Is there anybody who doesn’t love mango? Mango is the fruit of the tree botanically known as Mangifera indica. It’s so revered in some countries, it’s sometimes known as the “king of fruits.” It’s native to India and Southeast Asia where it’s been cultivated for over 4,000 years. Botanically speaking, it’s a drupe or a stone fruit.
People love this fruit all over the world for its delicious and unparalleled taste, but did you know mangoes possess a myriad of health benefits too? Here are some of the health benefits of mango.
Helps Improve Digestive Health
Mango contains a group of digestive enzymes called amylases. Digestive enzymes break down large food particles so they can be easily absorbed. Amylases break down complex carbs into sugars like maltose and glucose. These enzymes are most present in a ripe mango, which is why they’re sweeter than unripe mangoes.
Having a healthy digestive system is vital for your health and well-being. A healthy gut helps to ward off feelings of sluggishness and fatigue. For more tips on natural, healthy living, visit Energetic Lifestyle.
Boosts Immunity
Mangoes contain a healthy dose of immune-boosting nutrients. An average-sized mango can contain up to two-thirds of your recommended amount of vitamin C. This can help you ward off issues such as the common cold and flu by producing white blood cells. One cup (165 grams) also provides you with about 10% of your vitamin A requirements, which is vital for your eye health, amongst other things.
Can Reduce Your Cancer Risk
Mango contains a high amount of polyphenols which may have anti-cancer properties. Polyphenols help ward off oxidative stress, which are linked to many kinds of cancer.
Animal and test-tube studies have shown the polyphenols present in mangoes can prevent the growth of – and even kill – cancer cells caused by oxidative stress.
Mangoes Have a High Iron Content
Mangoes are high in iron, making them a natural remedy for those suffering from anemia. This makes them especially valuable fruit to eat for women who can be more prone to this condition.
Mangoes Support Heart Health
The magnesium and potassium present in mangoes make them useful in maintaining a healthy pulse, promoting lower blood pressure and helping your blood vessels relax. Mangoes also contain a unique antioxidant called mangiferin, which may protect the heart cells against inflammation, apoptosis (the controlled death of cells) and oxidative stress. It’s also likely to lower triglycerides as well as lower cholesterol levels and free fatty acid levels.
The Bottom Line
Mangoes have been prized for millennia in India and have since spread throughout the world, becoming a favorite fruit for many. Its delicious and refreshing taste is unique and is loved by children and adults alike.
The health benefits of mango also make its consumption beneficial for your health. Mangoes can help keep your heart healthy, as well as support your digestive function and boost immunity. Finally, the polyphenols in mango have been shown to ward off oxidative stress that can lead to many different types of cancer.