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What Mangoes Can Do For You

By Akinlolu Oluwamuyiwa
02 June 2017   |   10:02 am
Mango also known as “King of fruits” or “The love fruit” is one of the most delicious fruits and has over a thousand species grown all over the world. Beyond being delicious and rich in vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants, mangoes contain an enzyme with stomach soothing properties similar to papain found in papayas. These comforting…

Mango also known as “King of fruits” or “The love fruit” is one of the most delicious fruits and has over a thousand species grown all over the world. Beyond being delicious and rich in vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants, mangoes contain an enzyme with stomach soothing properties similar to papain found in papayas. These comforting enzymes act as a digestive aid and can be held partially responsible for that feeling of contentment we experience during and after our daily mango ritual.

Health and nutrition benefits  of eating mangoes

For weight gain: Being high in calories and carbohydrates, it is good for those trying to gain weight.

For the waist: If watching your waistline, eat mangoes in the morning or early afternoon so there is enough time to burn it off.

For the skin:  You can use a mango scrub to exfoliate your skin and remove blackheads. Mix some mango pulp with half a teaspoon of yogurt and some honey and rub it over the affected area, in a circular motion and the mixture will exfoliate, cleanse and nourish your skin.  

It is also great for clear and youthful looking skin, both when eaten and applied topically. They contain beta-carotene, which the body converts to Vitamin A and they also contain plenty of Vitamin C, both of which are vital for the skin to be able to repair itself.

For the eyes:  Eating mangoes can help keep your eyes healthy and fight off the onset of macular degeneration. It has Vitamin A, which is needed by the body to maintain good vision.

For blood pressure:  A great natural source of potassium which amongst other things, regulates the balance of fluids in your body and helps to maintain a stable blood pressure. It is also a vital nutrient that assists with muscle, heart and nerve functions.

Lowers cholesterol:  Eating mangoes regularly can help reduce your cholesterol levels. The Vitamin C and pectin in the fruit assists your body in ridding itself of the cholesterol, especially the harmful, low-density lipoprotein.  This can also be achieved with a mango-ugwu smoothie and also gives iron and folic acid.

Anaemia – Being high in iron, mango is said to be very good for pregnant women as well as for people suffering from anaemia.  It’s also great when on your monthly cycle as it gives energy.

Alkaline levels:  The tartaric acid and malic acid, found in mangoes, help to maintain a healthy alkaline level in the body, which helps to prevent chronic illnesses, such as kidney disease and weakening of the bones. Maintaining healthy alkaline levels also helps with the transfer of oxygen throughout the body, so it can also provide you with extra energy.

Sex hormones – Mangoes are good for your love life too. They contain a high content of Vitamin E, which can boost stamina. They also contain potassium and magnesium, which are essential ingredients in the production and regularising of the ‘love’ hormones… no wonder they call it the love fruit.  

 

 

 

Mango Strawberry Smoothie

– 1 mango, 1 cup frozen strawberry, ½ cup water – blend till smooth.  Add 1 finger of ginger to give it a zing.

Green and Orange Smoothie

– 1 cup ugwu, 1 mango – blend with ice and serve.  So delicious!!

Mango Watermelon Smoothie

– 1 mango, 1 cup melon, 1 cup ice – blend and drink.

Mango Salad

– 1 mango, 1 cucumber, 1 tomato, handful lettuce, 1 carrot, 1 red yellow and orange sweet pepper.  Diced all ingredients. Mix and serve.  Tantalises your taste buds!!

 

Treat yourself to homemade

mango ice cream in five minutes

3 cups frozen cut up mango

½ cup cold coconut milk or Tigernut milk

3 dates

Blend and serve immediately – makes four delicious servings.

 

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