When you savour succulent and delicious mangoes every season, you probably don’t think about the immense health benefits of every bite. TEMITOPE OJO explains some of them.
Mango, “the king of fruit”, is one of the most nutritious and delicious fruits on earth.
A mango is full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. As such, eating it is a healthy decision you make for your body while enjoying a sweet fruit.
Mangoes are used to soothe stomach aches because, like papayas, they 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 flavour.
Vitamins, minerals
Some of the health benefits of eating mangoes are in the nutrients. They are a rich source of vitamins and minerals.
Mangoes have vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin E, and Selenium which helps guard against heart and other diseases, such as colon and cervical cancer.
Vitamins A and C in mango are also a great source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, muscle contraction, and keep bodily processes working efficiently.
The high iron content is beneficial to people with anemia, and to pregnant women, if eaten regularly. Mangoes also contain Vitamin E, which helps hormones function efficiently.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are nutrients in food that work as slowing or preventative agents against oxidative damage to our bodies.
Mango contains antioxidant, an agent called phenols. Phenolic compound is said to have powerful anti-cancer effects for the human body.
Antioxidants – like quercetin, isoquercitrin, astragalin, fisetin, gallic acid, and methylgallat – in mango protect the body against colon, breast, leukemia, and prostate cancers.
Acidity, digestion
Mango can also treat acidity and poor digestion because of an enzyme in the fruit which soothes the stomach.
These enzymes are also partially responsible for feelings of contentment, which is helpful for a healthy lifestyle.
Fiber
The high amounts of fiber in mango help prevent constipation. Fiber can also guard against certain types of cancer (for example, colon), high blood and cholesterol levels, and some degenerative diseases, especially those regarding the heart.
Weight gain
Consuming mango is one of the easiest ways to gain weight. A mango weighing 150g has around 86 calories, which can be absorbed easily by the body.
Mango also contains starch, which transforms into sugar that aids in gaining weight.
Those who want to put on weight should add mango to their diet. Mango milkshakes accelerate weight gain since they also contain milk.
Keeps cholesterol in check
Mango has a high content of vitamin C, pectin, and fibres that help lower serum cholesterol levels.
A fresh mango is a rich source of potassium, an important component of cell and body fluids that help control heart rate and blood pressure.
Skin cleanser: Mango helps unclog pores and adds freshness to the face. This applies to any skin type. It helps clear clogged pores that cause acne.
Slice a mango into thin pieces and keep them on your face for 10 to 15 minutes and then take a bath or wash your face and see the results.
Regulates diabetes: Mango leaves are healthy, too.
People suffering from diabetes should boil between five and six mango leaves in a vessel, soak it through the night and drink the filtered decoction in the morning.
This helps regulate insulin levels.
Cures anemia, helps in pregnancy
Mango is rich in iron, which makes it beneficial to people suffering from anemia. A regular, moderated intake of mangoes can help eliminate anemia by increasing the red blood cell count in the body.
Mango is also very beneficial to pregnant women, since iron requirements during pregnancy 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 be the delight of your day for more than just its health benefits.
Cures acne
Mango is closely related to skin health. Apart from bringing a healthy glow to the face, it also helps lighten skin colour.
Mango effectively treats 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. Remove the mango pulp and apply it on the skin for around 10 minutes, then rinse it off.
Slows aging
Mango contains high amounts of vitamin A and vitamin C, both of which help produce collagen proteins in the body.
Collagen helps protect blood vessels and connective tissues, thereby slowing down the skin’s natural aging process.
Therefore, mango can rightly be called an anti-aging food. Diet supplementation is the best way to restore your youth in a natural and delicious way.
Promotes brain health
Mango has abundant quantities of vitamin B-6, which is vital for maintaining and improving the brain’s functions.
These vitamins aid in the amalgamation of the major neurotransmitters that contribute in determining mood and the modification of sleeping patterns.
With mango 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.
Glutamine acid in mango also improves concentration and the power of memory.
Boosts body immunity
Similar to carrot, mango is rich in beta-carotene, a powerful carotenoid. This helps enhance the immune system and make it impervious to bacteria and toxins.
Excess beta-carotene is also transformed into vitamin A in the body.
Vitamin A is another antioxidant vitamin and gives additional protection against the free radicals that can harm internal systems.
Thus, mango is a great choice to add to your regular diet. It increases the chances of living a disease-free life, and is also a pleasure to eat with its magnificent taste.