Medically Reviewed by Dr. Riaz Ali Shah
Despite the scorching heat and the blazing sun, what is it that makes you look forward to the summer season? I think I know. The ripe and honey sweet mangoes clad in gold are definitely something worth waiting for the whole year. Being the number one favorite fruit with its bright color, sweet smell, and an unforgettable taste, it is undoubtedly ‘The king of all Fruits’. Mango is consumed fresh and juicy during the summer but in other seasons, people enjoy it in the form of packaged juices, frozen-chunks or powdered form and the mango mania goes on all year round.
From sour mango pickles and salsas to the sweet mango desserts, cakes, smoothies, and milkshakes; you can make the most of the mango season. Mango shakes are a healthy and delicious combination and a quick fix for breaking the fast especially for kids and young women who find sitting down to breakfast a difficult task early morning. It is refreshing and promotes weight gain as the starch in mango converts to sugar and gets easily absorbed by the body.
Beyond the mouthwatering taste and goodness of mangoes lies the surplus amount of vitamins, anti-oxidants, and minerals that have a plethora of health benefits. The well-being secrets of mangoes are endless and with a strong scientific backing. Here are a few listed down for the enlightenment of our readers.
- High in fiber and low in sugar means that the consumption of mango offers you lasting energy and does not impact your blood sugar so you can enjoy sustained energy after eating one.
- Helpful in the elimination of wastes by its fiber-richness, keeping the intestines functioning smoothly and preventing you from the discomfort of constipation.
- Metabolism booster by fueling the probiotic bacteria in our gut and helping in the absorption of certain vitamins like B12 that we need for good energy metabolism.
- Rich in enzymes useful for digestion that helps improve the digestion problems in people by aiding in the breakdown of carbs, protein, and fat.
- Helpful to the heart by being rich in magnesium – an important electrolyte mineral that helps the heart muscles relax and also regulates the blood pressure.
- A boon to the brain by helping the brain functioning and reducing the risk of age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. Also, helpful in the healing process of a concussion after a trauma.
- Protecting the cells and immunity by preventing the formation of free radicals and keeping the red and white blood cells healthy and enhance oxygen delivery through them.
- Shields from radiation and reduces the damage from dangerous waves that we get exposed to in daily life. Eat a mango before you go in for an X-ray exam.
- Aids in preventing cancer is possible from ‘Mangiferin’ – an extract from mango, having the ability to fight cancer and preventing HIV, breast cancer, colon, and prostate cancer. It helps the immune system function better, recognize the cancer cells and destroy them.
- Cholesterol controller reducing the level of triglycerides and the more harmful LDL cholesterol. Mango contains pectin; a soluble dietary fiber that helps control cholesterol levels in the body and prevents you from a stroke.
- Good for eyes by being a rich source of Vitamin A that is known for helping the vision and protecting from blindness.
- Beneficial to the bones and joints as mango contains Vitamin C which helps form collagen and keeps the joints flexible and pain-free. Vitamin K in mango helps in strengthening the bones.
- Prevents Anemia by being a rich source of iron and improving the function of red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues.
- Skin Care masks and scrubs are made from mango extract as mango is good for skin containing carotenoids, which are antioxidants beneficial to the skin, keeping it plump and hydrated. Make yourself a mango mask to give your face some fruity freshness.
With all these amazing benefits, mangoes are a delicious way to stay in great health! You can either try out new recipes with mango being the main ingredient or simply devour this fruit fresh and raw. Mangoes are definitely an accessible and affordable alternative to expensive vitamin supplements and/or medicines to combat many diseases.
Guest Post Credit: Dr. Kanwal Ansari (BDS, RDS)
