From the Tropics to Your Table: Amazing Mango Benefits You Can’t Resist
Sink your teeth into a juicy, delicious mango. People from all over the world and throughout history have enjoyed this tantalizing tropical fruit. Mangoes don’t just taste delicious, they’re jam packed with nutrients that boost your immune system, improve digestion, and can even reduce your risk of chronic diseases.
This super sweet and succulent fruit is something that you don’t want to miss out on in your diet. Now, let’s explore the benefits of mango.
Table of contents:
What is a Mango?
You’re not gonna believe this, but mangoes belong to the same family as cashews and pistachios. Crazy, right? While mangoes come in a variety of sizes and colors (small and green to large and golden-yellow), their distinctive shape and flat, oval-shaped pit in the center stays the same.
Where did the mango come from? It originated in the Indian subcontinent some 4,000 years ago. And even though it originated there, its popularity has seen it shipped everywhere and grown all over the world in places like Southeast Asia, the Americas, and Africa. However, one country dominates its production and that’s India. It’s the largest producer of mangoes and grows over 1500 different varieties.
Different types of mangoes have their own unique characteristics like size, color, shape, and flavor. Kinds like Alphonso, Ataulfo, Haden, Keitt, and Tommy Atkins.
Variations of Mangoes
Did you know there is over 1,000 varieties of mangoes found around the world?
Let’s talk about some of the most popular types of mangoes and their unique features:
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- Alphonso: It’s considered by many to be “the king of mangoes”. Alphonso mangoes are a premium variety from India that are known for their sweet, creamy flesh and rich, fruity flavor.
- Ataulfo: AKA The honey mango. Ataulfo mangoes are small, golden-yellow mangoes with a sweet, buttery flavor and a smooth texture.
- Haden: This one is the most popular in the United States. Haden mangoes have bright red and green skin with sweet, juicy flesh. Now you can impress your friends and tell them what kind of mango you’re eating.
- Keitt: A large, green mango. Keitt mangoes are a popular in the Caribbean and Florida.
- Tommy Atkins: Typically found in grocery stores. Tommy Atkins mangoes have red and green skin and a sweet, slightly tart flavor.
There’s so many others we could mention like the Kesar mango from India, the Palmer mango from Florida, and the Kent mango from Mexico, but let’s move along. With so many options, it’s safe to say there is a mango out there for everyone!
Mangoes in Culture
To some, mangoes symbolize love and prosperity. To others, a spiritual and religious symbol. Mangoes have played a significant role in the many cultures and traditions.
Take India for example, where mangoes are believed to have originated. As the “king of fruits”, mangoes are highly revered. Mangoes are often given as gifts during festivals and celebrations. And they’re even used in traditional dishes such as chutneys, pickles, and desserts.
In Thailand, mangoes are used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes. They even hav a festival dedicated to mangoes, called the “Mango Festival,” which promotes local agriculture.
In Mexico, mangoes are used in salsas and ceviches. They also have a mango festival called the “Todos Santos Mango Festival,” which celebrates their importance in Mexican culture.
In many African countries, mangoes are used in traditional medicine to treat certain ailments. Mangoes are believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties and some people use them to soothe an upset stomach or aid digestion.
For many centuries, humans worldwide have enjoyed and even celebrated mangoes!
Mango Benefits
First off, mangoes taste amazing, but they also offer a range of health benefits. Let’s talk about some major mango benefits:
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- Rich in Bioavailable Nutrients: Essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, and potassium.
- Boosts Immunity: They are high in vitamin C to help support a healthy immune system.
- Improves Digestion: Mangoes contain digestive enzymes that help break down protein and aid in digestion.
- Lowers Cholesterol: Mangoes are rich in fiber, which helps lower bad cholesterol levels in the body.
- Reduces the Risk of Cancer: Mangoes contain antioxidants such as quercetin, isoquercitrin, astragalin, fisetin, and gallic acid.
- Promotes Eye Health: Mangoes are rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, which are essential for good vision and may help prevent age-related macular degeneration.
- Improves Skin Health: The high vitamin C content in mangoes helps promote collagen production, which is essential for healthy skin.
- Helps Regulate Blood Sugar: The fiber and natural sugars in mangoes help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Reduces Inflammation: The antioxidants in mangoes help reduce inflammation in the body and may help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
- Aids in Weight Loss: Even though mangoes are low in calories, eating them promote feelings of fullness and aid in weight loss.
Disclaimer About Mango Skin
Don’t eat the skin. Please. Some people are allergic to the resin in mango skin, especially those with a sensitivity to poison ivy or poison oak. It can cause a red, itchy rash or blisters on the skin. They are super uncomfortable and unsightly.
