Mango – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

The mango (Mangifera Indica) is a tropical fruit native to Southern Asia. There are many varieties of mangoes that come in a wide range of colors and shapes, but the inner flesh is mostly golden yellow regardless of the color of the skin. Depending on the nation, mangoes can also be called “mangot”, “mangga” or even “the king of fruits”. The mango has earned this nickname for its impressive number of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

List of known nutrients

Mangoes are notable for being excellent sources of antioxidants, even containing some unique antioxidants that aren’t found in any other fruit. Some of these antioxidants include:

• Astragalin
• Carotenes
• Carotenoids, including beta-carotene
• Mangiferin
• Quercetin

Apart from potent antioxidants, mangoes have an abundance of other nutrients:

• Copper
• Folic acid
• Magnesium
• Niacin
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Riboflavin
• Sulfur
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B3
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E

Medicinal uses for mangoes

The nutrients in mangoes work in harmony to bring a multitude of health benefits; these benefits cover the reduction or prevention of certain ailments like:

• Acne
• Allergies
• Anemia
• Cancer
• Colitis
• Constipation
• Coughs
• Diarrhea
• Excessive thirst
• Giardia
• Immune system deficiency
• Indigestion
• Infections
• Ulcerative colitis
• Vomiting

As a fibrous fruit, mangoes enhance the digestive process and strengthen the stomach by cleansing the digestive tract and colon, as well as assisting in the breakdown of of proteins. The esters, terpenes, and aldehydes also play a role in improving the function of the digestive system and enhance appetite. Moreover, mangoes have a high water content and can encourage urination, ridding the body of excess acidity.

Mangoes are good in detoxifying and ridding the body of harmful free radicals because of their high concentration of antioxidants; some of these antioxidants even have antibiotic qualities.

Pregnant women are recommended to eat more mangoes due to the great amounts of iron present in the fruit. Iron is a mineral essential to pregnant women, as well as those suffering from anemia. In addition to iron, mangoes also contain vitamins A, C, and B6, which are vitamins that pregnant women need in abundance. Vitamin A is important for both the mother and child, since this nutrient can prevent vision problems in newborns and fight off infection.

Mangoes contain plenty of potassium and are effective in maintaining an individual’s sodium levels; this means that these fruits regulate fluid levels and can prevent heat stroke. Raw mangoes are also known to quench thirst and remove heat, energizing and refreshing the body.

Sensitized individuals should be careful with raw, unripe mangoes. At this stage, the mangoes contain anacardic acid, which can bring about a range of allergic reactions. In the most severe cases, mouth ulcerations, diarrhea, and vomiting can occur.

Body systems supported by mangoes

Mangoes are said to be beneficial to:

• Bones
• Digestive System
• Heart
• Immune system
• Kidneys
• Liver
• Skin

Ways to use mangoes

Naturally rich and sweet, mangoes can be eaten alone without any additions or seasonings, and are best enjoyed chilled. Mangoes are also suitable for juices and shakes; mango lassi, a popular Indian drink, is just one refreshing way to take in mangoes ,with an extra helping of yogurt and ground cardamom. Green, unripe mangoes are not as sweet as their yellow counterparts, but they can be prepared into jams and chutneys.

Where to learn more

• How Mango Leaves Can Treat Diabetes?
• Mango’s health benefits include heart health, anemia prevention, detoxing and healthy skin
• Superfood: Mango helps prevent obesity and type 2 diabetes
• Nutrient Rich Recipe Brings Healing: Mango Bisque with Mixed Berries and Fresh Mint
• Why mango is an undeniable ‘superfruit’ you should be eating more frequently

Summary

Mangoes help with the digestive process and strengthens the stomach.

The fruit is also a great detoxifying agent.

Many health experts encourage pregnant women to increase their intake of mangoes due to their impressive iron content.

Mangoes have average antibiotic and antioxidant properties.

They quench thirst, relieve vomiting, and promote urination.

Sources include:

MedicalNewsToday.com
Nutrition-And-You.com
StyleCraze.com
OrganicFacts.net
HuffingtonPost.com