Exotic, juicy and delicious – the glowing colours of the mango look simply fantastic. Freshly sliced, it tastes delicious in smoothies, salads, curries and desserts. But how nutritious are mangos and why are they supposed to be good for our skin? We find out whether the mango is really a superfood.

 

The most important mango facts

 

The pear-shaped stone fruit grows on the mango tree and is one of the oldest fruit types in the world. In India, it was probably cultivated as early as 2000 BC. These days, it comes from tropical and sub-tropical regions. Mangos can weigh up to 2 kg and, depending on the type of fruit, can be green, yellow or red in colour. But be careful: while the peel of this delicious fruit is beautiful, it is inedible! To compensate, the sweet and juicy flesh tastes all the more aromatic. Mangos can be stored at room temperature for at least a week after you buy them. They continue to ripen.

 

How healthy are mangos?

 

Mangos delight fruit fans with their exotic taste. But how healthy is this sweet fruit really? Mangos are actually a perfect source of several nutrients. Their vitamin C and beta-carotene content is particularly impressive. The latter is needed for cell renewal, good eyesight and the immune system. Mangos also have strong antioxidant properties, and can thus render free radicals harmless. They score highly when it comes to vitamin E and folic acid. Mangos are also a source of minerals like potassium, magnesium and calcium, as well as phytochemicals. And we mustn’t forget that the fibre in mangos promotes gut health and stimulates the digestive system. Eating mangos regularly is even supposed to prevent the loss of useful gut bacteria.The fibre in the fruit also helps to keep us feeling full for longer. Mangos have a really high fructose content and 100 g of mango contain 60 calories. As a fruit that is low in acid, it is a sweet highlight that is ideally suited to a balanced diet.

 

Are mangos good for your skin?

 

While mangos are not a dietary miracle of course, they do have a positive effect on the functioning of the skin. This is because they contain vitamin C and also beta-carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A. This in turn is important for cell division and wound healing. As antioxidants, these vitamins can fight free radicals, which are responsible for the ageing of the skin. Vitamin C also promotes collagen production – perfect for a radiant complexion. By the way, the high water content in mangos – around 80% – is good for skin and well-being.

 

A special compound: mangiferin

 

One of the phytochemicals in mangos is mangiferin. This can be found in the fruit itself, and in the seeds, peel and pit. Mangiferin is a healthy compound, as it has an anti-inflammatory effect, acts as an analgesic and is also said to help fight bacteria and viruses. It is used primarily in traditional medicine.

 

For us, one thing is clear: mangos have what it takes to be a superfood! Try them out as an ingredient in our fruity coconut chia pudding, in our açaí bowl with fruit stars, in summer beach goers’ wraps or as a delicious banana and mango nicecream!

 

Sweeten your life with mango!

 

Your Dole Team