Mango: what are the origins of this fruit?
Mango, also known by its botanical name Mangifera indica, comes from the forests of India, where it still grows wild. It was in India that the mango tree, with its evergreen foliage and abundant fruiting , was domesticated and revered by Hindus over 4,000 years ago.
The mango was then introduced to other parts of the world by explorers and settlers. These transports played a key role in the spread of the mango among populations for whom this fruit was still unknown.
Now grown in many tropical and subtropical regions, it is appreciated for its sweet taste and juicy texture, and is used in many different cuisines , from desserts and smoothies to salads and savory dishes.
Mango characteristics
The mango is a tropical fruit with unique characteristics.
A skin that attracts you with its color combinations of green, yellow, orange and red, which vary according to the fruit’s degree of ripeness .
The texture of the mango is juicy and fleshy, with fibrous flesh and a hard core in the center.
In terms of taste, mango is sweet and delicate, with a blend of tropical flavors such as peach, pineapple and orange.
Mango is also rich in vitamins A and C, fiber and antioxidants, making it a healthy fruit to eat.
Nutritional and caloric values of mango
Mango is a tropical fruit with high nutritional value.
Here are the nutritional values of a 100-gram serving:
- Calories: 50-60 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 13.1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Dietary fibre: 6.4% RDI*.
- Vitamin C: 36% of RDA*.
- Vitamin A: 10% RDA* (recommended daily allowance)
- Potassium: 6% of RDA
*RDA: Recommended Daily Allowance
Mango is also rich in antioxidants, such as carotenoids, polyphenols and vitamins C and E, which help protect the body’s cells from free radical damage.
The fiber present in mango helps maintain healthy digestion and prevent constipation.
Mango: what are its health benefits?
Mango is rich in vitamin C, which stimulates the production of white blood cells and boosts the immune system, helping to prevent infection and disease.
Mango is rich in dietary fiber, which helps maintain healthy digestion and prevent constipation.
It has a relatively low glycemic index, which means it is digested slowly and releases glucose into the blood gradually, helping to keep blood sugar levels stable.
The antioxidants found in mango, known as carotenoids, polyphenols and vitamins C and E, help protect cells from free radical damage, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
The vitamin C present in mango helps produce collagen, a protein that helps maintain skin health and reduce the signs of aging.
Mango is relatively low in calories and high in dietary fiber, which can help reduce appetite and promote healthy weight loss.