It’s a new year and that means new, fresh posts! Sorry it’s been so quiet here.. but we are back and hopefully with more consistent posts to help you live a healthier lifestyle.
Today’s topic is the health benefits of mangoes. Here is a list of great reasons why to eat mangoes on a regular basis. I am also posting about mangoes because it is the fruit that is in season in my part of the world, Kenya. Enjoy.
Mangoes:
Keep cholesterol in check
Mango has high level of vitamin C, pectin and fibres that help to lower serum cholesterol levels. Fresh mango is a rich source of potassium, which is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps to control heart rate and blood pressure.
Alkalize the body
According to natural health school.com, mango is rich in tartaric acid, malic acid and traces of citric acid that primarily help in maintaining the alkali reserve of the body.
Weight loss
Mango has a lot of vitamins and nutrients that help the body feel much fuller. Also, the fiber in this fruit boosts the digestive function of the body by burning additional calories, helping in weight loss.
Regulates diabetes
Not only the fruit but the leaves of mangoes are healthy too. If you suffer from diabetes, just boil 5-6 mango leaves in a vessel, soak it through night and drink the filtered decoction in the morning. This is helps in regulating your insulin levels. Mango has a low glycemic index (41-60) so going a little overboard will not increase your sugar levels.
Aphrodisiac
Mango has aphrodisiac qualities and is also called the ‘love fruit’. Mangoes increase the virility in men. Vitamin E, which is abundantly present in mangoes, helps to regulate sex hormones and boosts sex drive.
Eye care
Did you know that mango is rich in vitamin A. One cup of sliced mangoes equals 25% intake of your daily need of vitamin A. Mangoes help in promoting good eye sight, fights dry eyes and also prevent night blindness.
Helps in digestion
Mango contains enzymes that help in breaking down protein. The fibrous nature of mango helps in digestion and elimination. It is is rich in pre-biotic dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals.
Strengthens your immune system
The deadly combination of vitamin C, vitamin A and 25 different kinds of carotenoids keep your immune system healthy and strong!
High iron for women
Mango is rich in iron, hence it is a great natural solution for people suffering from anemia. Menopausal and pregnant women can indulge in mangoes as this will increase their iron levels and calcium at the same time.
Mangoes as a natural beauty product!?? WHY YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mangoes are a Skin cleanser
Mangoes help you unclog your pores and add freshness to the face. Mangoes are applicable to any skin type. They help clear clogged pores that cause acne.
How to use it as such:
Just slice a mango into thin pieces and keep them on your face for 10 to 15 minutes and then take bath or wash your face and see the results.
Mangoes as a body scrub
Make a paste of mashed mango, honey and milk and use as a body scrub, you will feel that your skin is tender and smooth
Perfect Snack
Instead of snacking on unhealthy pastries, potato crisps and the like, why not feast on slices of mangoes instead. They are perhaps one of the tastiest dehydrated fruits of all.
Nutrition by Numbers
One cup of mangoes or an equivalent of 225 grams contains the following percentages that apply to daily value.
105 calories
76 percent vitamin C (antioxidant and immune booster)
25 percent vitamin A (antioxidant and vision)
11 percent vitamin B6 plus other B vitamins (hormone production in brain and heart disease prevention)
9 percent healthy probiotic fibre
9 percent copper (copper is a co-factor for many vital enzymes plus production of red blood cells)
7 percent potassium (to balance out our high sodium intake)
4 percent magnesium
Fearless Fitness 