Essential guide to mango: The tropical powerhouse fruit
It's juicy, sweet, and tastes like the memory of an exotic vacation. Fortunately, you don't have to search far for it, as fresh mangoes are easily available in any major store. This sunny treat is packed with valuable nutrients.
Mangoes are among the most popular exotic fruits, right up there with bananas and citrus fruits. Many people enjoy them merely as a sweet snack, but mangoes contain a variety of vitamins and nutrients that are beneficial to health. It's definitely worth reaching for them outside of vacation as well.
The properties of mango
Mangoes are a true vitamin powerhouse. They contain high doses of vitamin A, which is essential for proper vision, cell growth and development, and boosting the immune system. Additionally, mangoes are rich in folic acid, vitamin K, vitamin E, and B vitamins, which also strengthen the body. Including mangoes in your diet can help prevent infections and improve immunity. Mangoes also contain high amounts of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from the harmful effects of free radicals, boosts immunity, and aids in wound healing.
Mangoes are a valuable source of minerals such as zinc, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and magnesium, which are essential for the proper functioning of the heart. Thanks to the presence of potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants, mangoes help regulate blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and protect the heart from diseases. Additionally, this fruit contains polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that protect the heart from inflammation, prevent atherosclerosis, and help reduce bad cholesterol levels in the blood.
Mangoes contain digestive enzymes, called amylases, that break down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars, facilitating digestion. Moreover, mangoes are rich in water and fibre, providing a feeling of fullness, preventing constipation, and regulating the digestive system's functioning.
How to buy a ripe mango?
Although store mangoes are tempting, take a good look at the fruit before adding them to your basket. A ripe mango shouldn't be too soft, but it's good if it slightly indents under finger pressure, indicating it's perfectly ripe and ready to eat. Remember that the skin of the mango should be smooth and free of spots. A strong aroma is the best indicator of ripeness. Smell the fruit at its base – a ripe mango should have a pleasant, fruity scent. Avoid fruits that have no smell or smell fermented, as they may be overripe.
Colour alone is not an indicator. Not all mangoes you see belong to the same variety. A red skin colour doesn't mean the fruit is riper than its green counterpart. The aroma is more important, and it should be intense if the fruit is ripe and sweet.
