The King of Fruits is here in all its glory!! Mangoes are a treat for just about anyone and rarely would you come across a person who does not like the fruit. In India, summer means mango. Pickles and aam panna are made from raw mango and stored for the year even before the ripe fruit hits the market.
While mangoes and their anti-oxidant, roughage and Vit C content have oft been highlighted, experts suggest consuming it in moderation. According to nutritionists, especially diabetologists, one must be mindful of the high sugar content in mangoes. If you are diabetic, have high uric acid levels, high triglycerides, or if you are overweight, consuming mangoes in moderation is a good idea.
Gujarat produces an annual 13 lakh tonnes of mangoes, which accounts for seven percent of the country’s total output. Among the most popular varieties associated with Gujarat are Kesaria, Alphonso, Rajapuri, Totapuri, Dasheri, Neelam and Badami.
Here are some reasons to celebrate mangoes and some to tread with caution:
1. Reduce cholesterol levels: Mangoes are high in vitamin C, fibers, and pectin and they help in reducing cholesterol levels in the body. Fresh mango is rich in potassium which is required by body fluids and cells to regulate blood pressure and heart rate.
2. For its anti-inflammatory properties: Like most other fruits, mango contains a class of compounds called polyphenols. These are known to be hugely beneficial, particularly for their anti-inflammatory properties. When you reduce inflammation, you naturally reduce pain. Medics okay the fruit for people living with arthritis and rheumatoid.
3. Control Diabetes: Drinking a filtrate of boiled mango leaves acts as a stomach tonic especially when you drink it on an empty stomach in the morning.
4. Combat cancer: Quercetin, Gallic acid, Fisetin, and astragalin antioxidants found in mango protect against prostate cancer, colon, and breast cancer.
5. Aphrodisiac: Mangoes can boost fertility in men. Some nutrients and vitamin E components found in mangoes help regulate sex hormones and boost sex drive.
6. Balance pH levels: Mango is rich in malic acid, tartaric acid, and other acidity components which can even out the alkalinity in your body.
7. Iron for women: Mangoes are rich in iron and calcium which is recommended for people suffering from anaemia. In women, it is used as a boost for added iron during pregnancy, and also to aid a smooth peri-menopause for some.
8. Good for the Eye: A cup of sliced mangoes supplies 25 percent of the needed daily value of vitamin A.
Cons:
1. Cause diarrhoea: Mango is rich in fiber and roughage. Overdoing it may lead to diarrhoea.
2. Sugar levels: Mangoes are very high in sugar. For the diabetic, only one slice per day is the usual allowance. Fructose is also known to pump up the uric acid levels, causing problems with the liver.
3. Gas and bloating: This is especially associated with raw mangoes. Even with the ripe fruit, the presence of carbide to aid early ripening, is known to trigger episodes of flatulence.
4. High in Carbs: Weight watchers beware! Mangoes do not fit into any low carb diet or for those trying to shed the extra kilos.
