Health Benefits of Mango
“NOT ALL SWEET THINGS ARE UNHEALTHY” and mango is an epitome of this statement. How? Here are the “6 EVIDENCE-BASED HEALTH BENEFITS OF MANGO” which will easily prove it and convince you to consume mangoes. 6 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Avocado
Brief About Mango
Mango, scientifically called ‘Mangifera indica‘ is a tropical fruit which is enormously consumed and cultivated in South-east Asia, specifically in India and it is also grown in Africa, Australia and Central America. It is an important herb in the Indian Indigenous Medical System and Ayurveda over 4,000 years.
Mango, also known as “Aam” is called “THE KING OF FRUITS” due to the following reasons:
- Mango is the ‘National Fruit of India and Philippines’.
- Mango is the most prominent fruit.
- The mango tree is the ‘National Tree of Bangladesh’.
Mango has various medicinal properties and it possesses antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, cardiotonic, immunomodulatory, hypotensive and many other properties as well. Mango is yellow or orange-yellow in color and it is extremely sweet in taste with a mild tartness.
Mango is processed to make chutney, canned/frozen slices, pickle, dried products, etc. It is a potent source of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, potassium, copper, iron, carotene and many other phytonutrients.
6 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Mango
1. Benefits of Mango for Skin
Mango has high amounts of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which helps to keep the skin clear and radiant. Limited mango consumption can lead to better skin health. A randomized two-group parallel-arm study conducted on healthy postmenopausal women with Fitzpatrick skin type II or III aged 50 to 70 who consumed either 85 gm or 250 gm of mango for 16 weeks.
The deep wrinkle severity decreased significantly in the 85 gm group after 8 and 16 weeks compared to the baseline whereas the 250 gm group showed opposite results. So, more clear evidence is required. 10 Amazing Benefits of Aloe Vera
2. Benefits of Mango for Hair
Mango is not only loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties but also it is high in anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties which keep the scalps healthy and nourished.
Moreover, some studies have shown that mango contains various bioactive compounds that can be used to treat hair loss. A research published in the journal, Animal Cells and Systems, investigated the effect of water extract of mango leaves on hair growth. It significantly reduced the expression levels of dickkopf-1 (DKK1) and type 2 5α-reductase (SRD5A2).
Moreover, it upregulated Wnt target genes and downregulated DKK1 expression that was increased by DHT treatment. And also the hair growth was massively increased in in vivo mice model. Benefits of Neem to the Human Body and the Nature
3. Anti-Diabetic Potential
Mango helps to deal with diabetes and controls blood sugar levels. A study revealed that 50% ethanolic extract of the mango leaves given at a dose of 250 mg/kg resulted in a significant hypoglycemic effect in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic animals.
A research publishes in the Medicina journal, reported that hydroalcoholic extract of the mango leaves, orally administered to alloxan-induced diabetic mice, lead to a significant decline in postprandial blood glucose following 7 days therapy.
Moreover, it prevented the increment in blood glucose level, increased glucose tolerance, improved lipid profile and reduced the damage to beta cells.
A crossover designed study published in the Metabolism Open journal, examined 34 healthy adults (29 females & 5 males) who consumed either 100 kcal dried mango, fresh mango or white bread on 3 separate occasions.
The consumption of fresh mango massively increased satiety, induced less desire to eat, efficient reduction in postprandial glucose levels and promoted a greater stability in blood glucose compared to dried mango and white bread consumption.
Dried mango consumption also lowered postprandial glucose compared to white bread consumption. 10 Scientifically-Proven Health Benefits Of Sugarcane Juice
4. Strengthens Immunity
Mango has immunomodulatory properties, helps in strengthening the immune system and enables us to tackle various diseases. Also due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral and anti-bacterial properties, it reduces inflammation in the body and scavenges free radicals.
A study revealed that alcoholic extract of stem bark of mango tree is a promising drug with immunostimulant properties, investigated in mice model. 10 Scientifically-Proven Health Benefits of Amla
5. Cancer Prevention
There is some evidence which indicates that mango has anti-cancer potential and may help in dealing with various types of cancer like colon cancer, breast cancer, etc. However, more research is required regarding this.
A study reported that the stem bark extract of mango demonstrated significant cytotoxic activities against the breast cancer cell lines MCF 7, MDA-MB-435 and MDA-N, and also against a colon cancer cell line (SW-620) and a renal cancer cell line (786-0).
6. Disease Prevention
Mango and its various plant parts help to deal with various diseases and it has been traditionally used from ages in Ayurveda, combined with herbs or used solely, for tackling various disorders due to its medicinal properties.
It is used to treat diarrhoea, anaemia, toothache, snakebite and poisonous stings, liver disorders, excessive urination, insomnia and so on. 11 Evidence-Based Benefits of Giloy
Takeaway
Mango is one of the healthiest and most delicious fruits and it is perfect for fitness freaks who have a sweet tooth. Why? The above mentioned “6 EVIDENCE-BASED HEALTH BENEFITS OF MANGO” proves it well. 5 Health Benefits of Kiwifruit, Backed by Science
