Mangoes: edible sunshine.... Your Health Your Wealth ....From East Indian, Julie (St Julian) and Bombay mangoes to Black Mango, Tommy Atkins, Hairy or Stringy, Common, Number 11, Hayden, Sweety, Beefy, and Longy or Long Mango. They are great sources of vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex, as well as health-promoting flavonoids such as beta-carotene and alpha-carotene.

Sunday, June 29, 2014 Bena Nakawuki     

IF there were ever a food that tasted so good that it reminded me of summer, sunshine and feeling good, it would definitely be mangoes.

Everybody loves a good mango; in fact, I have yet to meet someone who doesn't like or eat mangoes, except for health reasons. Mangoes are juicy, sweet, creamy, colourful, alive, nutritious, filling, ready-to-eat and comforting. With so many varieties to choose from, how can one ever get bored?

EAST INDIAN MANGO

From East Indian, Julie (St Julian) and Bombay mangoes to Black Mango, Tommy Atkins, Hairy or Stringy, Common, Number 11, Hayden, Sweety, Beefy, and Longy or Long Mango. There are many more, each with their unique flavour.

So now that we are in one of the best seasons - and no, I'm not talking about the World Cup season - mango season, let's ditch the myth about mangoes being fattening and enjoy this fruity gift.

Too good to be true

* Mangoes are one of the most delicious and nutritionally rich fruits in the Caribbean. They are great sources of vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex, as well as health-promoting flavonoids such as beta-carotene and alpha-carotene.

* Mangoes help to alkalinise the body by helping to flush out toxic acids and rebuild the alkali reserves in the body.

* Mangoes are packed with enzymes and are a prebiotic food, meaning they contain compounds that stimulate and feed the good bacteria in the intestines which greatly aids in digestion and assimilation.

* Mangoes have been found to be a powerful anti-cancer food and are specifically known to help prevent lung, breast, colon, prostate, blood, and oral cancers.

* Mangoes are highly beneficial in the prevention of strokes, heart disease, arthritis, cognitive disorders, respiratory diseases, and kidney disease.

* Mangoes are known to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol due to the significant fibre, pectin and vitamin C content.
 * Mangoes are also wonderful for skin health and can be used both internally and externally to help clear clogged pores, eliminate pimples and add a natural glow to the skin.

* Mangoes are excellent for promoting good eyesight and helping to prevent night blindness and dry eyes.

* Mangoes contain a significant amount of pyridoxine (B-6), which is vital for the synthesis of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Pyridoxine is also essential in maintaining hormonal balance and proper immune function as well as for helping the body break down sugars, fats and proteins.

Mangoes are so versatile and can be used in your smoothies, juices, salads, salsas, desserts, chutneys/sauces, and many other savoury dishes. Surprisingly, spices also pair well with mango - try experimenting with cinnamon, turmeric, curry, cloves, and chili pepper.  
 more