41 Health Benefits of Mangoes and Mango Leaves

The mango is a tropical fruit which is indigenous to Eastern Asia, Eastern African, Pacific Asian Islands, and India. Now, it is grown in tropical areas all around the world. While it is most commonly known as a mango, some other names for mangoes include mangot, manga, and mangou.

 

 

Believe it or not, both the leaves and the fruit of the mango tree have wonderful health benefits which will be discussed in this article. The first section will cover the health benefits of the mango fruit, while the second section will cover the unique health benefits of the mango leaf. Keep reading to learn about some of the mango’s best health benefits.

 

Health Benefits of Mangoes

 

1. High in Antioxidants

mangoes are crazy high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are great for the body. They help to boost the immune system, which in turn, improves many other functions of the body. Some might say, “an apple a day keeps the doctor a day,” and eating a mango a day could do the same.

2. Fiber-Rich

Eating enough fiber is important for the digestive system. Fiber helps to keep people “regular.” This can help to treat and prevent constipation. Eat a mango whenever you are feeling blocked up to relieve constipation.

 

3. Vitamin C

One mango has about 75% of a person’s daily value of vitamin C. Vitamin C is generally great for improving the body’s health, especially when it comes to boosting the immune system. The next time you are sick, instead of drinking orange juice, try eating a mango instead.

 

4. Vitamin E

Mangoes are also rich in vitamin E. This vitamin is great for treating just about everything when it comes to the hair, skin, and nails. Eating a mango a day can help you to improve your looks from the inside out. If you eat this fruit often enough, you are sure to see healthier hair, skin, and nails.

 

5. Vitamin A

Vitamin A is yet another vitamin that mangoes are rich in. One mango contains 25% of a person’s daily recommended value of the vitamin. This vitamin is great for keeping the eyes healthy. To improve your overall eye health, eat a mango. They are also rumored to be able to prevent dry eyes.

 

6. B Vitamins

The last vitamin listed in this section is vitamin B6. One mango contains about 10% of a person’s daily value of this vitamin. One thing this vitamin helps with is maintaining healthy skin, much like vitamin E. It also helps to keep bones healthy, reducing the chance that you will suffer from weak bones.

 

 

7. Brain/Memory Health

A person’s memory and brain health can also be improved by eating mangoes. This is in part due to vitamin B6 in the fruit. Eating enough mangoes in your lifetime may even be able to prevent memory loss later in life.

 

8. Iron

All people need iron in their system, and eating a mango can help you to get some. Iron is important, as it is an essential ingredient in blood. When a person does not have enough iron, they are likely to feel weak. Eating mangoes, and other sources of iron, can help to prevent this.

Taking in enough iron is especially important for pregnant women. This is because it can be hard for them to find foods that are naturally rich in iron thatise not bad for them or the baby. Luckily, mangoes pose no threat to pregnant women or babies, as long as they are eaten in moderation.

Getting enough iron is also important for women who are on their period. This is simply because women lose blood when they are on their period. Taking in enough iron can make sure that the iron is replenished in the bloodstream.

9. Anemia Treatment

People who have anemia often have low iron levels. By eating enough mango, they can works towards getting more iron in their system. This helps to treat anemia over time. Eating enough mango, and other iron-rich food, may also be able to help prevent anemia.

 

10. Low in Calories

If you are on a diet, but still want to eat something sweet, then the mango is the perfect fruit for you. mangoes are sweet and filling, and they are only about 100 calories each. This is great news for anyone who is on a diet or who struggles to stay full. Eat a mango for a snack and you are likely to feel full in minutes.

 

11. Boosts Immune System

As mentioned before, some of the vitamins in mangoes, like vitamin C, help to boost the immune system. There is also another powerful component in mangoes that does the same: beta-carotene. By having a healthy immune system, you will be less likely to become sick in the near future. If you are already sick, boosting your immune system can help you to recover faster.

12. Balance Body pH Levels

Sometimes, a person’s pH levels can get unbalanced. This can happen when the body becomes too acidic or basic. Luckily, eating a mango can help the body restore its natural pH level. This is because mangoes have alkalization functions. If you ever have an odd pH level, eat mangoes to restore it. This may take a while, so make sure to be consistent in your snacking.

 

13. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

If your blood sugar levels are too high, then you may want to consider eating a mango. One of the main reasons why mangoes reduce high blood sugar levels is because of its sweetness. People who have high blood pressure can trade sugary bakery or candy for a sweet mango. By making this exchange, your blood sugar levels will lower over time.

 

14. Prevent Type-2 Diabetes

Since eating mangoes help to lower blood sugar levels, it can also help to prevent type-2 diabetes. Sadly, there is currently no way to prevent type-1 diabetes, but as type-2 diabetes is entirely preventable, it’s best to take action! Eat mangoes often to help to lower your chance of one day getting type-2 diabetes.

