In Jamaica it is Mangoes season, we have various types of Mango trees and I am very blessed to have a few trees in my garden.

Mango trees are one of the most cultivated fruits in the tropics. Beyond the sweet, luscious taste of mangoes, they also contain an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that assure your optimum health.

Here are a few benefits:

1. Mangoes contain enzymes for breaking down protein and are rich in Fiber, so if you have at least one mango every day, you are almost guaranteed to prevent constipation, piles, and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
2. Mangoes are rich in Potassium (4% in 156 mg) and Magnesium (2% in 9 mg) and are a great remedy for high blood pressure.
3. Mangoes can prevent Cancer; research has shown antioxidant compounds in mango fruits have been found to protect against colon, breast, leukemia and prostate cancers.
4. Mangoes are closely related to Skin Care. Other than bringing a healthy glow to your face, they also help to lighten skin color and treat acne by opening the clogged pores of the skin. Unclogging the pores of the skin is the most effective way to eliminate acne. You don’t need to eat them every day; you can remove the pulp and apply it on the skin for around 10 minutes, then rinse it off.
5. Mangoes Alkalize the whole body; Remember that cancer cannot survive in an alkaline environment. Mango is rich in tartaric acid, malic acid and traces of citric acid that primarily help in maintaining the alkali reserve of the body.
6. Mangoes lowers Cholesterol; the high levels of fiber, pectin and vitamin C help to lower serum cholesterol levels
7. Mangoes can help with your Sex Drive; the vitamin E content in these fruits can even help boost your sex life by triggering the activity of your sex hormones.
8. Mangoes improves Eyes Health; one cup of sliced mangoes supplies 25 percent of the needed daily value of vitamin A, which promotes good eyesight and prevents night blindness and dry eyes.
9. Mangoes delay Aging; they contain high amounts of vitamin A and C, which help produce collagen proteins inside the body. Collagen helps protect blood vessels and the body’s connective tissues, thereby slowing down the natural aging process.
10. Mangoes promote Brain Health; they have abundant quantities of vitamin B6, which is vital for maintaining and improving the brain’s function and contribute to help with mood and sleeping patterns. The glutamine acid content in mangoes also improves concentration and memory.
11. Mangoes may help with Diabetes; mango leaves help normalize insulin levels in the blood ~ boil mango leaves in water, soak through the night and then consume the filtered concoction in the morning~  Mangoes also have a relatively low glycemic index (41-60) so moderate quantities will not spike your sugar levels.
12. Mangoes are providing Iron for women; they are rich in iron, hence it is a great natural solution for people suffering from anemia. Menopausal and pregnant women can indulge in mangoes as this will increase their iron levels and calcium at the same time.
13. Mangoes can be part of a weight loss aid; they have a lot of vitamins and nutrients that help the body feel fuller. Also, the fibrous fruit boosts the digestive function of the body by burning additional calories, helping in weight loss.
14. Mangoes can boost your Immune System; mangoes are rich in beta-carotene, a powerful carotenoid. This element helps to enhance the immune system and make it resistant to bacteria and toxins.
15. Mangoes can avoid Asthma; beta-carotene can lower your risk for developing asthma.

Nutrition of one cup of mango with Daily Value:  

• 105 calories
• 76 percent vitamin C (antioxidant and immune booster)
• 25 percent vitamin A  (antioxidant and vision)
• 11 percent vitamin B6 plus other B vitamins (hormone production in brain and heart disease prevention)
• 9 percent healthy probiotic fiber
• 9 percent copper (copper is a co-factor for many vital enzymes plus production of red blood cells)
• 7 percent potassium (to balance out our high sodium intake)
• 4 percent magnesium

Mangoes also provide calcium; iron; and powerful antioxidants such as zeaxanthin, quercetin, astragalin and beta-carotene.

How to use Mangoes?

Mangoes keep relatively well. Unripe fruit can be left to ripen at room temperature; a fruit that is still green will ripen in a week, or faster if it is placed in a paper bag. Mangoes taste best when eaten at peak ripeness. Ripe mangoes can be kept in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks. Mangoes can be frozen, cooked in syrup or puréed; sugar and lime or lemon juice may be added if desired.

Cautions when using mangoes:

Since mangoes are of the same family of pistachios or cashews, if you have an allergy to pistachios or cashews, then you should probably avoid mangoes.

If you have a latex allergy, a reaction is possible with mangos, particularly green mangos. This reaction develops because of anacardic acid

Mangos are ripened by some dealers using calcium carbide, which can cause serious health problems (one more reason to buy organic). If you do have inorganic mangoes, wash them properly before consuming or soak overnight in water.

Mango peel and sap contain urushiol, the chemical in poison ivy and poison sumac which can cause an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals.

Disclaimer:

This blog, its content and any linked material are presented for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or prescribing. Nothing contained in or accessible from this blog should be considered to be medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or prescribing, or a promise of benefits, claim of cure, legal warranty, or guarantee of results to be achieved. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog or in any linked material.