Tropical fruits are often favorites because they have sweet flavors, are juicy, and very fresh, but that doesn't mean they are any less nutritious than others, as all fruits contain different nutrient values. That's why today we want to tell you about the benefits of mango for your health.
The
mango in Mexico is mainly harvested in Sinaloa, Guerrero, Nayarit, and Chiapas, but our country has the perfect conditions for this fruit, so in total there are 23 states that produce it.
Whether you like it plain or with chili, lime, and salt, mango has a high fiber content and provides you with vitamins A, E, and C, as well as folic acid, iron, calcium, and zinc. All of this contributes to your health, and in particular, here are x benefits of mango for you.
Benefits of mango for your health
1. May help boost immunity
Mango is a great source of nutrients, including vitamin A, which is very important for the immune system. There is even research linking a deficiency of this vitamin to a higher risk of infections.
On the other hand, it also contains a lot of vitamin C, which helps the body produce more white blood cells that fight diseases, helps these cells function more effectively, and improves skin defenses.
In addition to giving a boost to your defenses, these two vitamins are involved in collagen production, which gives skin elasticity and firmness, so they also help you maintain a youthful appearance.
2. Great source of antioxidants
Mango is packed with polyphenols, plant compounds that act as antioxidants to protect the body's cells against free radicals. Mangiferin is one of these polyphenols and is known as a “super antioxidant,” as some test-tube and animal studies have found that it can counteract free radical damage related to cancer, diabetes, and other diseases.
3. Ally for digestion
A
2018 study noted that mango pulp and the pectin in it positively affect digestive activity. Mango also contains a group of digestive enzymes called amylases, which break down large food molecules so the body can easily absorb them. Additionally, mango contains a lot of water and dietary fiber, so it can help with constipation and diarrhea.
4. Good for the heart
In addition to its contribution of minerals like magnesium and potassium, which help maintain healthy blood flow and promote low blood pressure,
mango contains an antioxidant called mangiferin, which among its benefits protects heart cells against inflammation, oxidative stress, cell death, and also helps reduce levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and free fatty acids in the blood.
5. Helps with eye health
The color of mango indicates that they are rich in carotenoids, organic compounds that promote eye health because they provide lutein and zeaxanthin, which play an important role in protecting the retina from sunlight and blue light emitted by digital devices.
If you're concerned about how many calories are in a mango, you'll be very happy to know that they are actually low in calories, with one cup of mango (about 165 grams) containing less than 100 calories, as long as you consume it fresh and not dehydrated, for example.
Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, mango has many health benefits, so take advantage of the season and consume it fresh, preferably its pulp and not its juice, to better absorb all its nutrients.