Mango: King of Fruit

By Carol DiPirro • June 9th, 2011 • 7116 Views

Mangoes, known as the ‘king of fruit’, originated in East India, Burma and the Andaman Islands bordering the Bay of Bengal. Around the 5th century B.C., Buddhist monks are believed to have introduced the mango to Malaysia and eastern Asia - legend has it that Buddha found tranquility and repose in a mango grove. The Mango tree plays a sacred role in India; it is a symbol of love and some believe that the Mango tree can grant wishes.

Today there are over 1,000 different varieties of mangoes throughout the world with trees growing as tall as 100ft. Mangoes are distantly related to a few plants that you'd probably never guess: the cashew and pistachio. More fresh mangoes are eaten every day than any other fruit in the world with India growing more mangoes than all other fruits combined.

Nutrition benefits of eating mangoes

Anti cancer

The phenols in mangoes, such as quercetin as well as the abundant enzymes, have cancer-preventing capacities. Mango is also high in a soluble dietary fiber known as pectin. Scientists have identified a strong link between eating lots of fiber and a lower risk of cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. A cup of sliced mango contains 76 percent of the needed daily value of vitamin C, an antioxidant which helps protect cells from free radical damage and reduces risk of cancer.

Eye health

One cup of sliced mango supplies 25 percent of the needed daily value of vitamin A, which promotes good eye health. Eating mangoes regularly may prevent night blindness, dryness of the eyes and softening of the cornea.

Digestion

Mangoes contain digestive enzymes that help break down proteins and aid digestion. It is also valuable to combat acidity and poor digestion because of an enzyme found in the fruit, which soothes the stomach. In India, a mash of the mango peel is given to people with inflammation of the stomach lining.

Benefits to skin

Mango is effective in relieving clogged pores of the skin. What this means is that people who suffer from acne, which is caused by clogged pores, will benefit from mango. Just remove the mango pulp and apply it on your skin for about 10 minutes before washing.

Good sex

The Vitamin E that is abundant in mangoes helps to regulate sex hormones and can boost sex drive.

Mangoes are a healthy treat just by themselves, but with a little effort they make a fantastic chutney. This is great to serve before...

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Location:  New York, US

About Carol DiPirro: Carol has been passionate about cooking, nutrition and healthy eating since she was a child, baking her first eggless cake from scratch at 8 yrs old. Growing up in an Italian family, clean healthy...