It’s in season! It’s something I look forward to all year... to get my overdose of mangoes. They are delicious fruits to eat but did you know they have so many health benefits? It’s best if you can eat them from your own tree so that it’s organic. Many of you including myself don’t have one. But I can guarantee that someone you know will and they will give you a bag load! 

Health Benefits 

1. Fights Cancer 

Antioxidants found in mangoes protect the body against colon, breast, leukaemia and prostate cancers. 

2. Keeps Cholesterol In Check 

Mangoes have high levels of vitamin C, pectin and fibres that help to lower cholesterol levels. Fresh mango is a rich source of potassium, which is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps to control heart rate and blood pressure. 

3. Skin Cleanser 

Mangoes help you unclog your pores and add freshness to the face. Mangoes are applicable to any skin type. Just slice a mango into thin pieces and keep them on your face for 10 to 15 minutes and then take bath or wash your face and see the results. I will certainly have a tough time trying not to eat them! 

4. Weight Loss 

Mangoes have a lot of vitamins and nutrients that help the body feel fuller. Also, the fibrous fruit boosts the digestive function of the body by burning additional calories, helping in weight loss. 

5. Regulates Diabetes 

Not only the fruit but the leaves of mangoes are healthy too. For people suffering from diabetes, just boil 5 - 6 mango leaves in a vessel, soak it through night, strain it and drink it in the morning. This is helps in regulating your insulin levels. 

6. Aphrodisiac 

Mangoes have aphrodisiac qualities and is also called the ‘love fruit’. Mangoes increase the virility in men. Vitamin E, which is abundantly present in mangoes, helps to regulate sex hormones and boosts sex drive. This is definitely new information to me! 

7. Eye Care 

Did you know that mangoes are rich in Vitamin A? One cup of sliced mangoes equals 25% intake of your daily need of Vitamin A! Mangoes help in promoting good eyesight, fights dry eyes and also prevent night blindness. 

8. Helps In Digestion 

Mangoes contains enzymes that help in breaking down protein. The fibrous nature of mangoes help in digestion and elimination. It is is rich in prebiotic dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. 

9. Strengthens Your Immune System 

The deadly combination of Vitamin C, Vitamin A and 25 different kinds of carotenoids keep your immune system healthy. 

10. Aids Concentration And Memory 

Studying for exams? This fruit is rich in glutamine acid - an important protein for concentration and memory. Feed mangoes to children who find it difficult to concentrate on studies. 

11. High In Iron For Women 

Mangoes are rich in iron, hence it is a great natural solution for people suffering from anaemia. Menopausal and pregnant women can indulge in mangoes as this will increase their iron levels and calcium at the same time. 

12. Reduces Kidney Stones 

In Chinese medicine, mangoes are considered sweet and sour with a cooling energy also capable of reducing the risk of kidney stone formation. 

I love mangoes! It is one of my favourite fruits. But I myself didn’t know that it's packed with so many health benefits. I now have new found love and appreciation for mangoes. 

Even though I love it so much, sometimes I get tired of eating it the same way every day. So I found easy new ways to enjoy it! 

Recipes That Hero The Mango 

Mango Yoghurt Dessert 

This is one of the easiest desserts to make. And the yoghurt adds more nutritional value to it. This is a sophisticated presentation of the simple mango lassi that we often enjoy! 

All you need is: 

- ½ cup of plain yoghurt (depends on the size of your dessert bowl) 
- 1 big ripe mango 
- 2 heaped teaspoons sugar (less if the mango is really sweet) 

Instructions 

Put the yoghurt into the bowl, cover and refrigerate. Peel, chop and blend the mango pulp with the sugar until smooth. Place it in a bowl and let it cool in the refrigerator for an hour or so. Now mix the mango with the yoghurt. You can even choose to layer it. And make sure you serve it chilled. 

Mango Salsa 

Mangoes blend in perfectly with your savoury dishes as well. This is an easy and healthy side dish to serve at your parties! 

All you need is: 

- 1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and finely diced (about 1 1/2 cups) 
- 2 tbsp finely chopped red onion 
- 2 green chillies, minced 
- 3 tbsp fresh cilantro or mint leaves, chopped 
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice 
- Salt and pepper to taste 

Instructions 

Put the diced mango, red onion, chillie and cilantro in a medium bowl. Toss with lime juice and add salt and pepper to taste. If the salsa is too acidic for you, sprinkle a little sugar. 

Mango Mint Limeade 

This is perfect to beat the heat! And your guests and family will love it. It’s so much better than serving some drink or cordial. 

All you need is: 

- 3 cups of mangoes (chopped) 
- Sugar to taste 
- ½ cup of lime 
- ½ cup of mint leaves chopped 
- Sparkling water (or you can even make it with soda or Sprite. If you mix in Sprite you don’t have to add in sugar) 

Instructions 

In the bowl of a food processor, combine the mangoes, mint leaves, sugar and lime juice and process until smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Chill until ready to use. When ready to serve, combine the chilled mango lime juice and sparkling water. I find about 4 cups to be right, but add more or less to get the dilution you prefer. Pour into glasses filled with lots of ice. 

By Jithendri Gomes