 

15. Lowers Blood Pressure

Eating mangoes also help to lower blood pressure levels. This is because of its high fiber content, as well as the many vitamins within it. The best part about this natural blood pressure reducer is that all you need to do to gain this fruit health benefits is to eat it regularly!

16. Lowers Cholesterol Levels

mangoes also help to lower bad cholesterol levels. The mango’s natural fiber content, pectin, and high quantities of vitamin C make this health benefit possible. To gain these advantages, simply eat a mango often. Better yet, replace an unhealthy snack, like a candybar, with a mango!

17. Prevents Heat Stroke

mangoes are a refreshing fruit. They work to hydrate and cool the body. This helps to prevent heat stroke, which can be a threat in the hot summer months. To use mangoes to gain this health benefit, simply eat them on hot days to reduce the chances that you will get heatstroke. Drinking mango juice will also be able to help.

 

18. Treats Fever

Since mangoes help to cool the body, they can also be of excellent use for anyone who is struggling with a fever. To use this as a home remedy for a fever, all you have to do is eat a mango when you have a fever. Eat one or two mangoes a day until you no longer have a fever.

 

19. Prevents Cancer

Believe it or not, eating mangoes may be able to prevent cancer from forming. mangoes can do this because they are filled to the brim with healthy enzymes, antioxidants, and vitamins. By taking in all of these healthy components, your body has a better chance of avoiding cancer. However, eating mangoes is not likely to be of much use if you already have cancer.

 

20. Prevents Asthma

Eating mangoes may also be able to prevent asthma. This is because of the beta-carotene that is in mangoes. However, it is not likely to help if you already have asthma. However, it can help with other respiratory problems, like chest congestion or coughing that may make it difficult to breathe. Like most other uses on this list, all you have to do to reap the benefits from this home remedy is to eat mangoes regularly.

21. Externally Improves Skin and Prevents Acne

Did you know you can also use mango externally to get some amazing health benefits? One thing that externally using mango can help with is the skin. Whether it be rashes or acne, mangoes can help. This is because of the high levels of vitamin E in the fruit, which is naturally healthy for the hair, skin, and nails.

To use a mango in this way, you will need to peel it and mash it up. Rub the mango on the affected spots and allow it to sit until the juice from the fruit dries. Do this once a day to get the best results. Doing this regularly can not only treat acne but also prevent it.

Mango skin can also be used to treat dark spots. Sun-dried mango skin when powdered and mixed with yogurt works as a face pack. When applied to the skin for twenty minutes and then washed off, helps to reduce the dark spots and a glowing skin.

Mangoes can also be used to make a wonderful exfoliator. When mango pulp is mixed with two tablespoons of milk and a few crushed oats and a teaspoon of powdered almond and made into a paste and applied on the face helps to remove dead skin and works as a skin exfoliator.

 

22. Externally Treats Hair

Another way to use mango externally is to use is to get beautiful and strong hair. No matter what your hair type, using mango is sure to help. This not only works because of the vitamin E in the fruit, but also because of the vitamin A, which is also good for the hair.

To use this to treat your hair, you can either mash up some mango and massage it into your scalp for a couple of minutes before rinsing it off or you can use shampoos and conditioners that have mango as a primary ingredient.

The presence of high amounts of vitamin A in mangos helps in treating dandruff and helps to keep the hair shiny and healthy.  The outer coat of the mango seed may be added into a jar containing sesame or coconut oil. When this mixture is sun-dried for a few days, it can be used for treating dandruff.  

 

23. Treats Nausea

Eating a mango may be able to prevent and treat nausea. If you are one to become car-sick often, try eating a mango before you hit the road. This may be able to prevent your symptoms. Alternatively, try eating mango candies or chewing mango-flavored gum, as this may also help.

 

24. Can Help Treat Kidney Stones

Vitamin B6 present in mangos shown to reduced urinary oxalate. Potassium present also is known to lower the risk of kidney stones.

 

25. Maintain Liver Health

Mangos help to increase the secretion of bile acid in the liver and helps to eliminate the toxins from the body.  So, it helps to improve the health of the liver.

26. Reduces Radiation Damage

Mangos are known to protect against radiation damage. Our body experiences radiation from sunlight and much other electronic equipment. An increase in radiation exposure is seen while traveling on planes as the protection of the environment is lost.  Medical equipment uses radiation for diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. By eating a mango before air travel or X-ray could help reduce damage from the dangerous radiations.

