Health Benefits of Mangos

Ripe mangos hold the highest levels of beta carotene
By Gayot Editors

With marigold flesh encased in brilliant red-orange-green skin, the mango is a quintessential taste of the tropics.  In India, where the native mango has been cultivated for at least 4,000 years, the teardrop-shaped fruit symbolizes love and fertility.  Legend has it that Buddha found peace and wish fulfillment in the tranquility of a mango grove.  While the mango’s connection to spiritual health is the stuff of centuries-old folklore, its merits for physical health are well documented among modern scientists.

Chockful of Carotene

The dulcet, juicy insides of the mango pack a nutritional punch.  Its characteristic orange color is a clue to its storehouse of beta carotene (Vitamin A). Ripe mangos hold the highest levels of beta carotene, while green mangos are higher in Vitamin C. Known for their protective powers, these antioxidant carotenoids protect against certain cancers. They also supply ample potassium, making them ideal for hypertensive patients or anyone looking to replenish energy after physical activity.

High in Fiber

In Indian, the mango is traditionally incorporated into chutneys and served alongside meat dishes. The fruit contains proteolytic enzymes known to break down proteins, making it an effective meat tenderizer and digestive aid. High in soluble fiber, they help regulate healthy digestion, protect the heart, and keep cholesterol low. The average mango contains up to 40 percent of the recommended daily fiber intake.

Cancer-Fighter

With its plentiful vitamins and fiber, the fruit is attracting new attention as a cancer fighter. Scientists at the Industrial Toxicology Research Centre in Lucknow, India, found that mango pulp extract suppressed prostate cancer tumor cells in mice. The researchers credited the effects to a compound in mangos called lupeol, which also happens to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-malarial, and anti-diabetic properties. Upon further research, the mighty fruit may yet prove to unlock a variety of cures.

Full of Moisture

Anyone who has eaten a ripe mango knows that the fruit teems with quenching moisture. The abundance of sweet juice makes it hard to eat them politely.That same pulp can be a delight for dry skin. Mango butter, used as a beauty product, has hydrating and healing properties that seal in moisture and protect parched skin. As well, the honeyed scent of essential mango oil is appealing in aromatherapy.

Given the fruit’s abundant curative uses, it’s hard to believe it’s part of the flowering Anacardiaceae family, which includes toxic plants like poison ivy and poison oak. Considered inedible, mango skin can also cause dermatitis in people who come into contact with the peel or tree sap. Aside from these cautions, however, the mango is a compact package of paradise. It truly lives up to its nickname as the “king” of fruits.

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