Mangoes: King of Fruits
Mangoes are a favourite fruit that is found in many cultures. In areas of South America, the Caribbean, and the United States, they are a staple in summertime eating.
The mango tree is said to produce the most important fruit in India, Burma, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, parts of Southeast Asia and West Africa. These countries create mango jams and chutneys with the famous yellow-orange flesh.
This fruit has a large variety of colours with greens, reds, yellows and oranges being the most common colours. They also have a firm texture with a sweet taste. The prices can be different depending on where you live, but they are generally inexpensive.
Benefits
Mangoes are nutritiously rich fruits that provide significant benefits for the human body. Mangos are high in fibre, potassium, and vitamin C; all which help reduce risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
One ounce of mangoes is approximately 11% of the recommended daily intake for Vitamin A and contains three grams of dietary fibre. That same amount provides 14% of the recommended daily intake for Vitamin C and 12% for Vitamin E.
They are rich in Vitamin A, B6, C, E, K, beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin. They also have plenty of fibre which aids digestion. The many vitamins make mangos an excellent source of energy. People who suffer from depression or mood disorders can benefit from the mood-enhancing properties of this fruit.
They may help lower the risk of developing heart disease and may help regulate cholesterol levels. They’re also a good source for bromelain, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that aids digestion.
Further, they can be eaten in a variety of ways such as fresh, pureed or frozen.
Risks
Mangoes are a nutritious and delicious tropical fruit that many people enjoy. However, as with many other fruits, there are some dangers associated with eating them.
Despite being one of the most delicious fruits that are available year-round, they are sometimes overlooked due to their high sugar content.
They can also harbor bacteria that is harmful to humans. Additionally, because this fruit is so juicy, they can turn into a breeding ground for yeast if not properly refrigerated. There are also risks of stomach irritation and diarrhea.
As you can see, they are delicious and sweet but aren’t always safe to eat. Picking a mango that is unripe and too hard could lead to the ingestion of indigestible seed fragments which can cause discomfort for those with sensitive digestive tracts. However, when they’re soft and ripe enough, mangoes can be eaten as a snack or as part of a meal.
Summary
Mangoes are a delicious fruit with many health benefits. They are also an easy ‘on-the-go’ snack that can be consumed quickly.
As a whole, this fruit is perfect for the summertime because of their juiciness and refreshing taste. Enjoy!
