SuperFruit of the month club: Mangoes

Mangoes are a considered a "high volume" food which means you get a lot of food for a relatively small amount of calories.  One  mango provides a quarter of your recommended daily allowance for vitamin C, nearly two thirds of your daily quota for vitamin A, and contains around 30g of natural sugars and 135 calories.

Recent studies suggest that mangoes inhibit the growth of cancer cells, especially in breast and colon cancers.  They are high in antioxidants, vitamin E, beta carotene, iron, fiber, potassium,  and have many anti-inflammatory benefits.  And they also contain vitamin K,  phosphorus, copper, and magnesium.

Rich colorful foods have more nutrients and are better for your health and well-being. The mango, in the orange/yellow food group, is a colorful fruit which can provide many health benefits. Some of these include the following:

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  Reduce arthritis pain
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  Relieve asthma symptoms
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  Reduce the risk of kidney stones
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  Reduce the risk of high blood pressure
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  Contain enzymes which treat acidity & poor digestion
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  Boost memory & increase concentration
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  Enhance your sex drive

Giardia is a water-borne parasite which infects humans and animals and causes severe diarrhea and other symptoms. A preliminary study conducted in Mexico to determine the effectiveness of 14 different plant extracts against giardia, found mango extract to demonstrate antigiardiasic properties.

Mangoes have been found to be beneficial in treating bacterial infections, eye disorders, hair loss, heat stroke, menstrual disorders, morning sickness, and sinusitis. 

Mangoes may also help get rid of acne and unblock pores.  Just apply thin slices to the area of skin that you want to clear up. Leave the mango there for about ten minutes before rinsing the skin with warm water.

Mangoes may be used to make juices, smoothies, milkshakes, mango nectar, fruit bars,and as a yummy ingredient in ice cream and sorbets. Sour, unripe mangoes are used in chutneys, pickles, side dishes, or may be eaten raw with salt, chili, or soy sauce.

These days, fresh mangoes can be found at almost any grocery store.  Sunsweet's dried mangoes are especially tasty.  So maybe it's time to take a walk on the wild side and tango with some mangoes.

Fun Facts: Originally from India, mangoes have been around for over 4,000 years and are considered to be a symbol of life.

In Chinese Medicine, they are used to treat anemia, bleeding gums, constipation, cough, fever, nausea, sea sickness and to help with weak digestion.

Note: Mango peel may be irritating to the skin since it contains urushiol (chemical in poison ivy & poison sumac), a substance that can cause an allergic skin reaction.

 

Related Articles:  How to Select & Peel a Mango     Mango Mint Sorbet     Mango Pudding

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