by Afaque Ahmed

Created on: February 11, 2009   Last Updated: February 12, 2009

Mango, Aam (Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi), Amb (Sindhi), or Aamba (Marathi) has been the most favorite fruit of the whole world. The fact that it is called Manga in Malayalam proves that it was first known to the western world through South Indian regions where Malayalam is spoken. In fact Portuguese were the first ones who transported it to Europe in 16th century. Grown in South Asian sub continent for over 4000 years, mango is essentially a tropical or subtropical tree with over 1000 different species. A common mango tree will grow up to 60 feet and provides an excellent shadow in hot weather with its canopy spanning up to 30 feet.

NUTRITIONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Mango is generally regarded as potentially suitable for use in light nutritional products with almost no bad nutritional characteristics. Some of the nutritional facts in 07 ounces of mango pulp are:

1. Protein - 01g
2. Total Carbohydrate - 34g
3. Fat - 0.54g 4. Cholesterol - 0mg
5. Sodium - 04mg 6. Potassium - 312mg
7. Vitamin A 72 micrograms
8. Vitamin C - 54mg

On average one mango produces only 110 calories and 01 gm fat.

Mango is the richest source of anti-oxidants such as Carotenoids and Polyphenols. Anti-oxidants are the substances which help in capturing the free radicals, a by product of the oxidation process of food. The free radicals otherwise are harmful as they can damage the healthy cells of our body. These are one of the reasons for many types of cancers. According to a research in 'Central Food Technology Research Institute, India' mango peel extract is a great source of anti-oxidants.

It contains high dietary fiber content. This helps in prevention of heart diseases, constipation, piles, gastric spasms and other gastric problems. According to statistics, an average size of mango has 40% of the required daily dietary fiber.

CAN EXCESSIVE EATING OF MANGO BE HARMFUL?:

Mango is rish in sugars. The high amount of sugar can be harmful to diabetics. The Beta Carotene present in Mango is sometimes associated with skin discoloration, loose stools, bruising, and Joint pain. The rest of the components found in mango are harmless. Excessive intakes of mangoes will ultimately results in loose motions. In Punjab, Pakistan this is avoided by drinking a lot of Kachi Lassi' after eating mangoes, a beverage made by blending water in milk or curd. In the skin of mango, Urushiol Oil is found which can be allergic for some people.

MANGO WOOD CHARACTERISTICS:

The wood of mango tree is hard and dense, perfect for making furniture.

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>