The benefits of the magical mango

MANGOES, often hailed as the “king of fruits”, are a tropical delight cherished for their exquisite taste, vibrant colours, and rich nutritional profile.

- Sadhvika Srinivas

Believed to have originated in South Asia, mangoes have a long history dating back thousands of years, where they were revered not only for their delicious flavour but also for their cultural significance. Today, mangoes are enjoyed worldwide and are cultivated in various tropical and subtropical regions, bringing joy to millions with their juicy sweetness and versatile culinary applications.

The mango is of great economic value worldwide and of great nutritional importance. Its functional effects are due to numerous important nutrients and bioactive compounds. Mango is a climacteric fruit, capable of developing characteristic ripening-associated changes such as colour, aroma, and taste, before or after harvest

The very diverse phytochemical components in mango fruit can be classified into several groups including macronutrients such as carbohydrates (sugars, pectin, and cellulose), proteins, lipids (Ω-3 and Ω-6 fatty acids); micronutrients such as vitamins A and C, minerals, pigments (chlorophylls, carotenoids, and anthocyanins, depending on the cultivar), phenolic compounds (phenolic acids and flavonoids), and volatile compounds.