What is a mango?

Mango is the fruit of Mangifera indica, a species belonging to the Anacardiaceae family native of Southeast Asia now cultivated, in its many varieties, in different parts of the world. Currently, the largest mango producer is Mexico.

 

What are the nutritional properties?

In 100 g of mango there are 53 Calories distributed as follows:

  • 89% carbohydrates
  • 8% protein
  • 3% lipids

 

In particular, 100 grams of the edible part of the fruit provide:

  • 82.8 g of water
  • 1 g of protein
  • 0.2 g of lipids
  • 12.6 g of soluble sugars
  • 1.6 g of fibers

 

Among vitamins and minerals , 100 g of the edible portion of the mango provide:

  • 28 mg of vitamin C
  • 0.6 mg niacin
  • 0.04 mg of riboflavin
  • 0.02 mg of thiamine
  • 533 micrograms of vitamin A (retinol equivalent)
  • 250 mg of potassium
  • 11 mg of phosphorus
  • 7 mg of calcium
  • 1 mg of sodium
  • 0.5 mg of iron

Mango is also a source of flavonoids, such as quercetin, and xanthone-glycosylated, like the mangiferin.

 

When should you not eat mango?

Mango can inhibit the activity of certain enzymes involved in drug metabolism (P450) and of some conveyors of the latter. Among the active ingredients and its effects that can be influenced by the consumption of this fruit is the anticoagulant warfarin .

 

Seasonality of mango

Mango season is different depending on the variety considered. In fact, while some prefer the winter climates, others prefer the summer. For this reason you can find it on the market throughout the year .

 

Possible benefits and contraindications

Mango is a good source of vitamin C, other vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. Among its properties included are inflammatory and antimicrobicrobial activities due to the presence of flavonoids such as quercetin, which have also been associated with anticancer, antihypertensive and antiatherosclerotic properties. It also seems that mango consumption aids control of sugar levels in the blood, at least in the case of obesity.

An allergy to mango is quite rare and should not be confused with the form of contact dermatitis (the "from mango rash") caused from the sap but not associated with the pulp. Typically the lymph does not contaminate the fruit, but it can come into contact with the skin during its collection.