Mango

Botanical name: Mangifera indica

Mango is called "The King of fruits" due to its sweetness and richness in phytochemicals and nutrients. It is praised as "heavenly fruit" in Vedas. It is also known as "Super fruit" due to its potential health values. Mango is a member of Anacardiaceae family and cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

Benefits and uses:

Mango is considered a very useful remedy and energizer in Ayurveda and used to balance all three humors or doshas (Vata, Kapha or and Pitta), especially Pitta dosha.

The insoluble fiber, present in mangoes, helps the elimination of waste from the colon and prevents constipation.

The tartaric acid, malic acid, and a trace of citric acid found in the fruit help to maintain the alkali reserve of the body.

Extracts of leaves, bark, stem and unripe mangoes are believed to possess antibacterial properties against some micro-organisms

Dried mango flowers are used in the treatment of diarrhea, chronic dysentery and some problems of the bladder.

Antioxidants and enzymes present in the mango fruits are believed to play an important role in the prevention/protection of cancer (colon, breast, leukemia and prostate) and heart disease. Serum cholesterol is regulated by the high content of fiber, pectin and vitamin C present in the mango.

Sour, unripe mangoes are used in chutneys, athanu, pickles, or side dishes, or may be eaten raw with salt, chili, or soy sauce. A summer drink called panna or panha comes from mangoes.