It’s recommended to wear gloves, use a paper towel , or wash it with soap and water when peeling a mango to avoid potential irritants on the skin.
When you’re cutting a mango, remove the skin completely and discard it before eating the juicy mango. While it may be tempting to eat the skin, especially if it looks clean and smooth, it’s not worth the risk of an allergic reaction or skin irritation.
By taking a few simple precautions, you can safely enjoy the sweet and juicy flesh of a ripe mango and mango benefits without any discomfort or irritation.
When Are Mangoes in Season?
Mangoes are a fruit for all seasons. Mangoes can be found in markets and grocery stores throughout the year. However, the peak mango season varies depending on the location and climate.
In tropical regions such as India and Southeast Asia, mangoes are typically harvested in the summer months between May and September. This is the time of year when mangoes are at their most abundant and can be found in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors. From the juicy Alphonso mangoes of India to the sweet Ataulfo mangoes of Mexico, there is no shortage of delicious options to choose from.
In other parts of the world, mango season may be different. In the United States, for example, the peak mango season typically runs from April to August, with the largest supplies coming from Florida, California, and Hawaii. During this time, mangoes are often sold in large quantities and can be found in grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and even on roadside fruit stands.
Of course, with the rise of global trade and transportation, mangoes are now available year-round in many parts of the world. While the taste and quality of out-of-season mangoes may not be quite as good as those in peak season, they can still be a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.
How to Choose a Mango
Choosing a ripe and juicy mango can be difficult. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect mango:
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- Look for color: A ripe mango will typically have a bright, vibrant color with no green spots. A ripe mango can be yellow, orange, or red but it depends on the type of mango.
- Check for firmness: Not too soft. Not too hard. A ripe mango should give slightly when you gently press it.
- Smell the mango: Smell at the stem end and it should have a sweet, fruity aroma if it’s ripe.
- Consider the weight: You want it full of juice so it should feel heavy for its size.
- Avoid bruises or cuts: Obvious tip here but avoid mangoes with any cuts or bruises.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid while selecting mangoes:
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- Don’t focus solely on color: Even though we told you to focus on it, it’s not always a reliable method. It’s important to consider other factors like firmness and smell as well.
- Don’t pick mangoes that are too hard: If they’re really hard, you’re going to put it in your kitchen to ripen and then forget about it. So just don’t get one that’s really hard.
- Don’t pick mangoes that are too soft: Overripe mangoes aren’t very good and have a stringy texture.
If you follow these tips and avoid the common mistakes, you can choose the perfect mango every time!
Ways to Prepare Mangoes
There’s a million ways to prepare mangoes, so here are some popular ways to enjoy mangoes:
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- Cutting a mango: Stand it on its end and slice off the cheeks on either side of the pit. Then, score the flesh in a criss-cross pattern. Just be careful not to cut through the skin. Use a spoon to scoop out the diced mango pieces.
- Smoothies: Mango smoothies are a popular and healthy way to enjoy this delicious fruit. We love them, obviously!
- Salads: Mangoes add a sweet and tangy flavor to salads. Try adding diced mango to a spinach and quinoa salad with a citrus dressing.
- Acai Bowls: Organic mango is a tasty addition to a tropical acai bowl.
- Chutneys: Mango chutney is a popular condiment in Indian cuisine. Combine diced mango, onion, ginger, garlic, vinegar, and spices in a saucepan and cook until thickened.
- Desserts: Mangoes go well with desserts such as fruit tarts, sorbets, and even cheesecake.
- As far as storing them, mangoes can be stored at room temperature until ripe and then refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Indulge in the Goodness of Mango Benefits with Clean Juice
From their rich cultural history to their unique flavor and nutritional benefits, mangoes have something to offer everyone.
Indulge in the goodness of mango with Clean Juice, where every recipe is crafted with the freshest ingredients at peak ripeness. If you’re a smoothie fan, we have you covered with our new Mangoes ‘N Cream One, blended with organic Mango, Banana, Cinnamon, Turmeric, Vanilla, Honey & Almond Milk. Acai bowls more your speed? Not to worry–our Be Happy Bowl is made with organic Mango, Almond Milk, Banana, Pineapple, And Coconut Oil topped with Granola, Pineapple, Mango and Coconut Chips! This is sure to satisfy your craving.
With Clean Juice, healthy living is made easy and enjoyable, so order now to treat your taste buds to a deliciously nutritious experience.
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Disclaimer: The information presented here is for educational purposes only and is in no way intended as a substitute for medical counseling. Consult your doctor before using any health treatment, including natural remedies, and tell your doctor if you have a serious medical condition or are taking any medications.
If you’re unsure whether mangoes would be a healthy addition to your wellness routine, ask your doctor if any of your health details might make mangoes unsafe for you.