7 Facts You Should Know About The Mango

The mango represents a fierce combination of yin and yang attributes – bold & calm, sweet & acidic, and core & flesh. It is a dessert taking the appearance of health, and a delicacy in the form of commodity. The mango is part of the Anacardiaceae family and goes by the binomial name Mangifera Indica (1).

The “king of fruits” has been cultivated for over 4000 years, and is the national fruit of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. In Bangladesh, it is the national tree.  Fossils discovered in East India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh report that mangos may have existed up to 25 million years ago (2).

Evidently, the medicinal benefits of the mango reflect its supreme cultural significance. Here are the 7 Most Important Facts you need to know.

 

1. Sacred Medicine

Buddhist monks considered the mango to be sacred – Buddha himself would often meditate under a mango tree.  Among Buddhist culture and tradition, the mango came to represent faith and prosperity. Buddhist rulers exchanged mangos as gifts and they eventually became a ploy for diplomacy (2).

The fruit itself was used for many traditional ailments and medicines.

The bark extract from the stem was decocted to alleviate symptoms of menorrhagia, syphilis, diabetes, scabies, and anemia. Beverages made from the leaves help manage bleeding dysentery. The long list of pharmacological properties is an indication of the mango’s effectiveness (3).

 

2. Versatile Value

Mangos are a rich source of micronutrients, namely polyphenols, which are found in a variety of plants and possess immense value. They also supply plenty of omega 3’s and omega-6’s, which are valuable fatty acids that are not endogenous and must be consumed from food supplements (6, 9). 

Being a hefty source of natural carbohydrates, mangos provide instant energy and can be also consumed prior to physical activity (5).

Although many parts of the mango are typically discarded before consumption, nearly every aspect of the fruit carries health benefits!

Roots & Bark can be used for:

• Inflammation
• Constipation
• Skin
• Syphilis

Leaves can treat:

• Ulcers
• Wounds
• Hyperdipsia
• Haemorrhages
• Diarrhoea

Flowers may prevent:

• Chronic dysentery
• Anemia
• Haemoptysis
• Catarrh of bladder

Stone (center) is rich in:

• Protein
• Gallic acid
• Fiber
• Vitamins (4, 6)

 

3. Wealth of Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A and C found in mangos are known to:

• Improve immunity
• Support skin health
• Sustain bone growth
• Stimulate cognition
• Heal inflamed wounds
• Promote energy (5) 

Mangos are also heavily equipped with vitamin B complex, incorporating almost the entire family of B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12). This family is truly remarkable in the extent of their benefits. Their attributes include:

• Higher brain function
• Improved digestion
• Muscle tone & tissue growth
• Increased energy
• Healthy cholesterol
• Diminished irritability
• Mood enhancement
• Calming the nervous system (7, 8) 

As for minerals, the mango has an ample supply of fiber and potassium.

Fiber in particular is recognized for reducing weight and regulating cholesterol. Potassium is known for reducing hypertension and augmenting energy levels. Common symptoms of potassium deficiency are fatigue, muscle weakness, and dry skin (7).

 

4. Boost Immunity

Mangos possess a hefty supply of phytochemical compounds that rid the body of oxidative toxins, which are also known as free radicals.

These nutrients combat disease and largely reduce the risk of contracting illness. One of the prominent constituents of mangos’ phytochemicals is terpenoids, who plays a role in anti-bacterial and anti-neoplastic (tumor inhibiter) activity (1).

One study measured the anti-bacterial content of mango leaves and stems through aqueous and ethanol extracts. They were deemed sufficient against several life-threatening bacteria, including:

• Staphylococcus aureus
• Streptococcus pyogenes & pneumoniae
• Salmonella Enterica
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Escherichia coli (E. Coli)

This is likely due to the potency of gallotanin and mangiferin’s presence in mangos, as they are recognized to exhibit powerful anti-bacterial effects (6).

 

5. Anti-Diabetes

There is some evidence that indicates the anti-diabetic value of mangos.

Mango mesocarp (flesh of fruit) and leaf extracts demonstrated an exceptional hypoglycaemic effect in streptozotocin (diabetic) induced rats. The extracts not only regulated the blood glucose of the rats, but they also decreased fructosamine levels and glycated haemoglobins, both of which are covalently bound to glucose (4).

Furthermore, mango leaf extract was found to incur relatively similar effects as insulin in diabetic rats.

One study indicates that the extract had significant lipid modulating profiles, such as reduced triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Consequently this has a reduced effect on the atherogenic index, which is largely determined by the body’s total cholesterol (10).

The fiber content of mangos should also be discussed.

In relation to diabetes, dietary fiber has been associated with regulated weight control, serum cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar. Moreover, fiber increases insulin resistance and is inversely related to type-2 diabetes (11).

 

6. Cardiovascular Health

Mangos are a prime source of folate, which play a key role in the synthesis of nucleic acids and methionine (amino acid) regeneration. Folate supports various cardiovascular functions of the body and is vital in the prevention of heart disease.

Two studies suggest that folic acid supplementation in patients with asymptomatic hyperhomocysteinemia can improve endothelial function, through the enhanced vasodilation they attribute (12).  

One study investigates the effects of mango extract on rats with myocardial infarctions (heart attack). The results indicated that the rats who consumed the mango extract showed a decrease in lipid peroxidation and retained myocardial enzyme markers at the normal level, vastly improving their condition (6).

 

7. Anti-Cancer

Research shows that ethanol extract of mangos has anti-cancer activity, specifically in the breast, renal and colon.

The extract had significant cytotoxicity to HeLa cells (common cancer cell used for examination) as well as various anti-proliferative activities on tumor cells. Mango juice has also been found to impair the function of the cellular matrix components that interfere with a cancer cell’s adhesive abilities (6).

The anti-cancer values of mangos are likely the consequence regarding their abundance of phenolic compounds. This list includes:

• Quercetin
• Isoquercitrin
• Astragalin
• Fisetin
• Gallic acid
• Enzymes
• Antioxidants

Each of these compounds has been found to eradicate and suppress cancer in a multitude of areas (7).

Additionally, mangos have extraordinary anti-inflammatory faculties pertaining to their phytochemicals.

They primarily suppress inflammation in the large intestine, which is the root of several chronic pathological disorders. This includes inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis and mucosal damage. When untreated, these can lead to cancer in the colon and rectum (4).

Conclusion

It is no wonder how the mango came to be one of the most popular fruits worldwide. Buddha knew something was up with this one.

The “king of fruits” bears its name well – rendering a multitude of benefits from anti-inflammation, antioxidant and anti-cancer activity.

The most extraordinary thing about the mango is its versatility; I mean how often do you consume the mango for its leaves, bark, or roots?

The mysterious mango leaves us clues, through ancient testimonials and modern science, that the cost of sweet flavour emanates at a price of health and well-being.