In the world of fruits, the mango is a tropical superstar. Known as the "King of Fruits," this juicy delight is not only delicious but also packed with a plethora of health benefits. Whether you're a health-conscious individual, a professional in the nutrition field, or a business looking to promote healthier options, the mango is a fruit that deserves your attention.
A Nutritional Powerhouse
Mangoes are a rich source of vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall health. They are high in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, and vitamin A, essential for vision and skin health. They also contain fiber, promoting digestive health, and potassium, which helps control heart rate and blood pressure.
Antioxidants, Digestive Health, and Immune Boost
Mangoes are loaded with antioxidants such as mangiferin, catechins, anthocyanins, quercetin, and many others. These compounds help fight oxidative stress, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Mangoes play a significant role in improving digestive health. They contain enzymes that aid in breaking down proteins, contributing to a healthy digestive system. The fiber in mangoes also helps prevent constipation and promotes regularity in the digestive tract.
The generous amount of vitamin C and vitamin A in mangoes boosts the immune system. These essential nutrients are vital for maintaining and improving immune function, helping your body fight off infections.
Skin, Hair, and Eye Health
Mangoes are beneficial for your skin and hair too. The vitamins and minerals in this fruit help produce sebum that moisturizes the hair and promotes hair growth. The vitamin C helps in the production of collagen, which gives structure to skin and hair.
The high levels of vitamin A found in mangoes are essential for maintaining and improving eye health. This nutrient helps protect the eyes from dryness, night blindness, and other eye-related issues.
Anti-Cancer Properties
Research has shown that plant-derived compounds, such as those found in African mangoes, can have significant health benefits. For instance, a study by Scalbert and Williamson (2000) discusses the dietary intake and bioavailability of polyphenols, a type of antioxidant found in many fruits including mangoes. These compounds are known for their potential to combat certain types of cancers.
A study published in the journal Food and Function in 2017 found that mango extracts inhibited the growth of cancer cells in the liver, colon, and breast. The study also found that mango extracts increased the activity of enzymes that help to break down carcinogens.
Another study, published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research in 2016, found that mangiferin inhibited the growth of cancer cells in the lung. The study also found that mangiferin reduced the number of tumors that formed in mice that were injected with cancer cells.
Moreover, a study by Bishayee et al. (2011) highlights the role of triterpenoids, a type of compound found in various fruits including mangoes, in the chemoprevention and treatment of breast cancer. The study suggests that these compounds could play a significant role in the prevention and therapy of human breast cancer.
While these studies do not focus solely on African mangoes, they do highlight the potential anticarcinogenic properties of compounds found in these fruits. However, more research is needed to fully understand the specific anticarcinogenic properties of African mangoes and how they can be harnessed for human health.
References
- Anticancer potential of mangiferin: a review of preclinical and clinical evidence (Food and Function, 2017)
- Mangiferin induces apoptosis and autophagy in human lung cancer cells through the mitochondrial pathway (Cancer Prevention Research, 2016)
- Mangiferin inhibits the growth of human colon cancer cells through the modulation of the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2015)
- Antioxidant and anticancer activities of mango (Mangifera indica) peel extracts (Molecules, 2014)
- Scalbert, A., & Williamson, G. (2000). Dietary Intake and Bioavailability of Polyphenols.
- Bishayee, A., Ahmed, S., Brankov, N., & Perloff, M. (2011). Triterpenoids as potential agents for the chemoprevention and therapy of breast cancer.