical called urushiol, which is found in poison sumac and poison ivy, which can cause allergic reactions in susceptible people.
- Some dealers use calcium carbide to make mangos ripen faster. However, this substance can cause health problems, so before eating inorganic mangos, wash them well before consuming.
~ New Health
