Mangos for Delight & for Health

There are many ways to cut a mango, and almost infinitely more ways to to eat it. In case the fruit is fresh and has not been artificially ripened, the experience is always delightful. Here, on the west coast of India, mango season is just about to end - and what rich feasts we have had over the past three months: plain fruit, mango smoothies, mango ice cream, mango pulp mixed with kokum (mangosteen) juice: you name it. Some of the best fruit came from our garden, which has only one tree. We picked the mangos when they were just turning the lightest shade of pink on the outside, wrapped them in newspaper and kept them at a relatively cool dry place, for a few days. When we took them out, they were just perfect. It is good to eat fresh homegrown fruit. And the enjoyment of it all makes it even better - and even healthier. The healthiest eating experiences happen when all senses are involved

Therefore at Healthy Healing Center, healthy and enjoyable food habits are one of our mantras. That’s why the subject for today is not ozone, not chelation, not colon hydrotherapy, and also not supplements - but yet again: mangos, magnifera indica, magnificent MANGOS. Of course, mangos are now grown in many parts of the world, but India is their home. Some of the most famous varieties come from the western coastal hills and plains, like the alphonsos.

But, why should one eat mango, if not for the pure juice dripping pleasure?

For one, mangos are rich in anti oxidants. Many varieties of mango contain 2.3mg to 3mg of vitamin E per fruit. Foods with anti oxidant content help prevent heart disease, even cancer. Likewise, mangos lower Low-Density Lipoprotein [or LDL] Cholesterol, which is considered the 'bad' variety.

Several trial studies suggest that polyphenolic anti-oxidant compounds in mango are known to offer protection against breast and colon cancers. Mango fruit is an excellent source of Vitamin-A and flavonoids like beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin.

100 g of fresh fruit provides 765 mg or 25% of recommended daily levels of vitamin A. Together; these compounds are known to have antioxidant properties and are essential for vision. Vitamin A is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural fruits rich in carotenes is known to protect body from lung and oral cavity cancers.

As they are saturated with high level dietary fiber, pectin and vitamin C plus digestive enzymes, mangos also support a healthy digestion; the esters, terpenes and aldehydes likewise present, help the process along further.

Mangos, not only the fruit but also the leaves, can help fight diabetes. A simple Indian home remedy suggests as much as it recommends for diabetics: Before going to bed put some 10 to 15 mango leaves into a mug filled with warm water and close with a lid. Then in the morning, filter the water and drink it on empty stomach. Do this regularly. Particularly potent are newly grown leaves.

If you are tired of coffee as your usual wake up remedy first thing in the morning, try this for a change: Cut a large papaya in half, peel it and seed it. Then cut into thin slices. Peel and thinly slice a large mango. Arrange the fruit on a large platter and sprinkle with the juice of a lime. Eat slowly, savoring every bite.

Your day will be different, and soon you’ll forget coffee, at least first thing in the morning. Papaya, mango and lime together are so much more pleasing to the system – and they actually nourish and support you, rather than shock the system.