The Sunday News
The mango is a member of the drupe family, a type of plant food in which an outer fleshy part surrounds a shell (what we sometimes call a pit) with a seed inside. Olives, dates and coconuts are also types of drupes.There are many different kinds of mangoes that range in colour, shape, flavour and seed size. While the skin colour of mangoes can vary from green to red, yellow or orange, the inner flesh of the mango is mostly a golden yellow. They have a sweet and creamy taste and contain over 20 vitamins.
Mangoes have been named the most widely consumed fruit in the world. Some of the possible health benefits of consuming mangoes include a decreased risk of macular degeneration, a decreased risk of colon cancer, improvement in digestion and bone health and even benefits for the skin and hair.
This MNT Knowledge Center feature is part of a collection of articles on the health benefits of popular foods. It provides a nutritional breakdown and an in-depth look at their possible health benefits, how to incorporate more mangoes into your diet and any potential health risks associated with consuming mangoes.
Nutritional breakdown of mangoes
One cup of diced mango contains 100 calories 1 gram protein, 0,5 grams fat, 25 grams of carbohydrate (23 grams of sugar and 3 grams of fibre), 100 percent of the daily need for vitamin C, 35 percent for vitamin A, 20 percent of folate, 10 percent of vitamin B-6 and 8 percent of vitamin K and potassium.
Mangoes also contribute copper, calcium and iron to the diet as well as antioxidants such as zeaxanthin and beta-carotene.
Possible health benefits of consuming mangoes
Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds has long been associated with a reduced risk of many lifestyle-related health conditions. Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant foods like mangoes decreases the risk of obesity and overall mortality, and promotes a healthy complexion and hair, increased energy, overall lower weight.
Age-related macular degeneration: The antioxidant zeaxanthin, found in mangoes, filters out harmful blue light rays and is thought to play a protective role in eye health and possibly ward off damage from macular degeneration
A higher intake of all fruits (3 or more servings per day) has also been shown to decrease risk of and progression of age-related macular degeneration
Asthma prevention: The risks for developing asthma are lower in people who consume a high amount of certain nutrients. One of these nutrients is beta-carotene found in mangoes, papaya, apricots, broccoli, cantaloupe, pumpkin and carrots.
Cancer: Diets rich in beta-carotene may also play a protective role against prostate cancer according to a study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health’s Department of Nutrition and has been shown to have an inverse association with the development of colon cancer in the Japanese population.
In a study conducted by Texas AgriLife Research food scientists who tested mango polyphenol extracts in vitro on colon, breast, lung, leukemia and prostate cancers, mangoes were shown to have some impact on all cancers tested but were most effective with breast and colon cancers. The researchers are hoping to do a small clinical trial with individuals who have increased inflammationin their intestines with a higher risk for cancer for further proof for the efficacy of using mangoes in cancer prevention or treatment.
Bone health: Low intakes of vitamin K have been associated with a higher risk for bone fracture Adequate vitamin K consumption can be achieved by eating a proper intake of fruits and vegetables, and is important for improving calcium absorption essential for optimal bone health.
Diabetes: Studies have shown that type 1 diabetics who consume high-fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetics may have improved blood sugar, lipids and insulin levels. One cup of mango provides about 3 grams of fibre.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 21-25 grams of fibre per day for women and 30-38 grams for men.
Digestion: Mangoes, because of their fibre and water content, help to prevent constipation and promote regularity and a healthy digestive tract.
Heart disease: The fibre, potassium and vitamin content in mangoes all help to ward off heart disease. An increase in potassium intake along with a decrease in sodium intake is the most important dietary change that a person can make to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.
Skin and Hair: Mangoes also great for your hair because they contain vitamin A, a nutrient required for sebum production that keeps hair moisturised. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair.
Adequate intake of vitamin C, which 1-cup of mango per day can provide, is needed for the building and maintenance of collagen which provides structure to skin and hair. – www.medicalnewstoday.com
