Did you know about the awesome power of mangoes?
I discovered mangoes on the whole food plant-based diet, and have found them to be one of my favorite fruits. But not only are they tasty, but they are also just as good for you! (You can learn about what they taste like at What Does Mango Taste Like?)
In this post, we’ll explore the many health benefits of mangoes and why you should include them in your diet.
Health Benefits of Mangoes
Mangos are not only a delicious fruit, but they also offer a wide range of health benefits. This tropical fruit is loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that can help improve your overall health and well-being. Here are some of the top benefits of eating mangoes.
1) High in Nutrients
Mangoes are a rich source of nutrients. They contain high amounts of vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system, as well as vitamin A, which is essential for healthy skin, eyes, and immune system. Mangoes are also rich in dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion, prevent constipation, and improve gut health. Additionally, they contain potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which are essential for maintaining healthy bones and muscles.
2) Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Mangoes are high in soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels. The soluble fiber in mangoes binds to the cholesterol in the digestive tract, preventing it from being absorbed into the bloodstream. This can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
3) Promotes Digestive Health
Mangoes contain enzymes that aid in digestion. The fruit is also high in dietary fiber, which can help prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements. Additionally, mangoes contain compounds that can help soothe the stomach lining and reduce inflammation, making them an excellent choice for people with digestive issues.
4) Boosts Immune System
Mangoes are high in vitamin C, which is essential for the immune system. Vitamin C helps produce white blood cells, which help fight off infections and diseases. Additionally, mangoes contain beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is also important for the immune system, as it helps protect the body from infections.
5) Reduces Cancer Risk
Mangoes contain antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of cancer. Antioxidants protect the body from free radicals, which can damage cells and increase the risk of cancer. Additionally, mangoes contain compounds that can help inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
6) Promotes Healthy Skin
Mangoes are rich in vitamin A, which is essential for healthy skin. Vitamin A helps promote skin cell growth and repair, as well as reducing the risk of skin damage from UV rays. Additionally, mangoes contain vitamin C, which helps produce collagen, a protein that gives skin its elasticity and firmness.
7) Improves Eye Health
Mangoes are a rich source of beta-carotene, which is essential for healthy eyes. Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body, which helps protect the eyes from damage and promotes healthy vision. Additionally, mangoes contain compounds that can help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration, a common cause of blindness in older adults.
8) Boosts Brain Health
Mangoes contain compounds that can help improve brain function. The fruit is rich in antioxidants, which can protect the brain from damage and improve cognitive function. Additionally, mangoes contain vitamin B6, which is essential for the production of neurotransmitters, chemicals that help regulate mood and behavior.
9) Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Mangoes have a low glycemic index, which means they can help regulate blood sugar levels. The fruit contains compounds that can help slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, preventing blood sugar spikes and crashes. This makes mangoes an excellent choice for people with diabetes or anyone looking to regulate their blood sugar levels.
10) Supports Heart Health
Mangoes contain compounds that can help improve heart health. The fruit is rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease by protecting the heart from damage. Additionally, mangoes contain potassium, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, so including mangoes in your diet can be beneficial for heart health.
11) Anti-inflammatory Properties
Mangoes contain several compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, which can contribute to a range of chronic health conditions, including arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.
12) Improves Bone Health
Mangoes are a good source of several minerals that are essential for maintaining healthy bones, including calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These minerals work together to keep bones strong and healthy, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
13) Aids in Weight Loss
Mangoes are low in calories and high in dietary fiber, making them an excellent choice for weight loss. The fiber in mangoes helps keep you feeling full for longer, reducing the likelihood of overeating and snacking between meals.
14) Promotes Healthy Hair
Mangoes are rich in vitamin A, which is essential for healthy hair. Vitamin A helps produce sebum, an oil that moisturizes the scalp and keeps hair healthy and shiny. Additionally, mangoes contain vitamin C, which helps produce collagen, a protein that is essential for healthy hair growth.
15) Improves Mood
Mangoes contain vitamin B6, which is essential for the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and behavior. Eating mangoes can help increase serotonin levels, which can improve mood and reduce the risk of depression and anxiety.
Final Thoughts
Mangoes are a delicious and nutritious fruit that offer a wide range of health benefits. They are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that can help improve digestive health, boost the immune system, reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, and improve skin and hair health.
Additionally, mangoes are low in calories and high in dietary fiber, making them an excellent choice for weight loss. So the next time you’re looking for a healthy and tasty snack, reach for a juicy, ripe mango!
Video: Mango Health Benefits (Why to eat them everyday!)
Lance has been passionate about the plant-based diet and we have been following a whole food plant-based diet for over 5 years. We focus on health, natural healing, weight management, animal rights, and the health of the planet and environment by focusing on whole plant-based foods and sustainable practices.
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