A mango is juicy stone fruit (drupe) produced from numerous species of tropical trees belonging to the flowering plant genus Mangifera, cultivated mostly for their edible fruit. Depending on the cultivar, mango fruit varies in size, shape, sweetness, skin color, and flesh color which may be pale yellow, gold, or orange.
Now let’s look at some of the health benefits of mango.
-Maintain overall health. Mangos have an impressive vitamin and mineral content. They are rich in potassium and magnesium. Mangos are vitamin powerhouses, rich in B-vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K. These components help avoid a host of diseases that can come from deficiencies of these micronutrients. Also antioxidants can help neutralize free radicals throughout the body and help prevent heart diseases, cancer, premature aging, and many other degenerative diseases.
-Hair care. Having mangos regularly can help treat dry hair. Also these fruits contain vitamin A, which helps in hair regrowth.
-Promote weight gain. Less than one cup of mango (150 grams) has around 86 calories, which can be absorbed easily by the body. Mangos contain starch, which transforms into sugar and aids in gaining weight.
-Treat anemia. Mangos are rich in iron, which makes them beneficial for people suffering from anemia. A regular, moderated intake can help reduce the possibility of developing anemia by increasing the red blood cell count in the body.
-Delay aging. Mangos contain high amounts of vitamins A and C, which help produce collagen proteins inside the body. Collagen helps protect blood vessels and the body’s connective tissues, thereby slowing down the natural aging process.
-Boost immunity. Mangos are rich in beta-carotene, a powerful carotenoid that helps to enhance the immune system.
-Eye health. Mango is rich in vitamin A, which supports vision and helps prevent night blindness. Mango flesh, as well as the peel, contain lutein and zeaxanthin. These nutrients help to decrease discomfort caused due to excessively glare, bright lights, and enhance chromatic (visual) contrast.
-Promote brain health. Mangos have plentiful quantities of vitamins, such as B6, C, and folate. These are a few nutrients needed for maintaining and improving the brain’s function.
-Reduce acne. By applying the pulp topically to the skin, it can open the clogged pores of the skin. Once these pores are opened, acne formation will eventually stop.
-Useful in pregnancy. Mangos are beneficial for pregnant women given their iron content.
-Aid in digestion. Mangos contain dietary pectin that helps regulate digestion thus putting an end to problems such as indigestion and excess acidity. The digestive enzymes in mangos (such as amylase enzyme mangiferin) work to promote natural, efficient digestion.
Side effects of over eating mango.
-Allergic reactions such as watery eyes, runny nose, breathing problems, abdominal pain, diarrhoea sneezing etc.
-Mango contains a chemical called urushiol. People sensitive to this chemical may experience dermatitis on them. It’s a skin problem where people have inflamed skin which becomes flaky, itchy and blistery.