01
Jul
It’s mango season and we just can’t get enough of them. Small, big, yellow, green, mangoes comes in so many shapes and sizes; there are over a thousand varieties of mango, each sporting a unique look, feel, and flavor. With all the variety, it’s no wonder some regard mango as the king of all fruits.
Mangoes originated over 4,000 years ago in India where they are considered a symbol of life, and were introduced into Southeast Asia about 2500 years ago. Today you will find both Indian and Asian cultivars of mango available for sale worldwide.
Those of you lucky enough to have a mango tree in your yard (or know someone who does), you’ve surely noticed how prolific they can be. Come mango season we often feel like we’re swimming in mangoes; so let’s discuss why you should be excited to include this pulpy, delicious fruit in your diet.
Traditional Uses
In Chinese medicine, mangoes are considered sweet and sour with a cooling energy and are known as a yin tonic. They are used to treat anemia, bleeding gums, constipation, cough, fever, nausea, sea sickness, and weak digestion.
Nutritional Powerhouse
Have you ever noticed that when you put a cut apple on the counter it turns brown within an hour? Oh course you have! But have you tried it with a mango? That mango will beautifully stay its original color until the flies come home, literally. But why? Well mangoes, like all brightly colored fruits, are full of anti-oxidants, and the same things that help prevent the mango from browning will help your body prevent oxidation as well.
For a full breakdown of mango’s nutritional value see the image below.
Mangoes and Blood Sugar Control
According to NutritionFacts.org:
Although sweet tasting and a good dessert fruit, mangoes may actually help to improve blood sugar control. This has been found to be the case even when mangoes have been ingested in powdered form (such as in a smoothie), which eliminates anyfiberthat the fruit originally contained.
Their effect on blood sugar is thought to be due to mangiferin, aphytonutrientcomponent in mangoes that may slow absorption of sugar through the intestinal walls, thereby offering better control of sugar in the bloodstream.
Hopefully we’ve inspired you to incorporate mangoes into your daily routine, and perhaps even to try to grow one of your own. Whether your a container grower on a balcony, or have five acres you’re trying to fill, mangoes are a delicious way to flex your green thumb. Stop by our next event to see what cultivar will be best suited for you home.
