Last Updated on June 9, 2022 by prince lucky
Mangoes are native to India and Southeast Asia, and there’s no doubt that these sweet fruits are some of the tastiest treats. Besides the sheer joy of biting into one, mangoes also contain several vitamins and nutrients that help support your health in various ways. Below are a few health benefits of eating mangoes you may want to know about before grabbing your next slice of this succulent fruit.
Benefits of eating mango
Improves heart health
Mangoes contain a unique combination of nutrients that have been linked to lower rates of cardiovascular disease. For example, mangos can reduce LDL cholesterol levels (the wrong kind) and increase HDL cholesterol levels (the good kind).
A higher ratio of HDL to LDL helps promote better heart health. Mangoes also contain several natural antioxidants that may protect against heart disease by improving blood flow to your heart and preventing plaque build-up in your arteries.
Fights Alzheimer’s disease
The high level of vitamin C in mango fights off free radicals and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that helps protect brain cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. Eating at least two servings per week is best for optimal effects.
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Prevents cancer
Research suggests that compounds in mango fruit may help reduce your risk of cancer. In particular, these studies suggest that antioxidants and dietary fiber could help prevent breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer.
Certain antioxidants in high concentrations in mangos can also slow or reverse age-related brain changes and protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. This is due to mango’s high content of Vitamin C.
Strengthens bones
Mangoes are rich in vitamin C, which helps with calcium absorption and strengthens bones. They’re also full of fiber, which helps keep your digestion on track and contributes to better colon health. And finally, even though they’re a bit higher in sugar than most fruits, they don’t cause your blood sugar to spike because they’re such an excellent source of fiber.
The combination means that a single serving of ripe mango can improve colon function without leaving you feeling hungry or unsatisfied.
Lowers blood pressure
Mangoes are rich in potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure. A lack of potassium in your diet can cause hypertension (high blood pressure), but getting enough potassium can reverse or prevent high blood pressure.
Low-potassium diets have been linked to cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and stroke risk. Regularly consuming foods high in potassium, like mangos, is associated with a reduced risk for all three conditions.
Boosts brain power
In India, dried mango powder (amchur) is sprinkled on food and drinks as a digestive aid. This highly concentrated form of mangiferin may enhance brain power by preventing blood-brain barrier breakdown (2). Another study confirmed amchur’s neuroprotective properties (3). Mango can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
Promotes a healthy immune system
Mangoes are a rich source of vitamin C, essential for boosting your immune system. Additionally, the fruit contains several vitamins and minerals like beta-carotene, riboflavin, niacin, thiamine, and folic acid, which help fight infections.
Mangoes are also suitable for improving vision as they contain significant amounts of vitamin A and beta-carotene. These nutrients protect your eyes from developing cataracts or macular degeneration.
Cures constipation
Mangoes are loaded with fiber, making them an ideal choice for those suffering from constipation. Fiber-rich foods help to push waste through your digestive tract, preventing constipation and its uncomfortable symptoms.
Fights free radicals
Free radicals may be too tiny to see, but they’re big troublemakers in your body. Free radicals start as normal oxygen molecules that become unstable, damaging healthy cells and DNA. That’s bad news for your health because free radicals are linked to cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
The good news is that antioxidants can protect against oxidative stress by helping mop up these rogue molecules before damaging essential tissues.
Increases energy levels
One cup of mango contains 14 percent vitamin C, which can aid in boosting our immune system. If you’re tired and have a stuffy nose, reach for some mangoes—they’ll get your immune system up and running again!