Why is mango useful?

The benefits and harms of mango, like any exotic fruit, are the subject of controversy. For example, supporters of the paleontological diet strongly recommend giving up everything exotic, while supporters of vegetarianism consider the fruit to be a storehouse of vitamins.

The fruit contains a huge amount of nutrients, the most important of which are beta-carotene, vitamin C and copper. Beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A and a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from free radicals.

Vitamin C helps to absorb iron, participates in a number of redox reactions, and is also a natural cancer protector. Copper is the reaction center of a number of enzymes, taking part in metabolic processes.

How mango grows and looks

Mango is an evergreen tree that can be up to 30 meters high. However, at present, artificially bred dwarf trees are widespread, whose height does not exceed 10 meters.

Fruits are oval or egg-shaped. Usually their weight does not exceed 300 grams, but there are also champions weighing more than a kilogram. The fruit has a firm and smooth skin and a sweet fibrous pulp. The stone is large, most often yellow.

Currently, two varieties of mango are common: Indian and Filipino. The first grade is easily recognizable by the bright red color of the leaves and the correct shape of the fruit. The latter have deep green leaves and more faded fruits.

Chemical composition of mango

The color of the fruit can tell you about the content of beneficial carotenoids and macronutrients. The pulp is also an indicator of the chemical composition: the sweeter and softer the fruit, the more glucose and sucrose there is. Hard fruits contain a large amount of dietary fiber that is not digestible by humans.

What vitamins does mango contain

Also, the fruit is a source of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, nonessential and essential amino acids, digestible carbohydrates, macro- and microelements.

How many calories are in mango

The calorie content of mango per 100 grams is:

• 67 kcal for raw;
• 200-250 kcal for jerky;
• 320 kcal for candied fruits.

Useful properties of mango

The fruit is used in traditional Indian medicine for the treatment of diseases related to the nervous system, as well as for depression. Also, due to the high content of trace elements, the fruits can be used as a hemostatic agent.

For women

Due to the high content of carotene, fiber and vitamins C and E, the fruit is a means of preventing cancer of the cervix, breast and pancreas.

The iron contained in ripe fruit helps reduce the risk of anemia. The effect will be enhanced by eating fruits with milk.

Due to the B vitamins, the nervous and immune systems of the body are strengthened. The fetus also helps with high cholesterol levels.

For men

The fruit reduces the risk of diseases of the reproductive system, and the high content of vitamin E turns it into a strong aphrodisiac.

Is mango good for pregnant women

The benefits of mango during pregnancy are due to the valuable substances contained in the fruit. So, folic acid, found in fruits, contributes to the formation of the child's nervous system. In addition, the fruit is rich in vitamin A, which supports the function and development of the placenta. Also, the fruit contains iron and potassium, which help to avoid fetal hypoxia and excessive swelling of the mother.

Despite its relatively aggressive environment, the fruit is high in antioxidants that help the body fight free radicals.

Uncontrolled eating of an exotic fruit will lead to similar consequences.

Is it possible to breastfeed mango

If the mother did not eat the fruit during pregnancy, then the risk of an allergic reaction in the baby is high. To test this, you can eat a small piece of fruit and observe the condition of the mother and baby. If everything is in order, then the quantity can be gradually increased.

A nursing mother needs to choose a mango very carefully: fruits with dents and scratches can be overripe and negatively affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Is it possible for mangoes for children and at what age

It is recommended to give mango to a child, like other exotic fruits, not earlier than 2-3 years. The best option is puree or fresh juice. In this case, it is necessary to closely monitor the body's response to a new product. If relatives have allergic reactions, it is necessary to consult a pediatrician before introducing the fruit into the baby's diet.

For baby food it is necessary to choose the most delicate varieties (Alphonso, Ataulfo) that will not harm the intestines.

Mango for weight loss

The fruit has the following characteristics:

• Promotes the production of leptin, which helps fight body fat.
• Contains B vitamins, which stimulate the liver and other digestive organs.
• Contains potassium, which helps to normalize water balance.
• It has a relatively low calorie content.
• Contains pectin and vegetable fiber to help normalize digestion.

The use of mango in traditional medicine

The pulp of the fruit and its rind is a traditional diuretic and laxative in Indian villages. The juice from the fruit is used to treat skin diseases and cramps. This is due to the fact that ripe fruits contain a lot of magnesium and potassium. Also, due to the high content of vitamin A, the juice is used in the treatment of eye diseases.

A decoction of the bark and leaves is used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and varicose veins. Seed tincture can help relieve asthma attacks.

Features of the use of mango for some diseases

Mango is far from a harmless fruit containing a large amount of carbohydrates and organic acids that can harm mucous membranes. Therefore, the risk group includes people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as allergy sufferers.

With diabetes mellitus

The fruits contain quercetin and norathyriol, which are beneficial for diabetics. However, due to the high glycemic index, the fruit can be consumed no earlier than 2-3 hours after the main meal and no more than 100 grams per day. You can also use mango juice. But no more than 1 glass per day.

With pancreatitis

It is forbidden to eat fruit during an exacerbation of the disease. This is due to the high content of sugar and organic acids that can form pancreatic proteases that destroy the pancreas.

With gastritis

It is allowed to eat ripe fruits in small quantities along with the main food. This is due to the fact that the fruits contain fatty acids that can exacerbate the disease.

