10 healthy reasons to eat mango - reason #5 surprised us!
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Did you know that the tree under which Buddha meditated.. was a mango tree?
He reached enlightenment and the fruits of the tree that provided him with shade can also bring nirvana to you, almost.
Mango is not only very tasty, refreshing and full of good things - but it can also take you to a healthy and quality life.
There is no doubt that this is a food that truely fit the gods.
Let's take a look and understand why mango is such a wise and healthy choice for your health..
1. It helps fighting cancer
There are many foods known for their ability to fight cancer.
The A&M AgriLife Research Institute in Texas, USA, studies the effects of the food on health, examines the biological foundations of cancer and develops new treatments against cancer.
Mango was one of their research studies in the recent research projects.
Dr. Talcott, a scientist who deals with nutrition in Agrilife research, led the study that showed that the polyphenols (antioxidants - natural plant chemicals) of the mango have the ability to fight cancer.
Adding mangoes to your diet can be particularly effective in preventing breast cancer and colon cancer (research is still ongoing).
2. It maintains visual acuity
According to the Institute of Natural Medicine, eating 3 servings of mangoes a day (1 serving = 3/4 cup) can reduce your chances of developing age-related macular degeneration by more than half.
The mango contains a lot of vitamin A, which is very important for the health of the eyes - and is also rich in zeaxanthin and lutein - two powerful antioxidants. They protect the eyes from light waves of high energy such as: the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun, which can damage the eyes.
3. Maintains heart health
Mango is rich in antioxidants and fiber, both of which are critical in their importance for protecting the heart muscle. A diet rich in fiber can significantly reduce your chances of getting heart disease.
1 cup of mango per day can contribute 3 grams of fiber to the recommended amount, which is 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men.
According to one study, for every 7 grams of fiber you eat, the risk of getting heart disease decreases by 9%.
4. It keeps the skin young
The vitamin C in mangoes boosts collagen production, which makes your skin tighter and firmer.
Because of the zeaxanthin and lutein in mangoes protect against the harmful effects of UV rays, eating mangoes can reduce sun damage to the skin.
The mango also opens the pores of the skin and is used as a face mask.
5. Increases brain power
Mango contains vitamin B6 which is the vitamin that stimulates the brain and preserves cognitive activity. Several studies have shown that low levels of B6 are associated with decreased cognitive abilities in older people.
Vitamin B6 is celebrated as a nutritional supplement for cognitive health. It improves memory and concentration and even prevents dementia.
So instead of taking a supplement, just go to the source and enjoy mango.
6. It is a good source of fiber
A diet rich in fiber is very important for our health in many ways. You need fiber for healthy digestion and when your gut is happy, the quality of life always increases.
The fibers also help to prevent heart disease and reduce the chances of getting type 2 diabetes, diverticulosis (diverticular disease - pockets that form in the wall of the large intestine), which affects the large intestine.
7. It is rich in very important vitamins and minerals
Mango contains plenty of minerals and vitamins that are very essential for the body.
When you eat this refreshing fruit, you pamper your body with a decent dose of vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K that maintains bone health.
It also has the following vitamins:
- B
- B1
- B2
- B5
- B6
- Niacin
- Folic acid
Folic acid is especially important for pregnant women, as it reduces the possibility of birth defects.
One cup of fresh mango provides 71 micrograms of folic acid, the daily intake should be about 400 micrograms, but that's not all.
The mango is also an excellent source of minerals including potassium, magnesium and calcium.
This fruit is absolutely wonderful and a great source of healthy nutrition.
8. It helps your digestive system
One thing that helps your digestive system is the abundance of fiber in mangoes.
The second thing is the presence of digestive enzymes that help break down proteins.
The enzymes are found in ripe mangoes, so make sure the fruit is ripe before you eat.
If you can get the mango flowers - they help curing diarrhea, chronic dysentery and urinary tract infections.
9. It strengthens your immune system
By helping the digestive system, mangoes are also excellent for your immune system.
Not many people know that the digestive system is actually part of the immune system and 80% of the body's defenses are located there.
Your basic health is intertwined with your gut health.
The mango also contains a lot of vitamin C, which additionally strengthens your immune system.
10. Mango helps you lose weight
Mangoes can also be incredibly sweet and yet do not contain many calories. One cup of mango contains only 100 calories.
According to the University of Oklahoma, a diet containing mango regulates appetite and reduces cholesterol and blood glucose levels.
Isn't it great that a diet can contain this delicious fruit?
Start eating mango from today, you can enjoy it in many ways: as a healthy snack, in a delicious fruit shake and as part of a salsa or chutney.
Even with a little chili powder and lemon juice.
Personally, we love the mango in all its forms, each person according to his own taste.
