One of the best things about summertime is the fact that we can consume different types of healthy fruits. Mangoes are certainly one of these fruits. Mangoes also known as king of the fruits are enjoyed by people all over the world regardless of their age. Those who have tasted mangoes know how sweet and refreshing this fruit is.
It is interesting to mention that there are different sizes and shapes of mangoes and they mostly depend on the region where they are grown. According to some statistics, there are more than 1.000 mango varieties.
The many health benefits of mangoes are the result of their content. They are packed with nutrients, fiber, and useful bioactive compounds. In addition, this exotic fruit is known for the large quantities of vitamins E, C, and A and minerals (such as magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and copper) that they contain. Finally, the presence of polyphenolic flavonoid antioxidant compounds and prebiotic dietary fiber make mangoes perfect for people suffering from various health conditions.
9 Most Important Health Benefits of Mangoes
1. Helps your skin
These delicious fruits can do miracles for your skin and that’s why they are frequently used in various face scrubs and masks. They are rich in antioxidants, especially vitamin C, and make skin look more healthy, smooth, and attractive. In addition, the high level of vitamin A and beta-carotene in mangoes gives them the ability to rejuvenate and restore the skin relatively fast and provide a beautiful glow.
Finally, mangoes can reduce the effects of acne, blemishes, and dark spots. If you want to improve your skin health, use the skin of mango. Peel it off and rub it on your face. Wait for about 15 minutes and use lukewarm water to rinse the face. Your face will instantly become softer.
2. Reduces cholesterol levels
By consuming mangoes regularly you can balance the cholesterol levels and keep them normal. They are full of fiber, pectin, and vitamin C which makes them perfect for reducing cholesterol levels. Of course, they are primarily affecting the bad cholesterol and triglycerides found in the blood.
On the other hand, they increase the level of good cholesterol and keep it at a normal level too. Because of the presence of potassium in mangoes, you can also expect to improve the blood circulation in the nervous system and this is another way to stabilize blood pressure and heart rate. Eating mangoes lowers the chances of experiencing strokes and heart attacks.
3. Improves eyesight
Mangoes are excellent fruit for your eyes. Thanks to the large quantity of vitamin A found in them, they provide the necessary nutrients to your eyes. Vitamin A protects the eyes from various disorders (macular degeneration, cataracts, blindness, dry eyes, etc.) and keeps your eyesight safe.
In addition, mangoes contain flavonoids such as alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin. All these flavonoids bring many positive effects on eyesight. A cup of sliced mangoes contains about ¼ of the daily requirements for vitamin A.
4. Prevents heat strokes
Maintaining the right amount of fluids in the body is crucial for lowering the chances of getting heat stroke. Mangoes are rich in potassium hence they can help the body balance the sodium level which keeps the body’s fluids at optimal levels and keeps people safe from heat stroke. It is recommended to eat raw green mangoes or ripe mangoes during the summertime because they are refreshing and have the ability to rehydrate the system fast. It is a good idea to soak ripe mangoes for about one hour before consumption to get a better cooling effect.
You can also create a healthy juice from raw mangoes to avoid heat strokes. Take two raw mangoes and boil them in two cups of water. Once they become soft, leave them for a while. When they are cooled, squeeze the pulp and place it in a glass of cool water. Have a glass of this drink two times a day.
5. Helps digestion
Mangoes are rich in fiber which means they are helping the process of digestion and removal of waste substances. They also stabilize the bowel movements. A study published in Gastroenterology magazine suggests that mangoes prevent certain gastrointestinal disorders (Crohn’s disease for example).
This exotic fruit can relieve the symptoms of stomach ulcers and constipation too. The enzymes found in mangoes help the process of breaking off protein and carbohydrates and help the body convert food into energy in a more efficient way. Both unripe and ripe mango consumption daily can lower the chances of getting various gastrointestinal disorders.
6. Excellent alkalizing food
This fruit that has become popular worldwide has strong alkalizing properties too. It contains malic acid, tartaric acid, and small quantities of citric acid which is enough to normalize the alkaline levels in the system. This contributes to the prevention of many health problems like kidney disease, metabolic acidosis, weakened bones, and muscle impairment.
Mango consumption daily also contributes to the efforts of the system to keep the pH level at a healthy level between 7.35 and 7.45. In this way, cells receive more oxygen which ultimately leads to increased energy levels, reduces the chances of weight gain, and protects the body from osteoporosis and some digestive issues.
7. Fights cancer
Thanks to the high amount of vitamin C and fiber, we can say that mangoes act as anti-carcinogenic food. The traces of enzymes and phenols only improve these properties. Numerous studies have confirmed that the antioxidant and anticarcinogenic compounds in this fruit can protect the body from IFL Science, skin, E Times, prostate and colon cancers, and leukemia. There are several antioxidants found in mangoes that help the body fight these diseases and some of them are astragalin, isoquercitrin, quercitrin, gallic acid, fisetin, and methyl gallate.
These compounds can detect and remove cancer cells without affecting healthy cells.
According to experts from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, drinking two glasses of mango smoothies per day can significantly improve the condition of those who deal with any form of cancer.
8. Saves and improves memory
Mangoes are excellent for brain health too. A recent study has shown that a few compounds in mangoes stimulate cholinergic function and reduce oxidative stress. This is something that has a positive effect on memory. Furthermore, mangoes contain glutamine acid which is a known memory booster. So, don’t forget to place mangoes on your daily menu especially if you have problems when it comes to concentration and memory.
9. Improves immunity
Mangoes are rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C, two vitamins that have a positive effect on the immune system. The immune system cannot function properly without vitamin A.
Since mangoes contain ingredients that promote skin health and the health of mucosal membranes, the chances of entry of dangerous fungi and bacteria are minimal. Vitamin C increases the production of white blood cells and improves the protective properties of the skin.
Finally, mangoes contain more than 20 types of carotenoids that improve immunity. A strong immune system prevents the occurrence of colds, coughs, flu, and other illnesses.
Via Romantic Updates