The mango or Mangifera belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. This tropical fruit, sweet and very orange is native to South Asia, India.
Its tree can reach 40 m high.
After bananas, mango is the most popular exotic fruit.
We can enjoy the mango and its virtues throughout the year.
Mango, for the record :
The mango tree is native to India. It has been cultivated for 4,000 years by Buddhist monks. It is also very popular with Hindus because it is under a mango tree that Buddha meditated. In addition, the mango tree is a sign of love and friendship for them.
Then it is from the 16th century that the mango arrived in Africa, then in America.
It only spread in Europe very late, around the 18th century.
Mango and health, benefits, and virtues :
The mango is provided with pro-vitamin A, beta-carotene (4000 micrograms / 100g), a pigment which is involved in color vision. The mango prevents the degeneration of photoreceptors and therefore AMD which affects the elderly.
Mango is great for the eyes.
Mango also provides an interesting amount of vitamin C (44 mg / 100g),
an essential vitamin for the body. It contributes in particular to the body’s defenses and to the production of red blood cells.
Mango is recommended as a treatment for scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency.
It is also a source of group B vitamins, provitamin A including beta-carotene, iron (1 mg / 100g) which prevents anemia, especially in women after menstruation and during pregnancy. But also copper (0.100 mg / 100g) which stimulates the production of red blood cells, red blood cells fixing oxygen. Other essential minerals like sodium, magnesium, and calcium are provided.
Mango contains anti-oxidants, which fight against free radicals and cellular aging. They also prevent the appearance of cancer and cardiovascular disease by reducing the level of bad cholesterol.
In addition, mango has anti-inflammatory properties, it can thus relieve respiratory inflammation ( asthma ) and joint inflammation ( arthritis ).
Mango is great for weight loss. Not only does it provide 56 kcal / 100 g, but it is also an excellent appetite suppressant, and it reduces cholesterol levels. It can thus be part of the diet of diabetics.
Mango takes care of your liver. It stimulates bile secretions and purifies the gastric and hepatic tracts.
This exotic fruit is also a diuretic, it prevents dehydration because the mango contains 83% water. It also helps digestion and facilitates transit, thanks to the presence of fiber (1.8 g). Against constipation problems, mango is a very good laxative.
External use:
Mango root infusion: excellent as a diuretic.
Mango bark is astringent. In herbal tea, it can stop bleeding, it strengthens the phenomenon of coagulation.
The bark is also effective in treatment against hemorrhoids.
In decoction, the bark of the mango tree relieves painful teeth and gums.
The kernel of the mango contains an almond, which is used to eliminate intestinal parasites, it is an excellent dewormer.
Internal use: Crush the almond and obtain an effective powder.
- The fe uilles mango also holds the following properties: antiseptic, antipyretic, anti-hemorrhagic. They are also effective in case of the scorpion or insect bites.
Internal use:
Mango leaf infusion: to lower fever
Inhale the leaves: Burn the leaves and inhale the fumes.
Caution: Mango can cause drug interactions, especially with anticoagulants.
Mango, beauty tip :
The mango is also a real partner in cosmetology, it takes care of your skin. It has nourishing and moisturizing virtues, prevents cellular aging, and protects the skin from the sun.
A natural mask to hydrate the skin: Mix half of a mango and mix with a teaspoon of olive oil. Apply on the face, let stand 10 min and rinse.
A scrub: Mix half a mango, add two tablespoons of honey, and coarse salt. Perfect for removing dead skin.
The butter extracted from the kernel of the mango is a treasure for your dry and damaged hair. It nourishes them, hydrates them to the tips.
Use the inner side of the mango skin, to rub on your skin and thus the gum, moisturize it and tighten the pores thanks to its astringent properties.
The mango kernel is also a very good exfoliant.
Smart tip about mango :
Storing the mango: Do not place it in the refrigerator but in a cool place.
