Debunking the baseless rumours surrounding this delicious tropical fruit
It’s finally mango season, people! Each year, most of the billions of us wait for this seasonal fruit to arrive. Mangoes conjure up images of lazy summer holidays when we would look forward to this juicy, delectable treat to snack on.
Often referred to as the ‘king of fruits’ in India, mangoes were introduced in the country in the 15th century by the Portuguese. It has been an intrinsic part of our culture and poetry since then. Powerful emperors have been said to have lusted after it, and many poets are believed to have penned couplets as an ode to this golden-hued fruit. Today, India is the largest producer of mangoes in the world, contributing to 40.48 per cent of the global production.
Like everything that’s popular, mangoes are subject to rumours among the fitness clique and receive a lot of unnecessary flak. We are debunking the most ridiculous myths surrounding this fruit….
A study by the Journal of Nutrition (a peer-reviewed scientific journal published by the American Society for Nutrition) also found that mice who had a high-fat, diet-induced obesity had improved gut microflora after adding mango to their diet due to the high fibre content in this fruit. Apart from improving digestion, dietary fibre is said to lower the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Diabetic patients should eat them with the pulp, which has all fibre—which reduces the amount of the natural sugar consumed.
Mangoes are a great source of vitamins A and C. It also contains folate, B6, iron and a little calcium, zinc and vitamin E. Mangoes are a good source of antioxidants, containing certain phytochemicals, which offer countless health benefits.
The high vitamin C content helps support your body’s natural collagen production. Collagen is the protein that keeps the skin youthful-looking and gives the skin its structure. Mango is also loaded with a type of antioxidant called mangiferin that may help protect your body from cellular damage.
Vitamins E and C act together to protect your skin from environmental damage. These two vitamins are stored in your skin cells. When your skin is exposed to pollution or sunlight, the amount of these vitamins is reduced—and your skin becomes more susceptible to damage that can lead to premature ageing. Foods high in vitamin A have photoprotective effects, meaning they help reduce sun damage.
Mumbai-based celebrity nutritionist, Pooja Makhija recently posted an Instagram Reels, stating some facts rubbishing this claim. She quoted: ‘Mangoes have just 1 per cent fat content’, and said the trick lies in knowing how to eat them. According to her, the only way it could make you fat is if you are having it daily in the form of—aamras, milkshakes, juices, ice cream, mango and cream or mango pies. To ensure optimum nutrition, have JUST the fruit as an only snack and never combine it with heavy meals. You can easily have one mango a day if you stick to this plan!
Enjoy your mangoes guilt-free this season!
Disclaimer: Please consult your nutritionist/physician before changing your diet if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
[Featured Image Credit: Pixabay]
Eva Pavithran
Vertical Head - Lifestyle