You think you know mangos? Think again! Because if you met them in your home country, there is a slightly chance that you haven’t met the actual thing. Sara explains why
Growing up in England, I always believed I disliked mangos. They seemed to have a soapy taste and were not usually very sweet. Some time around my second year of living in Playa Del Carmen, I mentioned this to my mango-eating friend, who exclaimed that I absolutely must try them again. I did, and I have been hooked ever since. The mango that has spent four days on a refrigerated truck coming from India to England is a far cry from the sweet, juicy, flavorful (and not at all soap-like) mangos found here in Mexico.
Mangos provide a generous amount of Vitamins C & A, approximately 76% and 25% of your daily requirement respectively. They also have a range of B vitamins, in addition to essential minerals: copper, potassium and magnesium.
Here are some more reasons to eat more Mangos:
- Boosts Immune System. With the high dose of Vitamin C and A and host of 25 different carotenoids, mangos keep your immune system healthy and help you fight off infections.
- Aids Digestion. It’s not only Papaya that contains enzymes for digestion! The natural enzymes in mangos are great for helping you break down proteins and the pre-biotic dietary fiber improves intestinal health.
- Reduces Cholesterol. With high levels of Vitamin C, Pectin and fiber, mangos can help to lower LDL serum cholesterol levels. LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein), is the bad cholesterol.
- Aids Concentration and Memory. Mangos are rich in glutamine acid, a protein that is essential for brain function including memory and concentration.
- Rich in Antioxidants. Antioxidants like quercetin, isoquercitrin, astragalin, fisetin, gallic acid and methylgallat, are present in mangos, and have been shown to protect the body against colon, breast, leukemia and prostate cancers.
- Aphrodisiac. Mangos are also a symbol of love and fertility and are said be an aphrodisiac that can boost sex drive in men.
As we come to the end of mango season, stock up while you can and remember: you can always find frozen mango, perfect for adding to smoothies and juices.
Sara Jones
Spa, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert, Spa Consultant and Founder of Spa & Wellness Mexico magazine
