Summer is here. And so are the sweet and delicious mangoes. These yummy fruits are loved by people of all ages and are eaten fresh more than any other fruit in the world.
Did you know that these juicy fruits also contain plenty of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that benefit your health immensely? They help improve brain function and digestion, keep away heart disease and cancer, and offer many other health benefits.
No wonder, the mango is often referred to as the “King of Fruits”.
A fruit rich in nutrients
The health benefits of mangoes come from its rich content of nutrients, antioxidants, and dietary fibre. Mangoes are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as a good source of other vitamins including vitamins B6, E, and K.
They are rich in minerals like potassium, magnesium, and copper, and are packed with antioxidants such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. What’s more, there’s almost no sodium or fat in mangoes.
Here are some of the the possible health benefits of mangoes:
Improves eye health
The high amount of vitamin A and beta-carotene present in mangoes improves vision, fights dry eyes, and prevents night blindness.
Mangoes also contain zeaxanthin, a kind of antioxidant that protects your eyes against sun damage and eye diseases associated with old age.
Boosts the immune system
Mangoes contain generous amounts of vitamin C and vitamin A as well as beta-carotene, which keep your immune system healthy and strong, protecting you from various infections and toxins.
Aids digestion
The high fibre and water content in mangoes helps to prevent constipation, ensures proper bowel movements, and keeps the digestive tract clean.
Mangoes also contain enzymes that help in breaking down protein, thus helping the process of digestion.
Improves skin and hair health
Mangoes have a high content of vitamins A and C, which help keep your skin and hair healthy.
Vitamin A is necessary to develop healthy tissues throughout the body, including skin and hair. It helps moisturise hair, fights pimples and acne, and keeps skin glowing.
Vitamin C is involved in collagen formation, which provides structure to skin and hair, heals damaged skin, and reduces signs of ageing.
Helps prevent cancer
Mangoes contain various nutrients and antioxidant compounds, such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, and polyphenols, which protect the body against several types of cancers, including colon, breast, lung, leukaemia, and prostate cancers.
Improves brain health
Mangoes are packed with ample amounts of vitamin B6, which is essential to maintain and improve brain function. They also have glutamine acid content that improves memory and concentration.
Lowers cholesterol
The high levels of fibre, vitamin C, and pectin present in mangoes help to lower cholesterol levels, particularly the bad LDL cholesterol as well as triglycerides.
Regulates blood pressure
Mangoes are rich in potassium and magnesium. These two minerals are very helpful for lowering blood pressure, which can in turn help lower the risk of heart disease.
Boosts bone health
Mangoes contain good levels of vitamin K, which is important for proper calcium absorption, essential for healthy and strong bones. A low intake of vitamin K may increase the risk of bone fractures.
Helps prevent asthma
Mangoes are a rich source of beta-carotene, which can lower your risk of developing asthma. High intakes of beta-carotene and vitamin C help increase lung capacity and protect you from respiratory problems like asthma.
Helps treat anemia
Mangoes being a rich source of iron, act as a natural cure for iron deficiency and anaemia. Also, vitamin C present in mangoes helps in the proper absorption of iron in the body.
Moderation is key
Mangoes are rich in natural sugar and lower in fibre than other fruits, so eat them in moderation, especially if you have health problems like diabetes.
Moreover, mangoes are relatively high in calories for a fruit, so don’t eat more than one at a time. Too much of a good thing can be bad. Eating a single mango is great for health but eating too many may lead to weight gain.
Disclaimer: All material on Hidoc.co is provided for informational purposes only and should not be taken as a substitute for professional medical or health advice. Always seek the advice of your physician for any questions regarding your symptoms or medical condition and before taking any home remedies or supplements.