The use of mango in home cosmetology

Due to its unique composition, the fruit is used not only as a delicacy, but also for skin, hair and nail care. For the preparation of funds, it is recommended to choose ripe fruits without any cracks or dents.

Mango face masks

Masks are used to prevent wrinkles, when caring for dry, oily and normal skin, for cleansing and whitening.

It is best to test the skin reaction at the bend of the elbow or wrist before applying.

Whitening mask

1. Mix 2 tablespoons of mango juice with 1 tablespoon of lime juice and add 15 drops of salicylic acid.
2. To the mixture, carefully add 1 tablespoon of low fat yogurt and 1 tablespoon of white clay.
3. Apply to face and keep for 7-8 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Purifying mask

1. Chop 2 tablespoons of mango pulp with 2 strawberries and add 1 tablespoon of mint extract.
2. Apply to face, avoiding eye and lip area.
3. Keep it on for no more than 15 minutes, then rinse gently with warm water.

Rejuvenating mask

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of mango oil with 2 tablespoons of pulp and add 1 teaspoon of vitamin C powder. Apply the mixture to steamed face skin. Keep for 25-30 minutes, then remove excess with a napkin.

Mango for hair

Mango oil is used for hair care. It is enough to add 1-2 tablespoons to the hair balm. With regular use, hair becomes soft, thick and shiny.

Also, the oil is used to massage the head: mango oil is mixed with jojoba or olive oil in equal parts and rubbed into the hair roots without rinsing.

Dried and dried mango: benefits and harms

During heat treatment, the taste of mango, like the rest of the chemical composition, does not change.

Dried mango is recommended for the prevention of anemia, hypertension and atherosclerosis. Sun-dried fruit contains a large amount of dietary fiber that can remove harmful substances from the body.

It is best to combine dried fruit with healthy drinks. So, the undeniable benefits of green tea with mango to normalize blood pressure and concentration.

It is important that thermally processed fruits are less harmful, because producers use ripe fruits as raw materials. Also, there is no poisonous rind in dried fruits, which makes them safe for baby food.

The benefits of candied mango fruits

The fruits are high in natural sugars, so candied fruits are made without added sugar. In terms of the content of vitamins and macroelements, candied fruits are not inferior to dried and dried fruits, which makes them not only a delicacy, but also a folk medicine.

Why mango juice is good for you

Mango juice contains natural sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose and maltose), B vitamins, vitamins A, C, E, D, K and PP, essential amino acids and a number of minerals: magnesium, iron, sodium, calcium, selenium, copper, zinc, phosphorus, potassium and manganese.

Mango juice is recommended for people with cancer, it will also help with diseases of the eyes, heart and blood vessels.

You can also prepare juice from unripe fruits: it improves the elasticity of blood vessels and blood clotting. Also, the juice is used to prevent viral diseases.

How to peel and eat mangoes

Before peeling, it is necessary to thoroughly wash the fruit, as its peel can be treated with various toxic substances.

There are two easy ways to peel a mango:

2. The first is to make two deep cuts on the sides of the fruit. Next, divide the fruit into two parts. The pulp can be eaten with a teaspoon.
3. The second way is to make 4-6 shallow cuts along the entire length of the fruit and carefully separate the peel. After that, cut the fruit into slices or cubes.

Is mango peel eaten

The peel of the fruit is bitter in taste and contains a large amount of solid dietary fiber. It also contains a toxic resin called urushiol. Even in small amounts, it can cause intestinal upset. That is why the peel is not eaten.

How to choose a mango in a store

Ripe fruit should be as firm as ripe peach. If, with pressure, the fingers are immersed in the pulp, then the fruit is overripe. If the mango is purchased for long-term storage, it is best to choose a hard fruit.

It is worth paying attention to the smell of the fruit: an overripe fruit has a sour alcoholic smell, and an unripe one has no smell at all. Shape also matters: a good fruit will be round and plump.

Do not rely entirely on the color of the fruit: depending on the season and weather conditions, the ripe fruit can be either red, yellow or green.

A short video to help simplify the process of choosing a mango.

How to store mango at home

Ripe fruit must be stored in a refrigerator or in a dark place with a temperature not exceeding +10 ° C. Unripe fruits are stored either in similar conditions, or wrapped in newspaper on the windowsill. In the latter case, the fetus will mature in 3-5 days.

The fruit spoils very quickly, therefore it is recommended to purchase the fruit just before consumption.

Mango harm and contraindications

People with chronic diseases should consult with their doctor before eating exotic fruits, and people with sensitive gastrointestinal tract are advised to eat mango in small portions.

Unripe and overripe fruits are also harmful. The former can cause colic and irritation of the mucous membranes, and the latter can cause constipation, fever and allergic reactions.

Conclusion

As it turned out, the benefits and harms of mango are closely related. If you do not abuse the fruit, then it can become not only a decoration of the table, but also a delicious medicine or cosmetic product. However, we must not forget about safety measures: you should not buy fruits of dubious origin and use fruits that have been lying for a long time.

Reviews

Mango is considered one of the most promising products for use in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. This is confirmed by a huge number of positive reviews about the use of mango as a cosmetic and medicine. Before using other people's recipes, an allergic reaction test should be carried out, since each person has a unique sensitivity to various substances.

Researchers at the University of Texas have proven the beneficial effects of fresh fruit on a number of inflammatory processes in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. After 8 weeks of eating the fruit, the number of probiotic bacteria and fatty acids increased.