Mangoes: King of Fruits with Amazing Health Benefits
Mango
apart from being an exceptionally delicious fruit has amazing health benefits. A
common nickname for mangoes is actually �the king of fruits�. Beyond the sweet,
luscious taste of mangoes, they also contain an abundance of vitamins, minerals
and antioxidants that assure your optimum health.
For decades, mangoes have been used to soothe stomachs. Similar to papayas,
mangoes contain certain enzymes with stomach comforting properties. As the
popularity of mangoes has spread, many food manufacturers have introduced
jellies, jams, squash, pickles, marinades and spices that include pure mango
flavor.
Mango is rich in fiber, so if you have at least one mango every day in your
diet, you are almost guaranteed to prevent constipation, piles and symptoms of a
spastic colon. Research and studies published at Comprehensive Reviews in Food
Science and Food Safety have demonstrated that dietary fiber has a positive
effect on eliminating degenerative diseases, including certain cancers and heart
conditions. Now you have even more reasons to include this delicious fruit in
your daily diet. The more you participate in strenuous activities,the more
bodily potassium you lose, which is yet another helpful side effects of mangoes
� high potassium content!
Mangoes belong to the same family as that of pistachios, gandaria, mombin and
cashews. Some common names for mango are mangot, manga, and mangou, depending on
the region or nation.The mango originated in southern Asia, more specifically in
Burma and eastern India, almost 4,000 years ago. Many stories in Indian
mythology include the mention of the mango plant, and Lord Buddha is said to
have often meditated in a mango grove. Mango cultivation first spread to
Malaysia, eastern Asia and eastern Africa and was finally introduced to
California around 1880. Mangoes were introduced to Africa and Brazil by
Portuguese explorers, while mango cultivation started in Hawaii and Florida
around the 19th century.
According to Indian beliefs, mangoes symbolize life (it is the national fruit of
India) and is used in almost every sacred ritual. Mango leaves are almost always
used for festivals and wedding decorations. �Chutney� made from Indian mangoes
is the original chutney and has become universally popular. Today, India remains
the world�s major producer of mangoes, but Thailand, China, Brazil and Mexico
also cultivate this highly beneficial fruit.
Mangoes fight cancer, alkalize the body, aid in weight loss, regulate diabetes,
help digestion, clean your skin, and make the perfect snack. Here are 17 healthy
reasons why you should be eating a mango every day.
In China, mangoes are sweet and sour and offer a cooling sensation. The tonic
made from mangoes in Chinese herbal medicine is known as yin tonic, and it is
used to treat bleeding gums, anemia, cough, constipation, nausea, fever, sea
sickness and as a cure for weak digestion.
Health Benefits of eating Mangoes
Keeps Blood Pressure Under Control
Mangoes have an impressive vitamin content that assures overall health. They are
rich in potassium (4% in 156 mg) and magnesium (2% in 9 mg), and mangoes are
great natural remedies for high blood pressure patients. They also contain
selenium, calcium, iron and phosphorus. Mangoes are said to be vitamin
powerhouses as they are rich in riboflavin, vitamin B6, A, C, E, K, niacin,
folate, thiamin and pantothenic acid. These components help you to avoid a host
of diseases that can come from deficiencies of these vitamins and minerals. The
vitamin E content in mangoes can even help to boost your sex life by triggering
the activity of your sex hormones.
Cancer Prevention and Heart Health
Mangoes have high amounts of pectin, a soluble dietary fiber that efficiently
contributes to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Pectin can also help
prevent you from developing prostate cancer. Recently, studies at The Institute
for Food Research discovered that a compound within pectin combines with
galectin 3 (a protein playing significant role in all the stages of cancer). The
European Prospective Investigation of Cancer also has come up with a strong
association between eating mango and lowering the risk of cancers of the
gastrointestinal tract.
Weight Gain
Mango consumption is one of the easiest ways to gain weight. 150g of mango has
around 86 calories, which can be absorbed easily by the body. Moreover, mangoes
contain starch, which transforms into sugar that aids in gaining weight. Some
people work hard to put on weight for a variety of reasons, and mango should
definitely be a part of their diet. Mango milkshakes will accelerate the process
of gaining weight since they also contain milk, and are notoriously delicious!
Aids Digestion
Mangoes play a prominent role in eliminating problems such as indigestion and
excess acidity. The digestive enzymes in mangoes help to promote natural,
efficient digestion. The bioactive ingredients in mangoes like esters, terpenes
and aldehydes contribute in enhancing appetite and also improve the function of
the digestive system.
Cures Anemia & Helps in Pregnancy
Mangoes are rich in iron, which makes them beneficial for people suffering from
anemia. A regular, moderated intake of mangoes can help eliminate anemia by
increasing the red blood cell count in the body.
Mangoes are also very beneficial for pregnant woman, since the iron requirements
during pregnant is extremely essential. Doctors often prescribe iron tablets
during pregnancy, but instead of supplementation, you can enjoy a healthy
iron-rich diet with juicy mangoes. The taste buds during pregnancy usually lose
some of their sensitivity, so mangoes will surely prove to be the delight of
your day, for more than just its health benefits.
