10 Facts about Mangoes

In southwest Florida, the mango is a staple in the fruit bowls of many households. In fact, our beloved Pine Island, Florida is this nation's largest exporter of this delicious fruit. We have mango varieties with names like Valencia, Tommy Atkins, and Haden and the trees doting the landscape in many backyards. But what do you know about the nutritional benefits of the mango?




Most people can only tell you that they are usually very sweet and delectable. Many people comment that they vary in their consistency and taste. Some persons know that certain individuals experience an allergic reaction to exposure to even the skin of a mango, although it is fairly uncommon. In truth, few persons will profess to really knowing much about the mango's many benefits. So, here are ten facts to make you a mango expert!

1. Mangoes contain phenols. Phenolic compounds are known to have powerful antioxidant and anticancer abilities.
2. The mango is high in iron. Pregnant women and people with anemia are advised to eat this fruit regularly.
3. A mango is effective in relieving clogged pores of the skin.
4. It is also valuable in effectively combating stomach acidity as well as poor digestion.
5. Mangoes are high in antioxidants and very low in carbohydrates.
6. Mango is a rich source of vitamins A (beta-carotene), E and the trace mineral, selenium which help to protect us against heart disease and other ailments.
7. Compounds from mango have been found to be beneficial in alleviating kidney problems, including nephritis.
8. Mango has been shown to eliminate some respiratory issues and also eliminate constipation.
9. A 100 gm. serving of mango also contains more than 6000 I.U of Vitamin A, .06 mg. of Thiamin (Vitamin B), 41mg. of Vitamin C, 9mg. of Calcium, 13 mg. of Phosphorous, .7 gm. of Protein and, believe it or not..only 66 calories!
10. Mangoes can be used for cooking, freezing, preserving, eating, garnishing and too many other purposes to list here.

So next time you enjoy a mango, you can rest assured that its a beneficial as well as guilt-free pleasure.