Mangoes are among the most popular fruits in many parts of the world. They are in the same family of plants as cashews and pistachios with their trees capable of growing up to 100 feet in height. They are mostly oval-shaped and around five inches long. They have a single, large seed in the middle that makes them quite heavy too. When ripe, mangoes have a yellow-golden tone with patches of green as well. Mangoes are fresh, sweet, and juicy and serve as a great ingredient for marinades.
Health Benefits of Mango
Mangoes contain so many nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin A, niacin, folate, potassium, copper, calcium, and more. Here is what you get in a 100g serving of mango.
Is there any health benefit of mango? There are many actually, and that is mainly due to the presence of many nutrients.
1. It Improves Digestion
Mangoes contain certain digestive enzymes that eliminate problems such as excess acidity and indigestion. Its bioactive ingredients such as terpenes, esters, and aldehydes improve appetite and keep your digestive system healthy.
2. It Prevents Aging Signs
Vitamin A and vitamin C in mangoes make them effective against the signs of aging. These vitamins help produce collagen protein, which protects connective tissues and blood vessels in your body. It slows down natural aging process and prevents wrinkles and other skin problems.
3. It Boosts Brain Health
Next health benefit of mango comes from its vitamin B6 content. This vitamin is vital for healthy brain function because it helps in the amalgamation of the major neurotransmitters that play a role in determining mood and sleeping patterns.
4. It Strengthens Immune System
Mangoes contain beta-carotene that enhance the immune system and protects you from infections. Your body converts excess beta-carotene into vitamin A, which has antioxidant properties and further improves your immunity.
5. It Keeps Skin Fresh
Mangoes work as a great skin cleanser and help unclog your pores to leave your face fresh. Whatever your skin type is, you can use them to prevent acne and other problems. Simply apply sliced thin mango pieces on face for 10-15 minutes. Remove them and wash your face to notice a pleasant change in your skin.
6. It Regulates Insulin
Mangoes leaves help regulate insulin levels in your body. If you have diabetes, simply use a vessel to boil 6 mango leaves. Leave it overnight, filter it the next morning, and drink. Mangoes are low on glycemic index, so they are quite safe for diabetics.
7. It Lowers Cholesterol
One health benefit of mango is that it is good for your heart. It has vitamin C, fiber, and pectin that lower cholesterol, especially the 'bad' LDL cholesterol. It also lowers triglycerides in the blood and helps improve levels of good HDL cholesterol in the body.
8. It Prevents Heat Stroke
You need to maintain the fluid level in your body to lower your risk of getting heat stroke, and mangoes help you do that. They contain potassium, which regulate electrolyte and fluid balance in the body and protects you from heat stroke. You can make a healthy drink using mangoes to prevent heat stroke. Simply boil two mangoes in two cups of water, squeeze out the pulp, and add it to a glass of cool water. Add some sugar and rock salt for taste as well. Your healthy drink is ready!
9. It Improves Vision
Mangoes are loaded with vitamin A that is extremely vital for healthy eyes. It promotes good eyesight and offers protection from eye-related disorders, such as cataracts, night blindness, macular degeneration, soft cornea, dry eyes, and general ocular discomfort.
10. It Alkalizes the Body
Mangoes have the malic acid, tartaric acid, and a small amount of citric acid that have an alkalizing effect on the body. This prevents several issues such as kidney disease, metabolic acidosis, weakened bones, and muscle impairment. Eating mangoes regularly helps keep pH of the blood between 7.35 and 7.45, which facilitates transfer of oxygen throughout the body.
11. It Fights Cancer
Mangoes have vitamin C and fiber that provide it with its anti-carcinogenic properties. The presence of several enzymes and phenols also helps mangoes prevent breast, colon, skin, lung, and prostate cancers. Mangoes also have antioxidant compounds, such as astragalin, isoquercitrin, Gallic acid, fisetin, and methyl gallat, which neutralize free radicals in the body and prevent cancer and other problems.
12. It Boosts Libido
Mangoes are among the best aphrodisiac fruits because they are rich in vitamin E, which plays a role in boosting libido. Mangoes also contain potassium and magnesium, which are essential for the production of sex hormones. Eating mangoes will also boost histamine production in men, which in turn helps reach orgasm.
How to Choose Ripe Mangoes
You will get many health benefits of mangowhen you pay attention to selecting the right one. You should opt for ripe mangoes. The change of color usually helps identify ripe mangoes, but some mangoes do not turn orange, red, or yellow. If you are buying the green varieties, you should pay attention to aroma. The ripe mangoes will also give slightly to light pressure – use your fingertip to apply pressure and ensure that there is a slight depression on the surface. When bought unripe, it is important to keep them in a paper bag in a warm place for a couple of days. They may take up to a week or so to ripen when kept at room temperature.
Warning: Caution with Allergies
Some people suffer from mango allergies. This happens because mangoes contain a substance called urushiol. This toxic resin can cause dermatitis, which can be quite severe for some people. You are more likely to show signs of allergies when consuming the peel and juice of mangoes. The flesh of the fruit is less likely to induce an allergic reaction.