Why You Need Mangoes, The ‘Love Fruit’

By Olaitan Oye-Adeitan

Succulent, flavorful, exotic, fleshy, nutritious, bright, oddly shaped, and tender are words that best describe a popular fruit found in many countries of the world including South-East Asia, East Africa, West Africa, and South America.

When it’s ripe,  the flesh tastes so fresh, and sweet and emits an inviting fragrance. It is soft and juicy, pale orange in color, and has a texture ranging from fibrous to almost the consistency of butter. It is no other fruit other than Mango, botanically named, Mangifera indica.

Called Mángòrò in Yoruba, Magwaro in Hausa, and Popo in Igbo, (Nigeria), Mango is native to Southern Asia, especially Burma and Eastern. 

This yellow, juicy, and delicious tropical fruit  (drupe fruit ) is said to be a symbol of love in India as it is believed to possess the magical power to grant wishes. Thus, Offering a basket of mangos is seen as a gesture of friendship in India.

A blend of mangoes with some other fruits can make a tasty smoothie and can also be made fruit juice, into jam and appetizer.

Benefits of Mangoes

Fresh mangoes are not only attractive and eye-catching, but have a tantalizing flavor and sweet taste; a Dietician, Mrs. Adeola Okijiola explained that mangoes are very good sources of Vitamin C, beta carotene (used as vitamin A in the body), and folate. amongst other nutrients, which contribute significantly to optimal nutritional health. 

Mrs Okijiola listed the numerous benefits of mangoes. These include having high natural sugar/calories. 

“This is why it’s beneficial to maximize their consumption when they are in season (except for those having a disease condition, and have been counseled by a dietician to regulate the quantity eaten by prescription or stay away from it, for therapeutic purposes). Supports immune system, digestive health, and eyes”.

Other Health Benefits of Mangoes Are:

1 Boost immune system: mangoes are great sources of beta carotene (used as vitamin A in the body), which is essential for proper immune system functioning.Great sources of antioxidants,

2 Improves digestive health: They are good sources of dietary fiber which aids bowel movement and may ease constipation especially when consumed with the peel (ensure to wash well before consumption). They also improve digestion and help in the absorption of food nutrients due to their vitamin content.

3. Promotes Skin health: Mangoes Improve skin health because of their high level of Vitamin C and beta carotene (used as vitamin A in the body)  content, which helps to prevent sagging and wrinkling of the skin.

4Helps eye health: The beta carotene in mangoes (used as vitamin A in the body) content promotes eye health.

5. Lowers the risk of Chronic diseases such as cancer: They are also rich in antioxidants, which have been found to prevent cancer.

6. Supports Optimal Pregnancy Outcome: An adequate quantity of folate (especially in the first three(3) months of pregnancy) in a pregnant woman’s diet is crucial to preventing birth defects in babies. Mangoes are good sources of folates which supports optimal pregnancy outcomes by preventing birth defects.

Though there are some claims that mangoes are aphrodisiacs, the dietician says such cannot be medically proven

How many Mangoes should be included in your diet:

One to two medium-sized mangoes) per day

Side effects of Mangoes:

As highly beneficial as mangoes could be, “it could lead to diarrhea in some people if excessively consumed.

2. Some individuals could be allergic to some of its content (this is uncommon though). It could be in the form of skin reactions, oral allergies, gastrointestinal issues, or respiratory symptoms”. Mrs. Okijiola concluded.