Mangoes (mangifera indica) are tropical stone fruits about the size of a grapefruit. The skin ranges in colour from yellow to green or red-green; the flesh is soft and yellow; and the fruit has an inedible, hard stone in the middle.
Sweet tasting and juicy, mango is high in fibre, vitamins and minerals. Discover more about this fruit and its health benefits.
1.Rich in protective antioxidants
Mangos are a good source of protective compounds with antioxidant properties, these plant chemicals include gallotannins and mangiferin. Both have been studied for their ability to counter the oxidative stress associated with day to day living and exposure to toxins.
As with other plant foods many of these compounds are found in and just beneath the skin.The peel of mangoes concluded that it may play a role in preventing obesity, thanks to the plant chemicals located there.
2.May aid digestion
People with chronic constipation who ate mango over a 4-week period, enjoyed significant improvement in their symptoms, in part due to the fibre but potentially from other compounds in the fruit, too. Interestingly, the leaves of the mango tree also appear to offer potential antidiarrheal activity thanks to plant chemicals in the leaves.
An earlier animal study found that obese mice who had a high-fat diet had improved gut microflora after mango was added to their diet.protective compounds like gallo-tannins in the fruit.offering both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to the digestive system, and may even help reduce inflammation in conditions like ulcerative colitis.
3.May help maintain healthy skin & hair
Mangoes contain reasonable levels of both vitamins A and C. Vitamin C is involved in the formation of collagen – the protein that acts as a scaffold to skin, keeping it plump and firm. Vitamin C is one of the most important antioxidants, playing a protective role against environmental damage; a deficiency of vitamin C can affect wound healing and increase fine lines and wrinkles. Our hair also requires vitamin C both for collagen production and also to help with the absorption of iron – an important mineral needed for hair growth.
All cells require vitamin A for growth, the skin and hair – and some studies suggest that it may offer potential protective effects against the signs of ageing. One of vitamin A’s key roles is its involvement in the production of sebum, the oily substance that moisturises our skin and scalp
4.May support heart health
Offered heart protective benefits, reduced inflammation. Further studies in animals suggest the same plant chemical may aid cholesterol balance.
While these animal studies are , human trials are lacking and more research needs to be done to assess whether these benefits are replicated in humans.
5.May support eye health
The orange flesh of the mango tells us they are rich in carotenoids which support eye health. In particular, they provide lutein and zeaxanthin two carotenoids that play an important role in the retina of the eye, protecting it from sunlight and from the blue light emitted from digital devices. Lutein and zeaxanthin are particularly useful in the fight against the signs of age-related macular degeneration.
Content created and supplied by: Gbede20 (via Opera
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