Mango Mania--The Perfect Summer Fruit

Rate This

I know I could eat a bowl full of raw sugar when I get the urge to eat something sweet. But instead, I try to eat lots of seasonal fruits that are sweet and satisfying. If you are like me, a sweet eating monster that goes to any length to satisfy your sweet tooth, then your search is over for finding a perfect soul dessert. Mango! Mangoes are a fruit that are divine in taste with tons of nutrients and they come in many varieties to choose from. There hasn't been a person in my experience so far who did not crave a sweet, juicy mango.

Mangoes are eaten either in raw form when they are green or when they are ripe and golden in color. They are seasonal and tropical in nature and they come in different sizes. Most cultures use mangoes for food, or in different occasions for decorations and for prayers. Most of the world's mango supplies come from the Indian subcontinent. In India mango flowers and leaves are used for decorations at weddings and special events. Mangoes with different fragrances are used for desserts and special dishes such as rice, soups and pickles. The word mango comes from the Portuguese word "manga' which was than adapted as "marina" and the English named it as mango in the 1500's. History shows that mangoes have been grown in India for thousands of years. Each mango tree lasts and gives fruit for a minimum of 300 years.

Mango trees are long living and evergreen in nature. Mango leaves and branches are used for their medicinal value in alternative medicines like the homeopathic and ayurvedic medicines. Mango leaves come in different colors ranging from orange pink to dark red and green when in raw form. Mangoes generally can be eaten in any stage either ripe or raw. Green mangoes are cut and eaten with red chili and salt sprinkled on them. They can be used in place of lemon for soup, rice, and legumes. Juice can be extracted from broiled raw mangoes and saved to garnish different foods. Raw mangoes can also be used in place of salt for people who have hypertension in different dishes. Powder made from raw, sun dried mangoes can be stored and be used in place of salt or to garnish dishes. Ripe mangoes are eaten by cutting into pieces, or made into juices, shakes, ice creams, and other desserts.

Mangoes are rich in vitamin C, fiber, polyphenols, pro-vitamin A, and carotenoids. They also contain antioxidants such as vitamins A,C and E. Eating 165 gms/serving of mango daily is recommended while the season lasts. Essential nutrients such as vitamin B, K, potassium, copper, and amino acids are also found in these fruits. The peel and pulp of mangoes contain phytonutrients, omega-3 and 6 (poly unsaturated fatty acids). The peel of the mango contains lutein and pro-vitamin A. The peel also aids in the treatment of prostate and skin cancers since it has inhibitors such as triterpene. Extract from the bark of mangoes aids in in-vitro blood purification. One has to be aware of coming in contact with the peel though as it has a chemical similar to poison ivy which results in contact dermatitis. Mangoes are also believed to be helpful with weight loss for those who want to lose some pounds while having the nutritional benefits. It is also used along with other fruits like guava, peach, and banana in facials in beauty salons.

Mango is named as the national fruit of countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Phillipines. This tropical fruit is supposed to be held by Lord Ganesha, who is one of the deities in India as a symbol of attainment. Mango blossoms are offered to Saraswati the Goddess of intellect. Leaves are used to decorate the doors and pillars during an auspicious event like a wedding. Decorating with leaves not only is believed to be symbolizing happiness and prosperity but it also is scientifically believed to be healthy by providing oxygen. Motifs and paisleys of mangoes are used to make embroideries on Kashmiri shawls and they are also common in Iranian art.

Mangoes account for half of all tropical fruit in the world during the season and some varieties are available throughout the year. Some of the best mangoes are Alphonsos, Beresha, and Kesar in South India, while Dussehri and Langda are popular in Northern part of India. Top producers of all mangoes are India, China, Mexico, Thailand, Pakistan, Indonesia, Brazil and some parts of United States like Florida and California. With all the health benefits that the mango contributes to us it is hard not to eat at least one during summer. Mangoes are believed to create heat in the body which could result in heat blisters and boils during summer. Eating mangoes in moderation like one a day while substituting for some other food could prevent high levels of blood sugars in diabetics. As far as I am concerned, I want to enjoy this multi-colored, divine, sweet and luscious beauty as much as I can while keeping an eye on my blood sugars. I recommend this delicious fruit for those who are into trying out exotic foods any time because, OUR LIFE MATTERS.

Add a CommentComments

There are no comments yet. Be the first one and get the conversation started!

sandhya reddy View Profile Send Message

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.