Discover the surprising benefits of mango, a delicious and nutritious tropical fruit.
Mango is the most eaten fruit worldwide. It’s delicious in an oriental fresh salad, a rice dish, a smoothie or an ice cream. Although they are considered to be exotic fruits here in America, Mangoes are our 24th most consumed fruit in the US. Mangoes are native to Southeast Asia and India, where they were eaten more than 4,000 years B.C. We completely understand why, because this delicious tropical fruit is very healthy! Read on and discover 7 surprising health benefits of the mango, “the king of the fruits.”
1. Good digestion
Mangoes are real fibre bombs. Fibre is important for good bowel movements and healthy digestion. By eating 150 grams of mango, you get 12% of your recommended daily amount of fibre.
2. Healthy eyes
Carrots are known to be good for your eyes, but mangoes contain superpowers as well. Mangoes contain substantial amounts of beta carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in your body. Vitamin A is essential for your eye health and can prevent night blindness and dry eyes.
3. Beautiful skin & hair
The amounts of beta carotene in mangoes not only contribute to healthy eyes, but are also important for your skin. In addition, mangoes also contain vitamin C, which is necessary for the production of collagen. Collagen is a protein that keeps your skin firm and elastic.
4. Boost your immune system
Give your taste buds a smile and boost your immune system. The amount of vitamin C in mangoes can boost your immune system. One cup (165 grams) of mango provides nearly 70% of the RDI for vitamin C — a water-soluble vitamin that aids your immune system, helps your body absorb iron and promotes growth and repair
5. Makes you happy
Did you know that eating mango makes you happy? (And not only because you get such shiny hair). This delicious fruit contains tryptophan, which converts your body into the “happiness hormone” serotonin. Is your serotonin level too low? Then you can experience insomnia, depression and even anxiety.
6. Lowers blood pressure
Mangoes are rich in minerals, like potassium and magnesium, that keep your heart and blood vessels healthy. The main purpose of magnesium is to relax the muscles, including your heart muscle. Magnesium also decrease your stress levels, which can result in lower blood pressure. Potassium has a beneficial effect on blood pressure because it counteracts the blood pressure-increasing effect of sodium (salt).
7. Improved memory
Mangoes contain a certain substance called glutamic acid. Glutamic acid is said to strengthen memory and allow us to concentrate better.
Are you already craving for mango? Before you run to the supermarket, let’s learn how to discover if a mango is ripe. The color does not reveal much, even a green mango can be ripe. Can you lightly press the mango? Can you smell the mango (wonderfully sweet)? Then you are good to go!
8. Mango is low in calories but full of nutrients
Mango is low in calories but full of nutrients. One cup (165 grams) of sliced mango provides:
- Calories: 99
- Protein: 1.4 grams
- Carbs: 24.7 grams
- Fat: 0.6 grams
- Dietary fiber: 2.6 grams
- Vitamin C: 67% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
- Copper: 20% of the RDI
- Folate: 18% of the RDI
- Vitamin B6: 11.6% of the RDI
- Vitamin A: 10% of the RDI
- Vitamin E: 9.7% of the RDI
- Vitamin B5: 6.5% of the RDI
- Vitamin K: 6% of the RDI
- Niacin: 7% of the RDI
- Potassium: 6% of the RDI
- Riboflavin: 5% of the RDI
- Manganese: 4.5% of the RDI
- Thiamine: 4% of the RDI
- Magnesium: 4% of the RDI
