The English word "Mango" is basically originated from the Malayalam word “manna” meaning sweet fruit. Mango trees grow up to 35–40 m tall, with a crown radius of 10 m . These trees are long-lived, as some specimens still fruit after 300 years. Over 400 varieties of mangoes are known, many of which ripen in summer, while some give double crop. The fruit takes three to six months to ripen. Mangoes have recalcitrant seeds, that is why they do not survive freezing and drying. Mangoes are very well known as the king of all fruits. They help in fighting against cancer, help in digestion, clean our skin and make the perfect snack.
The English word "Mango" is basically originated from the Malayalam word “manna” meaning sweet fruit. Mango trees grow up to 35–40 m tall, with a crown radius of 10 m . These trees are long-lived, as some specimens still fruit after 300 years. Over 400 varieties of mangoes are known, many of which ripen in summer, while some give double crop. The fruit takes three to six months to ripen. Mangoes have recalcitrant seeds, that is why they do not survive freezing and drying. Mangoes are very well known as the king of all fruits. They help in fighting against cancer, help in digestion, clean our skin and make the perfect snack.
17 Health Benefits of Mango
1. Strengthens body stamina to fight against diseases: The deadly combination of vitamin C, vitamin A and 25 different kinds of carotenoids keep our immune system healthy, which in turn proves very helpful in increasing our body stamina to fight against various diseases.
2. Regulates blood sugar level (diabetes): Not only the fruit but the leaves of mangoes are healthy too. For people suffering from diabetes, just boil 5-6 mango leaves in a vessel, soak them throughout night and drink the filtered decoction in the morning. This is helpful in regulating our insulin levels. Mango has a low glycemic index (41-60), so going a little overboard is not going to increase our sugar levels.
3. Reduces Kidney Stones: In Chinese medicine, mangoes are considered sweet and sour with a cooling energy and possess the capability of reducing the risk of kidney stone formation.
4. Fights cancer: Antioxidants like quercetin, isoquercitrin, astragalin, fisetin, gallic acid and methylgallat present in mango protect the body against various types of cancers for example breast, blood and prostate cancers.
5. Keeps cholesterol and blood pressure in control: Mango has high level of vitamin C, pectin and fibers that help to lower serum cholesterol levels. Similarly, fresh mango is a rich source of potassium, which is an important component of cell and body fluids, which in turn will help to control our heart rate and blood pressure.
6. Helps in digestion: Mango contains enzymes that help in breaking down protein. The fibrous nature of mango thus is helpful in digestion and elimination. It is also rich in pre-biotic dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals.
7. Heat stroke: When the sun is bogging you down this summer, just chop of a mango in a juicer and add a little water and a table spoon full of honey. This juice will instantly cool you down and prevent heat stroke.
8. High iron for women: Mango is rich in iron, hence it is a great natural solution for people suffering from anemia. Menopausal and pregnant women can indulge in mangoes as this will increase their iron levels and calcium at the same time.
9. Aids concentration and memory: This fruit is rich in glutamine acid– which is most important protein for concentration and memory.
10. Helps in reducing weight loss: Mango has a lot of vitamins and nutrients that help the body feel fuller. Also, the fibrous fruit boosts the digestive function of the body by burning additional calories, helping in weight loss.
11. Stomach Tonic: Before going to bed put some 10 or 15 mango leaves in warm water and close it with lid. The next day morning filter the water and drink it in empty stomach. Do this regularly, it is going to behave like a very good stomach tonic.
12. Eye care: Mango is a rich source of vitamin A. One cup of sliced mangoes is equivalent to 25% intake of your daily need of vitamin A. Mangoes help in promoting good eye sight, fight dry eyes and also prevent night blindness.
13. Regulates sex hormones (Aphrodisiac): Mango has aphrodisiac qualities and is also called the ‘love fruit’. Mangoes increase the virility in men. Vitamin E is present abundantly in mangoes, which in turn helps to regulate sex hormones and boosts sex drive.
14. Alkalizes the body: According to natural health school.com, mango is rich in tartaric acid, malic acid and traces of citric acid that primarily help in maintaining the alkali reserve of the body.
15. Skin cleanser: Mangoes help to unclog the pores and add freshness to the face. Mangoes are applicable to any skin type. They help clear clogged pores that cause acne. Just slice a mango into thin pieces and keep them on the face for 10 to 15 minutes and then take bath or wash the face and see the results.
16. Body scrub: Make a paste of mashed mango, honey and milk and use as a body scrub, you will feel that your skin is tender and smooth
17. Perfect Snack: Instead of snacking on unhealthy chips and cookies, why not feast on slices of mangoes instead. They are perhaps one of the tastiest fruits of all.
Cautions
1. If you have a latex allergy, a reaction is possible with mangoes, particularly green mangoes. This reaction develops because of anacardic acid.
2. Mango peel and sap contain urushiol, which can cause an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals.
3. Mangoes are ripened by some dealers using calcium carbide, which can cause serious health problems (one more reason to buy organic). If you do have inorganic mangoes, wash them properly before consuming or soak overnight in water.
Nutrition Chart
One cup of mangoes (225 gms contain) adds
following percentage to our daily value.
1. Calories 105%
2. Vitamin C 76 %
3. Vitamin A 25 %
4. Vitamin B6 plus other B vitamins 11 %
5. Healthy probiotic fibre 9 %
6. Copper 9%
7. Potassium 7 %
8. Magnesium 4 %