Mango, a tropical fruit with hundreds of varieties. Mango is scientifically known as Mangifera indica. It is luscious, sweet, and fragrant, and packed with nutrients like vitamins A and C.
Mangos have been an important crop in India for many years and today, these colourful, sweet fruits are a mainstay of Indian cuisine and are popular throughout the world.
Mangos come in different sizes.
Regardless of the type of mango you buy, these fruits offer some impressive health benefits. In no particular order here are the health benefits of this incredible tropical fruit:
Boost the immune system
Mangos are a great source of carotenoids, a group of compounds that give yellow fruits their colour. One of the benefits of consuming foods with carotenoids is that they are essential for boosting proper immune system functioning. The compounds also have antioxidant properties.
Lowers the risk of cancer
This tropical fruit is rich in beta-carotene, a pigment responsible for the yellow-orange colour of the fruit. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant, just one of many found in mangos. The antioxidants in mangos have been shown to fight free radicals, which can cause damage to your cells and potentially lead to cancer.
Heart Health
Mangos are helpful for supporting your cardiovascular system. They are a great source of magnesium and potassium, both of which are connected to lower blood pressure and a regular pulse. Mangos are the source of a compound known as mangiferin.
Good for the Eye Health
Mango contains antioxidant vitamin C; mangoes also have beta-carotene—another antioxidant that helps promote eye health.
According to Health.com the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which are carotenoids found in mangoes, help your eyes in several ways. The two natural compounds, which protect the retina and lens, have been shown to:
- Increase visual range
- Lessen discomfort from glare
- Enhance visual contrast
- Reduce the time it takes the eyes to recover from the stress of bright lights
Nutrition
Mangos contains many different types of nutritions such as:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Potassium
- Beta-carotene
- Folate
- Choline
- Magnesium
Also see: Health benefits of mushrooms
