Mango mania: A juicy addition to your winter pantry
The winter months are typically associated with citrus fruits, but there's another fruit worth paying attention to: the juicy, sweet mango. For convenience, it's important to buy fairly ripe mangoes that reveal juicy flesh under the skin. Check out how to choose the best ones and how to serve them.
When shopping, pay attention to the texture of the fruit—it shouldn't be too soft, but it's good if it slightly deforms under the pressure of a finger. Interestingly, mango is considered the "fruit of love." During times of famine in India, seeds obtained from mango pits served as food. A ripe, juicy, and aromatic fruit provides many health benefits and is perfect for a quick smoothie—I'll provide the recipe at the end of the article.
Why you should eat mango
Mango is an excellent source of beta-carotene, a compound that neutralizes free radicals and protects the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Mango extract is perfect for facial, body, and hair care, as it restores skin elasticity and gives it a youthful glow. Just place a few slices on your face and hold them for about 15 minutes. This fruit also contains plenty of vitamin C, which positively affects immunity. It's a treasure trove of vitamin B6, pivotal for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Including mango in your diet is beneficial for the liver. The antioxidants it contains help cleanse the liver of harmful toxins. This fruit is a source of pectin and dietary fibre, which helps lower high cholesterol levels in the blood. Studies have shown that eating mango helps control body weight. Thanks to the fibre, it increases the feeling of fullness, improving the functioning of the digestive system. It also replenishes potassium deficiencies—lack of this element can cause fluid balance disorders in the body and constipation.
Nutritious mango fit smoothie
Sweet mango doesn't require many additions. Of course, the most popular recipe is mango lassi, but you can use kefir. Kefir, known for its beneficial properties, has enjoyed popularity in Canada for years. Its rich probiotic content helps maintain a healthy gut flora, which positively impacts the digestive system. Thanks to prebiotics, kefir supports digestion.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe mango,
- 200 mL kefir,
- fresh mint for serving (optional).
Preparation:
- Cut the mango and scoop out the flesh. It's best to do this with a glass, moving the half around so that all the sweetness is inside the container.
- Transfer the mango to a tall container and pour in the kefir. Blend with a hand blender. You can also use a blender jar or a sports blender.
- Garnish with mint—optional—and drink immediately.
