Mango is juicy, delicious, and sweet. Moreover, it is dubbed the king of fruits in some parts of the world. Mango offers sweetness from its flesh to its aroma, and above all, it is a highly nutritious food for the body.
Important Things to Know About Eating Mango
- Beauty Benefits for Skin
- Reduces Cancer Risk
- Aids in Weight Gain
- Supports Digestion
- Good for Diabetics
- Acne Treatment
- Prevents Aging
- Boosts Immune System
- Enhances Brain Power
- Good for Anemia
- Improves Eye Health
- Protects Against Heat Stroke
- Spices Up Marital Life
- Alkalizes Body Environment
- Healthy Cholesterol Levels
- Groups to Be Cautious When Eating Mango
Beauty Benefits for Skin
In addition to the aforementioned benefits, using mango for skin beauty is also noteworthy. The high vitamin C content in mango supports collagen production, helping to firm and hydrate the skin.
At the same time, mango contains numerous important antioxidants such as quercetin, carotenoids, zeaxanthin, and lutein, which help protect the skin from UV damage and reduce sun-related skin issues.
Reduces Cancer Risk
Mango contains natural acids with anti-cancer properties. Additionally, the fiber in mango enhances digestive tract activity, shortening the time waste stays in the colon, thereby preventing colon cancer.
The phenols in mango, along with its antioxidant properties, help prevent and reduce the risk of various cancers, including prostate cancer. Moreover, the pectin fiber in mango also plays a role in cancer prevention.
Aids in Weight Gain
Mango contains starch, which converts into sugar as it ripens. Every 100 grams of mango provides about 75 calories.
Supports Digestion
People suffering from constipation, diarrhea, frequent digestive disorders, and dysentery may find relief with mango.
The digestive enzymes present in mango help break down proteins, soothe the stomach, lower acidity, and support digestion. Those suffering from constipation, diarrhea, and dysentery can benefit from mango as it serves as a remedy for these issues.
Good for Diabetics
Many people assume that mango increases blood sugar levels, but studies show this is a misconception. Mango helps stabilize blood insulin levels, which is particularly beneficial for diabetics. In fact, soaking mango leaves in water overnight allows you to drink it after removing the leaves. Regularly using this method can significantly improve the health of diabetic patients.
Acne Treatment
Acne can not only be treated by consuming mango, but you can also apply the flesh of the mango directly to the acne spots and wash your face after 10 minutes. Mango helps unclog blocked pores and prevents acne development.
Prevents Aging
Mango is a natural food rich in vitamins A and C, which help produce natural collagen. Collagen is a protein that builds connections between tissues and supports the body’s vascular system.
Boosts Immune System
Not only does the flesh of the mango contain beneficial properties, but the skin and leaves also possess substances that can inhibit bacteria such as E. coli, aiding in treating skin diseases and gastrointestinal infections.
Mango contains beta-carotene, a compound found in carrots, which enhances the immune system. Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A, helping protect the body from diseases and free radicals.
Mango is rich in iron, making it beneficial for those with anemia.
Enhances Brain Power
The human brain functions effectively and the nerves operate well with the regular inclusion of mango in the diet. Mango contains vitamin B6, which helps strengthen the neurotransmitter mix that affects mood and sleep patterns.
Good for Anemia
Mango is high in iron, which is beneficial for those suffering from anemia. The iron in mango aids in producing the necessary amount of blood for the body.
Improves Eye Health
Mango is a source of vitamin A and natural antioxidants. Vitamin A is known for its role in enhancing vision. Conditions like night blindness, dry eyes, corneal softening, refractive errors, itching, and burning eyes can be prevented by regularly consuming mango.
Mango has an incredible cooling effect on the body.
Protects Against Heat Stroke
Mango has an incredible cooling capability and can be a blessing if you feel a heat stroke approaching. This fruit helps because to avoid heat stroke, you need to maintain hydration in the body. The potassium content in mango balances sodium compounds and works to regulate fluid levels.
Mango is also known to control homocysteine levels in the blood, a substance that can harm blood vessels and increase the risk of heat stroke. Blending mango with a spoon of honey and cold water and drinking it can quickly make you feel better.
Spices Up Marital Life
Mango is quite a romantic and sweet fruit. It is rich in vitamin E, which not only supports skin health but also regulates sex hormones and enhances libido.
For men, vitamin E can also help increase sperm count and improve sperm motility. If you are trying to conceive or simply planning a romantic meal, don’t forget mango!
Mango contains tartaric acid, malic acid, and citric acid, all of which help maintain alkalinity.
Alkalizes Body Environment
We know that cancer cells thrive in more acidic environments, so anything that can bring pH levels to alkaline helps reduce the risk of developing this deadly disease. Mango contains tartaric acid, malic acid, and citric acid, all of which help maintain alkalinity. It may sound counterintuitive, but all these acids turn alkaline during digestion.
However, it’s important to note that consuming alkaline foods only adjusts the pH of urine, not blood, and thus it is most effective in protecting against bladder cancer. Additionally, cancer cells can develop in any environment, regardless of their preferences.
Healthy Cholesterol Levels
Mango is high in vitamin C, fiber, and pectin, which together can reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. Mango is also rich in potassium, an essential component of the sodium-potassium balance that regulates how the body uses water. And, of course, mango also contains a lot of water. This means that regularly consuming mango can help prevent dehydration, a significant factor influencing high cholesterol levels.
When faced with dehydration, the body increases cholesterol production to keep cell membranes moist and pliable, essential for tissues to effectively transfer nutrients and waste. During dehydration, blood volume and flow decrease, which can lead to increased cholesterol buildup in arteries.
Groups to Be Cautious When Eating Mango
Despite the many benefits, some individuals should exercise caution when consuming mango.
1. Mango Allergies
Nutrition expert Shen Tu Huo states that some individuals may have allergic reactions to urushiol, resorcinol, and other compounds found in mangoes, resulting in symptoms such as itching, redness, coughing, hives, and even cardiovascular issues and difficulty breathing.
In some cases, merely skin contact can trigger these reactions. Therefore, individuals who are allergic to mangoes should avoid consuming fresh mangoes as well as mango-derived products (such as candies, juices, and desserts).
2. People with Diabetes
Shen Tu Huo, a Chinese nutrition expert, mentions that the glycemic index (GI) of mangoes is relatively low, ranging from 51 to 69. This means they can help stabilize blood sugar levels. However, people with diabetes should monitor the amount of mango they consume at one time.
It is recommended that individuals with diabetes consume approximately 82.5 grams of sliced mango, which provides about 12.5 grams of carbohydrates, to ensure health safety.
3. People with Kidney Disease
Mangoes contain a significant amount of potassium, acids, amino acids, and proteins, which are highly stimulating substances that can affect kidney function during excretion. Therefore, they can be harmful to individuals with kidney-related conditions, such as acute or chronic nephritis.
Additionally, the harmful effects on the kidneys can increase if mangoes are consumed alongside hot foods such as garlic, chives, chili, ginger, alcohol, cinnamon, and star anise.