Mango lovers, you can now enjoy this seasonal fruit guilt-free to your heart's content, as it has many health benefits. Yes, it is true. Mangoes are not just juicy, sweet, and exceptionally tasty, but offer a host of health benefits.
India is recognized for its varied mango types, each valued for its distinct flavor, fragrance, and texture. Here are some popular varieties of Indian mangoes:
Alphonso (Hapus): Known as the king of mangoes, Alphonso is prized for its rich, creamy texture, powerful scent, and sweet flavor. It is mainly cultivated in the Ratnagiri and Devgad districts of Maharashtra. My personal favorite!
Kesar: Kesar mangoes are known for their vibrant saffron-colored flesh, sweet flavor with a hint of tanginess, and smooth texture. They are primarily cultivated in Gujarat.
Dasheri: Originating from Uttar Pradesh, Dasheri mangoes are sweet, aromatic, and fiberless. They have thin skin and a distinct elongated shape.
Langra: Langra mangoes, primarily grown in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, are known for their unique taste, fibrous texture, and green skin, even when ripe. They have a tangy-sweet flavor.
Safeda mangoes: Also known as Banganapalli in Andhra Pradesh, have pale yellow peel and delicious, juicy flesh with few fibers. They are popular due to their nice scent and delicate flavor. PS: This is my daughter's favorite among all varieties of mangoes.
Totapuri: Totapuri mangoes are characterized by their distinctive beak-like shape and tangy flavor. They are commonly used in making mango pulp, chutneys, and pickles.
Neelam: Neelam mangoes are small to medium-sized, with bright orange skin and sweet, aromatic flesh. They are often found in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
Raspuri: Raspuri mangoes, primarily grown in Karnataka, are known for their sweet, juicy flesh and excellent flavor. They have a medium-sized, round shape and a thin skin. They are used for making aamras (mango pulp).
Bombay Green: Also known as Malda or Malgova, Bombay Green mangoes are large, green, and sweet with a robust aroma. They are commonly grown in Tamil Nadu.
Amrapali: Amrapali mangoes, a hybrid variety developed in India, are known for their sweet, aromatic flavor and vibrant red blush over yellow-green skin. They are a cross between Dasheri and Neelum varieties.
These are just a few examples of the diverse mango varieties found in India, each with its own distinct characteristics and regional specialties.
Below are the health benefits mangoes have but also work as a mood enhancer for me:
Mangoes are high in nutrients, including vitamins C, A, K, potassium, and folate.
Mangoes contain various antioxidants, including beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, and quercetin, which help protect cells from free radicals and oxidative stress.
High in vitamin C: Mangoes' high vitamin C content strengthens the immune system by boosting white blood cell production and enhancing the body's ability to fight sickness.
Improves Digestive Health: Mangoes include dietary fiber, which assists digestion, avoids constipation, and supports a balanced gut microbiota. Mango enzymes, including amylases, proteases, and lipases, also help digestion.
Some studies show that eating mangoes daily may help decrease LDL (harmful) cholesterol levels due to their high fiber and antioxidant content.
Promotes Eye Health: Mangoes contain beta-carotene and lutein, which are helpful to eye health. These substances help lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration and improve overall eyesight.
Supports Skin Health: Mangoes include vitamins C and A, which promote healthy skin by boosting collagen formation, decreasing inflammation, and protecting against UV damage.
Mangoes include potassium, which helps control blood pressure levels and promote heart health by counteracting the effects of salt.
May Help with Weight Loss: Mangoes are fibrous and low in calories, making them an ideal snack that can be part of a balanced diet.
Mangoes include compounds with anti-inflammatory effects, such as mangiferin and quercetin, which may help decrease inflammation and improve symptoms of inflammatory disorders, including arthritis and asthma.
To ultimately benefit from mangoes' health advantages, they should be consumed as part of a well-balanced diet. While they have many benefits, moderation is essential owing to their natural sugar content.
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