Mango

Mango is a tropical fruit that belongs to the cashew family. It originated in South Asia, particularly in India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, and is now grown in warm climates worldwide. Mangoes are oval, round, or kidney-shaped with smooth skin that can be green, yellow, red, or purple. Inside, they have juicy, yellow-orange flesh and a large seed. The fruit is sweet and fragrant, with a soft or sometimes fibrous texture. Mango trees are evergreen and can grow very tall. Mangoes are eaten fresh, in desserts, salads, drinks, and cooked dishes, and are also used to make chutneys, pickles, and jams.

Yes, eating mangoes can be beneficial for health. Mangoes are rich in vitamin C, which helps support the immune system, and contain vitamin A, which is important for vision and skin health. They also provide dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion, and contain antioxidants, which are substances that help protect cells from damage. Mangoes have small amounts of other vitamins and minerals, like folate and copper.

Eating mangoes can be harmful for some people. Mango skin contains substances that may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, such as contact dermatitis, which is an itchy rash on the skin. Mangoes are also high in natural sugars, so eating large amounts can raise blood sugar levels, which may not be good for people with diabetes. Rarely, some people may be allergic to mango flesh.

No, eating mangoes does not usually interfere with most medicines. However, people who are allergic to mango or who have been told by their doctor to avoid certain foods because of medication interactions should follow their doctor’s advice. There are no common or well-known interactions between mango and prescription drugs in healthy people.

Eating mangoes can affect blood sugar. Mangoes are high in natural sugars and carbohydrates, which means they can raise blood sugar levels after eating. People with diabetes, which is a condition where the body has trouble controlling blood sugar, should be mindful of portion sizes.

Eating mangoes in normal amounts does not raise blood pressure. Mangoes are low in sodium, which is a mineral that can raise blood pressure if eaten in excess. They also contain potassium, which can help keep blood pressure in a healthy range.

Eating mangoes may help lower blood cholesterol. Mangoes contain fiber and antioxidants, both of which can help reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, which is important for heart health. However, the effect is small if only a little is eaten.

Eating mangoes in moderation is unlikely to cause weight gain. Mangoes are low in fat and have a moderate number of calories, but eating large amounts can add up in calories because of their natural sugar content. They can be part of a healthy diet when eaten in reasonable portions.

Mangoes can help skin health. The vitamin A and vitamin C in mangoes are important for keeping skin healthy and supporting the body’s ability to repair itself. Antioxidants in mangoes can also help protect the skin from damage.

Yes, mangoes can help digestion. They are a good source of dietary fiber, which helps keep the digestive system regular and can prevent constipation, which is when it is hard to have a bowel movement.

Yes, there should be a limit to how much mango you eat. Eating too much can lead to high sugar and calorie intake, which may affect blood sugar and weight. For most people, one cup of sliced mango (about one small mango) is a healthy serving size per day.