It’s summer and with it has arrived the season of the most loved Indian fruit—Mango. Doesn’t the mention of it makes your mouth water? We can easily say that it is a favourite among all, especially kids.
However, there are many who choose to stay away from the fruit as there are numerous myths floating around, one of them being that eating mangoes makes you gain weight. That might be true, however, for that you should be only eating mangoes throughout the day!
Nutrition Wise
Lets first take a look at the nutrition profile of mangoes. One cup of mangoes (225 gm) contains
- 105 calories
- 76 percent vitamin C
- 25 percent vitamin A
- 11 percent vitamin B6 plus other B vitamins
- 9 percent healthy probiotic fibre 9 percent copper
- 7 percent potassium
- 4 percent magnesium
Though it’s juicy taste and rich aroma is enough to tempt you, did you know that mangoes are beneficial for your health in a number of ways?
Here are 6 healthy reasons for you to eat more mangoes this summer.
#1 Rev up the gut and boost digestion
Mangoes are packed with dietary fibre. Did you know each cup of mango is loaded with 2.6gm of dietary fibre?Fibre is necessary to boost digestion and prevent constipation. A diet high in fibre also helps keep heart disease and Type 2 Diabetes away.
#2 Loaded with vitamins and minerals
One mango contains over 20 vitamins and minerals including Vitamin A, C, selenium, plus a number of essential phytochemicals, which are antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress and helps fight free radical damage in the body. Free radicals damage is a major cause of lifestyle-related illnesses in our body.
The vitamin A content of mangoes can help keep your eyes healthy and the flavonoids present in it such as beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin fight macular degeneration. Just 100 g of mango contains 25 percent of the daily recommended daily levels of vitamin A. Vitamin A is also crucial for a healthy, glowing skin.
#3 Contains Folic Acid
Another essential B vitamin, which is really essential for Indian women is folic acid and mangoes are loaded with it. Folic acid is imperative for a healthy pregnancy and also keeps anaemia at bay. Folic acid also improves fertility and prevents miscarriages.
#4 Prevents Cancer
Science says that the high antioxidant content, particularly phytochemicals, of mangoes helps prevent cancers of the breast, prostate, pancreas and bladder.
Read on to know the other health benefits of mangoes
#5 Keeps diabetes away
Unlike popular belief, mangoes help keep diabetes away. Mangoes contain natural sugar and one mango has about 31 gm of sugar. While that might look like a lot to you, it is low on the glycemic index, say studies.
Even its leaves are healthy and effective for people with diabetes. Soak 5-6 mango leaves in a bowl and leave overnight. Drink it the next morning to regulate your insulin levels.
#6 Is a natural skin cleanser
Mangoes have numerous beauty benefits as well. They help unclog your pores and clear acne. Slice a mango into thin pieces and apply them on your face for 10-15 minutes. Wash off to see clear and rejuvenated skin.
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