Mangos are not only a delicious tropical fruit but also offer a wealth of nutritional benefits. Here are some key points about mangos:
Nutritional Profile: A single cup of fresh mango (about 165 grams) contains:
- Calories: 99
- Protein: 1.4 grams
- Carbs: 24.7 grams
- Fat: 0.6 grams
- Fiber: 2.6 grams
- Sugar: 22.5 grams
- Vitamin C: 67% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Copper: 20% of the DV
- Folate: 18% of the DV.
Health Benefits: Mangos are packed with nutrients that can aid in immunity, digestive health, and may even help lower the risk of certain cancers. They are particularly high in vitamin C, which is essential for immune system function, iron absorption, and cell growth and repair.
Varieties: There are hundreds of types of mangos, each with its own unique taste, shape, size, and colour. These varieties are categorized mainly into the “Indian type” and the “Southeast Asian type”.
Culinary Uses: Mangos can be enjoyed fresh, dried, or used in various recipes. They add a sweet and tropical flavour to salads, smoothies, salsas, and other dishes.
Cultivation: The mango tree, scientifically known as Mangifera indica, is native to South and Southeast Asia and has been cultivated for over 4,000 years. The trees can grow quite large and are capable of fruiting even after several centuries.
Remember, while fresh mangos are low in calories, dried mangos are higher in calories and sugar, so it’s best to enjoy them in moderation and fresh. Enjoying mangos as part of a balanced diet can contribute to overall health and well-being.”