 

27. Defends DNA Structure

Mangos contain specific phenol and antioxidants which provides protection to the DNA and helps to keep it stable.  These micronutrients help prevent DNA damage due to oxidative stress, aging, diseases, poor nutrition and prevent harmful mutations from occurring. An intact DNA is very essential for a long and healthy life and helps to ward off diseases like cancer, autoimmune disease, and degeneration.

 

28. Prevents Chronic Diseases

Many chronic diseases are prevented due to the presence of Vitamin C in mangos.  Diseases such as heart problems, cancer, and neurodegenerative problems.

 

29. Helps Workout Recovery

Micronutrients and electrolytes help in the healing of muscles after a workout and it helps in replenishing essential nutrients in the body. The sugars present in the fruit helps to reduce fatigue after a workout. Glycogen levels are also replenished by consuming mangos which get burnt during intense exercise and overall endurance and strength of the body.

 

Mango Leaf Health Benefits

The fruit of the mango isn’t the only healthy thing about it. The leaves can also be of some use. The most popular way to use mango leaves is to make a tea out of it. To do this, put a handful of mango leaves in a pot of boiling water. Boil the leaves until the water turns yellow. Finally, strain the leaves, allow the liquid to cool a little, and drink. It’s as simple as that.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the ways the mango leaf can be used to improve one’s health.

30. Treats Diarrhea

Mango leaves which are very rich in tannins when dried and consumed help to treat diarrhea.

31. Rich in Vitamin A & C

Like the mango fruit, the mango leaf is also full of vitamins A and C. To benefit from this home remedy, make and consume the tea. This will help to get more of these healthy vitamins into your system. As discussed above, these vitamins are great because they help to boost the immune system, and improve hair, skin, and bone health.

 

32. Rich in Antioxidants

Like the fruit of the mango, the leaves of the mango are also high in antioxidants. The antioxidants in the leaves can help the body in the same way that the antioxidants in the fruit, or anything else with antioxidants in it, can help the body. To use this to gain the leave’s health benefits, drink mango leaf tea daily.

 

33. Promotes Relaxation

You can use the leaves in a bath to promote relaxation. To use this to relax, simply put a handful of mango leaves in a warm bath. Soak in this bath between twenty minutes and half an hour to benefit from it.

 

34. Soothes Cuts and Burns

Mango leaves can also help to soothe the pain of cuts and burns, but not in the way you might think. To use mango leaves as a home remedy for cuts and burns, you must first burn the mango leaves. Once the leaves are burnt, allow them to cool. Place the cooled leaves on the affected area. Leave this on for as long as you can. Once you must remove the leaves, rinse off your skin with lukewarm water.

 

35. Cure Hiccups

While hiccups aren’t a real health problem, they can be annoying. One way to remedy them is to use mango leaves. Burn the leaves and inhale the smoke they produce. This could relieve you of hiccups quickly.

36. Treats Respiratory Problems

If you have a cough, then mango leaf tea can help. To use this home remedy, all you need to do is drink the tea whenever you have a cough. If you have a dry cough, add some honey and milk to the tea. If you have a wet cough, do not add milk.

 

37. Promotes Healthy Gut Health

To avoid stomach aches and other problems related to poor gut health, try drinking a cup of mango tea each day. You can also drink the tea if you are already in the middle of a stomach ache to end the symptoms quickly.

 

38. Freshens Breath

Use mango leaves as a mouthwash to end bad breath! While this will not make your teeth any healthier, it can help to freshen your breath. To use mango leaves to treat bad breath, simply drink or gargle a cup of mango leaf tea. That’s all it takes!

 

39. Treats Earaches

If you’re having trouble with an earache, then mango leaves can help! To use mango leaves to treat earaches, you will need to begin by extracting the natural juices from the mango leaves. You can do this by crushing the leaves with a mortar and pestle. Put a tablespoon of mango leaf juice in the affected ear to treat the symptoms of an earache.

 

40. Lower Blood Pressure

Drinking mango tea can also help to reduce blood pressure levels. Simply drink a cup of the tea a day to see gradual results.

 

41. Erase Blackheads

Powdered mango leaves can work to erase blackheads. To use this, you will need to begin by dehydrating and powdering a mango leaf. Mix it with an equal amount of plain yogurt. Place this on your blackheads for a few minutes and then rinse it off the warm water. Do this once a day until you no longer have blackheads.

There are so many uses for mangoes and mango leaves! Which ones will you try? Comment below!

 

References

https://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-health-benefits-of-mangos.html

https://www.naturalfoodseries.com/11-benefits-mango/

https://guardian.ng/life/wellness/10-health-benefits-of-mangoes/

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/mango.html#cure-anemia

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/275921.php

https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/10-unknown-benefits-of-mango-leaves-dont-throw-them-away-1657768

http://the-benefits.com/mango-leaves/

Health Benefits 24-30 by Ranjani Ramji.