The mango, a tropical fruit with hundreds of variations, has been dubbed “the king of fruits,” and for good reason: it is luscious, sweet, fragrant, and rich with vitamins A and C. The technical name of the mango is Mangifera indica L. Mango is known for its taste but it has many benefits.
1. High in defense-enhancing antioxidants
Gallotannins and mangiferin, two plant substances having protective and antioxidant effects, are abundant in mangoes. Both have been investigated for their potential to reduce the oxidative stress brought on by regular life and exposure to pollutants.
Many of these substances can be found in and immediately below the skin, just like other plant-based diets. Mango peel may help reduce obesity, according to a 2012 study that examined the peel of the fruit. This is because of the plant compounds that are found there.
The fruit’s skin, pulp, and seed kernel all contain significant amounts of polyphenols. These plant substances protect cells from DNA damage that can cause degenerative diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cancer, by acting as antioxidants.
2. Possibly Promotes Heart Health
Consuming mangoes can help your heart by controlling the amount of lipids (such as cholesterol) in your blood. Mangiferin is a particular polyphenol found in plants and natural remedies that is also present in mangoes. Mangiferin consumption has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease via lowering cholesterol levels and inflammation. One of the benefits of mangoes is good cardiac health.
Mangiferin may have heart preventive effects, including less inflammation, according to a 2016 animal study. Additional animal research indicates the same plant component may help maintain a healthy level of cholesterol.
Although these animal studies are encouraging, there aren’t many human trials, and additional study is required to see whether these advantages also apply to people.
3. Boost Your Immunity
Carotenoids, a class of substances that give yellow fruits their color, are abundant in mangoes. One advantage of eating foods high in carotenoids is that they are crucial for enhancing healthy immune system performance. The substances also function as antioxidants. Immunity boosting is one of the benefits of mango.
4. Ability to preserve healthy skin and hair.
Benefits of mango also include healthy skin and hair. Both vitamins A and C are present in mangoes in a reasonable amount. Collagen is a protein that serves as a structure for skin, keeping it firm and supple, and vitamin C is involved in its synthesis. A vitamin C shortage can impede wound healing and exacerbate fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin C is also necessary for the development of collagen in our hair as well as for aiding in the absorption of iron, a crucial mineral for healthy hair growth. Vitamin A is necessary for the growth of all cells, including those in the skin and hair, and some studies indicate that it may have potential anti-aging benefits. The formation of sebum, the oily material that moisturizes our skin and scalp, is one of vitamin A’s key functions.
5. Maintains eye health
Mangoes include beta-carotene, another antioxidant that supports eye health, in addition to the antioxidant vitamin C. Additionally, the carotenoids present in mangoes, lutein and zeaxanthin, which are antioxidants, support your eyes in a number of ways. The two organic substances that shield the retina and lens exhibit the following properties:
- amplify the visual field
- Reduce sunlight discomfort and improve visual contrast
- lessen the amount of time it takes for your eyes to adjust to the stress of bright lights
Tips on Eating Mangoes
Mangoes should be preserved correctly depending on how quickly you plan to utilize them if you want to enjoy them. Just three to four days after being harvested, mangoes can attain their optimal maturity. Mangoes can have a wide range of shelf lives.
When kept cold, they can survive two to three weeks but may only last four to eight days at room temperature. Mangoes are fantastic since they can be easily incorporated into any meal, whether it be savory or sweet.