Cures Acne
Perhaps you are surprised to know that mangoes are closely related to skin
health. Other than bringing a healthy glow to your face, mangoes also help to
lighten skin color. You can easily enhance your beauty by including this tasty
fruit in your diet on a regular basis.
Mangoes effectively treat acne by opening the clogged pores of the skin. Once
these pores are opened, acne formation will eventually stop. Unclogging the
pores of the skin is the most effective way to eliminate acne. To enjoy this
benefit, there is no need to eat mangoes every day; you need to remove the mango
pulp and apply it on the skin for around 10 minutes, then rinse it off. Mango
treatment of blackheads: This might appear a bit surprising but mangoes can be
used to remove blackheads. For this purpose, prepare a scrub by mixing a
teaspoon of mango pulp, half a teaspoon of milk or milk powder and honey. Rub it
all over your face in circular motion. This will help in removing dead skin and
blackheads, thus adding a glow to your face.
Slows the Signs of Aging
Mangoes contain high amounts of vitamin A and vitamin C, which both help to
produce collagen proteins inside the body. Collagen helps to protect blood
vessels and the body�s connective tissues, thereby slowing down the skin�s
natural aging process. Therefore, mangoes can rightly be called an anti-aging
food. Dietary supplementation is the best way to restore your youth in a natural
and delicious way.
Promotes Brain Health
Mangoes have abundant quantities of vitamin B-6, which is vital for maintaining
and improving the brain�s function. These vitamins aid in the amalgamation of
the major neurotransmitters that contributes in determining mood and the
modification of sleeping patterns. Mangoes naturally provide significant
quantities of this vitamin. With mangoes as a part of your diet, you can be
assured of a healthy brain and effective nerve functioning. You will also be
avoiding medicinal supplements, which have a long list of possible side effects.
The Glutamine acid content in mangoes also improves concentration and the power
of your memory.
Boosts Body Immunity
As mentioned earlier, similar to carrots, mangoes are rich in beta-carotene, a
powerful carotenoid. This element of mango helps in to enhance the immune system
of the body and make it impervious to bacteria and toxins. Excess beta-carotene
is also transformed into vitamin A inside the body. Vitamin A is another
antioxidant vitamin and gives you additional protection against the free
radicals that can harm your internal systems. Thus, mangoes are great choice for
food items to add into your regular diet. They not only increase your chances of
living a disease-free life, but is also a pleasure to eat due to its magnificent
taste.
Diabetes Management and Prevention
Further research is still ongoing, but some studies have already revealed that
mangoes are a great natural remedy for diabetes. It was a long-told myth that
diabetic patients should avoid mangoes because of its sweet taste; now it is
being shown that other than the fruit, the mango leaves are also helpful in
curing diabetes. Place 10 or 15 mango leaves in warm water and close it with a
lid before going to bed. In the morning, drink the water on an empty stomach
after filtering the leaves. Regular practice of this method has shown positive
results for diabetic patients in the management of their blood sugar levels.
Mango Allergies
It is possible to suffer from mango allergies. Some people can be sensitive to
mangoes, since they belong to the Anacardiaceae family and are therefore a
distant relative of poison ivy. Mangoes contain a small amount of a substance
called urushinol, which is a toxic resin that can cause dermatitis. The severity
of this skin allergy varies between individuals.
However, the peel and juice of mangoes are more responsible for this allergy,
while the flesh of the fruit has a relatively low chance of inducing this
allergic reaction.
Nutrition chart of Mango
One cup of mangoes (225 gms contain) contains the following percentages that
apply to daily value.
105 calories
76 percent vitamin C (antioxidant and immune booster)
25 percent vitamin A (antioxidant and vision)
11 percent vitamin B6 plus other B vitamins (hormone production in brain
and heart disease prevention)
9 percent healthy probiotic fibre
9 percent copper (copper is a cofactor for many vital enzymes plus
production of red blood cells)
7 percent potassium (to balance out our high sodium intake)
4 percent magnesium
Women Fitness is sure that as now you know the immense health benefits of
eating mango, you are sure to incorporate it into your regular diet.
Mango
apart from being an exceptionally delicious fruit has amazing health benefits. A
common nickname for mangoes is actually �the king of fruits�. Beyond the sweet,
luscious taste of mangoes, they also contain an abundance of vitamins, minerals
and antioxidants that assure your optimum health.
Mangoes have high amounts of pectin, a soluble dietary fiber that efficiently
contributes to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Pectin can also help
prevent you from developing prostate cancer. Recently, studies at The Institute
for Food Research discovered that a compound within pectin combines with
galectin 3 (a protein playing significant role in all the stages of cancer). The
European Prospective Investigation of Cancer also has come up with a strong
association between eating mango and lowering the risk of cancers of the
gastrointestinal tract.
Further research is still ongoing, but some studies have already revealed that
mangoes are a great natural remedy for diabetes. It was a long-told myth that
diabetic patients should avoid mangoes because of its sweet taste; now it is
being shown that other than the fruit, the mango leaves are also helpful in
curing diabetes. Place 10 or 15 mango leaves in warm water and close it with a
lid before going to bed. In the morning, drink the water on an empty stomach
after filtering the leaves. Regular practice of this method has shown positive
results for diabetic patients in the management of their blood sugar levels.