A mango is an exquisite stone green fruit produced by many species of tree members of the flowering Plantagenaceae family, native to South and Central Africa. Depending on the variety, the mango fruit can vary significantly in size, shape, color, and peel texture which can be smooth, yellow, orange, red, or gold in colour. The large diameter fruit is widely used as a flavored fruit spread for snacks, juices, desserts, ice-creams, puddings, candied fruit, and even medicinal purposes. Some of the main medicinal properties of mango are to improve digestion and increase the appetite.
An elongated flesh of the fruit is packed with a number of healthy health benefits. The flesh has significant vitamin A (for vision), potassium (for healthy muscles), niacin, calcium, and vitamin C (which helps reduce the risk of heart disease). There are also a considerable amount of essential fatty acids (EFAs) found in the fruit. The natural tastes of the mango also help the drinkability of the mango juice.
Mango fruit is also popular for its use in treating diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, arthritis, digestive disorders, kidney stones, asthma, nausea, urinary disorders, respiratory conditions, sore throat, spider veins, as well as other skin diseases. It is also known to treat several types of sexually transmitted diseases (STD). Mango is also used to naturally stimulate the reproductive system of animals. Therefore it is an excellent food for those who want to get pregnant, while those who are not able to have children because of age or other physical limitations.
Mango fruit has high contents of fiber, which is beneficial to our health. The fiber found in the mango helps in reducing our cholesterol levels and thus contributes to good cardiovascular health. The fiber content of the mango helps in reducing the occurrence of heart disease, high blood pressure, stomach disorders, and asthma. Apart from these health benefits of mango, the fruit also contains a lot of water, which is good for the body’s skin, hair, and digestion.
Like other fruits, the skin of the mango is extremely thick, but not discoloring. Mango fruit is also used as a cleanser for the eyes and for rashes and acne on various parts of the body. However, it should be noted that mango should not be applied on wounds. Mango fruit has also been traditionally used for treating several urinary disorders. Due to its water solubility, the fruit is used for irrigation and for the treatment of various urinary tract infections. The fruit is also considered to be very effective in the treatment of kidney stones.
As far as the taste of the mango is concerned, it is quite bitter, in comparison with other fruits. But it has a distinct sweet flavor, which is found to be quite refreshing. Mango fruit is also known for its skin. It is said to be best when it is incorporated into honey. Due to its many health benefits, the mango is now being used as an integral part of the diet.