The mango is a succulent and aromatic fruit of numerous tropical fruiting trees, and it is a member of the cashew family (Anacardiaceae). The mango is noted for its complex flavor as it has the same compounds that characterize peaches and coconuts: lactones. A ripe mango amounts to 14% sugar by weight and 0.5% acid. The scientific name for original mangoes is Mangifera indica, which basically means an Indian plant bearing mangoes.
As far back as 5,000 years ago the mango was an edible option for people living in the Hindo-Berma region, and it also appeared in places like Eastern India, Southern China and Southeast Asia before making the travel to the Middle East, Eastern Africa and South America around 300-400 A.D. The United States, and particularly Florida, started receiving and distributing mangoes in 1833. Called the “King of Fruits” in India, Mangoes grow in tropical and subtropical climates throughout the world.
Mangoes Help Prevent Cancer
A study has proven that a methanol extract of Mangifera indica can inhibit the survival of pancreatic cancer cells preferentially under nutrient-deprived conditions. Another study finds that mangoes, particularly Mangifera zeylanica of Sri Lanka, can treat breast and ovarian cancer cells. Mango bark can be used in Ayurvedic medicines for treatment of various diseases. One key halogenated compound isolated from the bark would be chloromangiferamide, which indicates that the bark can be used as a chemotherapeutic agent to treat breast cancer cells.
One strong combination of edible sources that will give women the protection they need from breast cancer would include mangoes and avocado oil.
Mangoes Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease
Mangifera indica Linn extract reportedly has a combination of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. A 22-week study was conducted on mice that were given this extract, and results revealed that the extract limited body weight gain, but also reduced cortical and hippocampal atrophy as well as a lowered hyperphosphorylation. This led to partial recovery in learning and memory disabilities.
What is very key about mangoes is the fisetin content they contain. Fisetin is a preventative compound that can protect the brain from dementia as its neuropathic factors promote the survival, function maintenance and differentiation of nerve cells. In fact Alzheimer’s experts recommend consuming mangoes as one way to protect your brain.
Mangoes Treat Diabetes
As previously mentioned there are great antidiabetic factors with mangoes, and according to one report from the journal titled Nutrition and Metabolic Insights, mangoes can effectively lower blood sugar levels. Edralin Lucas, an associate professor of nutritional sciences at Oklahoma State University, states that the results indicate lowered blood sugar levels in obese individuals after consuming a daily serving of 10 grams of freeze-dried mango, the equivalent of half a fresh mango (around 100 grams).
Another study analyzed the whole peel powder of mango and its capabilities of ameriolating diabetes, and it turned out that it did improve diabetic conditions. There was better glucose utilization in an oral glucose tolerance test as the mango peel powder helped increase plasma insulin levels and decrease oxidative stress as well as inhibiting the activities of carbohydrate hyrdolyzing enzymes.
Mangoes Contain Antioxidant Properties
Mangoes can effectively fight against beta-thalassemia as the Vimang (stem bark extract of Mangifera indica) behaves electrochemically like mangiferin. It is safe to say that mangoes can act as agents in protecting the body from iron-induced oxidative stress. Mango extract has shown to have a powerful scavenging activity of hydroxy radicals and acted as a chelator of iron.
Mangoes and grapefruit work well together when it comes to building the body’s antioxidant properties.
Mangoes Contain Anti-Inflammatory Properties
There are many anti-inflammatory compounds in mango peel and seed, which means that mangoes can be a natural and inexpensive alternative to synthetic food additives. The high total concentration of ellagic acid (650 milligrams and 100 grams dry weight) was found in mango seeds. Recently information has been provided about the sources, chemical structure, metabolism, and different biological activities of mangiferin, and it has emerged as a possible future drug to treat anti-inflammatory issues.
Mangoes Promote Eye Health
Vitamin A is a key source in promoting eye health. Mangoes contain 25% of daily value in Vitamin A. Due to the high antioxidant content of mangoes, they are able to prevent macular degeneration of the eye retina. A study involved 220 Senegalese children from the ages of 2 to 7 years-old as participants. These children who suffered from moderate undernutrition started taking Vitamin A treatment, and the conjunctival cells of the eyes with or without ocular inflammation responded well to the treatment. The results showed that there was at least partial cytological improvement with the combination of mangoes and retinyl palmitate.
General Skin Care: An Additional Health Benefit of Mangoes
Mangoes have the vitamins that help protect the body’s skin from harmful effects of the atmosphere. Mangoes particularly contain an abundance of Vitamin C, 45.7 milligrams and 76% daily value to be exact. Mango extract helps boost the production of collagen and acts as a reliable source of maintaining healthy-looking skin. It is reported that a mango helps in the regeneration of skin and restores the elasticity of the skin. A study involved antioxidant properties being measured as a function of the mango leaf extract concentration in fermentation broth. Antioxidant activity generally increased with the increasing fermented concentration of the mango leaf.
Mangoes Promote Heart Health
It has been found that the therapeutic effects of mangiferin fare well when battling toxicity in endothelial cells. The results of one study suggests that mangiferin could prevent both cadmium-induced IL-6 and IL-8 secretion by endothelial cells. This study suggests that consuming mangoes will allow the body to prevent renal inflammation. Endothelial Dysfunction effects the cardiovascular system of the body, including the heart.
When searching for creative ways on making a “cardioprotective” diet, the Harvard Medical School may have found a regime that works. Along with the help of Johns Hopkins University and Northwestern University, Harvard came up with a listing of mango as one fruit people can consume as part of 4 or 5 servings per day. Ultimately you are helping your heart stay healthy with mangoes as they contain Vitamin E (1.8 milligrams or 9% of daily value), Vitamin K (6.9 micrograms or 9%), folate (23.1 micrograms or 6%), potassium (257 milligrams or 7%), Phosphorus (18.2 milligrams) and magnesium (14.8 milligrams).
