A sweet solution

Clinical nutritionists Rashmi Poduval and Amrita Desai spoke about the medicinal properties of mango and said,Mangifera indica meaning ‘Mango bearing tree of India’ represents the uniqueness of Indian climate. India is the largest producer of Mangoes,which accounts for more than 52 per cent of total Mango production in the world. With over 1000 varieties and their distinctive colours,creamy,smooth textures,zesty flavors and fragrance,Mango is now considered an exotic food that provides immense health benefits along with the delicious treat. It has been classified as a ‘Super fruit’ due to its extraordinary traits and high nutritional value.

Mango is used in its all stages of development and has many medicinal properties both in ripe and unripe states. It is a calorie dense fruit as 100 g of mango provides approx.70 kilocalories energy. The antioxidants,phytochemicals and polyphenols like beta carotene,alpha carotene,pro vitamin A,quercetin,kaempferol,caffic acid and gallic acid counteract and prevent free radical damage in various diseases,act as immune boosters and help in maintaining healthy eyesight. The enzymes mangiferin,lactase,etc stimulates metabolism and improves gastrointestinal function.

Mangoes contain all four powerful antioxidants namely Vitamin A,Vitamins C and E and Selenium that prevent heart disease,cancer and diabetes. One mango contains Vitamin C and beta-carotene that is one to three times the recommended daily intake and helps in improving night vision,skin health,helps fight infections like cold,sinusitis and has anti viral properties. The fruit is high in prebiotic dietary fibre,carotenoids,essential vitamins,dietary minerals,starch and pectin. The ripe mango can be helpful as a diuretic and a laxative. People who suffer from muscle cramps,stress,acidosis and heart problems can benefit from the high potassium and magnesium content. It tones up the heart muscle,combats acidity,helps in digestion,stimulates the appetite,relieves clogged pores in the skin and thereby improves complexion. Mango pulp and peel contains omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids,Vitamin B complex,Calcium and Iron.

Over a period of time,this wonderful fruit has been subjected to lot of misconceptions and controversies. As per old wives tales pregnant women should not eat mangoes as they generate lot of heat. Modern nutrition does not support theory of yin yang (hot and cold) foods. Mangoes are in fact used as blood builders because of its high iron content and nutrient density and are recommended in pregnancy and for treatment of anemia.

Similarly the common belief that mangoes cause acne,skin rash,infection,boils and pimples does not have much of scientific evidence. This may be true in people who are sensitive to Poison ivy,a plant which contains a skin irritant that causes an itching rash as it belongs to the same family as that of mango. Boils are usually caused by bacteria,which multiply in hot humid climate,which is the season of mangoes. Mangoes being rich in vitamins and antioxidants help improve skin and make it supple. Mangoes are also considered fattening due to its high energy content as compared to other fruits,but in reality no food is fattening if taken in moderation along with a balanced diet and regular exercise.