Mangoes have made a return to the shops – yay! I personally love mangoes, but what is worth considering is just how good they are for you. The health benefits (apart from the wonderful flavour) make these a great fruit.
Mangoes help skin and eyes – signs of ageing and acne may both improve. Mangoes contain high levels of both vitamin C and A – which aids in collagen production and corneal health. You can also apparently apply mango pulp directly to your face for skin benefits – I haven’t done this, but it is very common in other parts of the world.
Mangoes are rich in minerals such as potassium and magnesium – great if you are having trouble with high blood pressure.
Mangoes are high in soluble fibre, so can help with lowering your cholesterol and may offer some protection from cancers, such as colon, prostate and breast cancers. The pectin in mangoes can also help with sluggish digestion – including with issues of indigestion/reflux! They contain enzymes that are very beneficial for breaking down protein – especially if your digestion is not as it should be.
Mangoes have good levels of iron too, so may help if you are having issues with anaemia.
What about diabetes? Yes, even though they have a nice sweet flavour, a study published way back in 2015 showed that a particular compound (mangiferin) in mangoes is great to aid in diabetes management.
When selecting a fruit, choose local as often as possible, and whatever is in season for maximum benefits.