Mango season has arrived, and with it comes our craving for this juicy, golden fruit. However, many people hold back from indulging due to concerns about weight gain and rising blood sugar levels. To bust these common myths, celebrity nutritionist and author Rujuta Diwekar recently took to Instagram to share the many health benefits of mangoes. Read on to discover what she had to say.
In an Instagram video she posted on May 7, the celebrity nutritionist shared the benefits of eating mango in summer. Rujuta also gave an overview of mango's nutritional content and shared tips on how to enjoy it. A medium-sized ripe mango, which is about 200–250 grams, offers 99 calories, 25 gms carbs, 23 gms sugar, 3 gms dietary fiber, 1.4 gms protein, 0.6 gms fat60 mg vitamin C, 112 mcg vitamin A, 71 mcg folate, vitamin E, K, potassium, and magnesium too.
As per Rujuta's post, there is no evidence which suggests that eating fresh mango leads to diabetes or is unhealthy for people who are watching their weight. She added mangoes are also a good source of fibre, antioxidants and polyphenols (which may have anticancer properties).
In the video she said, This video is your yearly reminder that it is summer and you should be eating mango. It does not cause diabetes and obesity; it does not even cause skin breakouts. Soak your mango for half an hour, and then have your mango. Mango is delicious. It is full of sweetness, pulp, fibre, antioxidants, polyphenols – all the stuff that you are really looking for in different wellness products is in this natural fruit.”
And if we go by studies, despite their natural sweetness, mangoes have a low glycemic index and can aid in blood sugar control when consumed in moderation.
As per Rujuta, it is important not to deprive yourself of mangoes. In her caption she mentioned, “Misinformation is bad for health, mango is not. Go ahead and sink your teeth in and devour the mango.” Rujuta added that 'some things are worth repeating', and wrote:
1. The mango is good for you
2. The mango doesn’t cause diabetes or put you at a risk of elevated blood sugars
3. Even the American Diabetic Association recommends mango when it’s in season
4. Repeat
As per a study published by the, the utilization of mango in various forms—ranging from fresh mango slices and mango puree to mango by-products, mango leaf extract, fruit powder, and mangiferin—yielded many favorable effects. These encompassed enhancements in glycemic control and improvements in plasma lipid profiles. Additionally, mango reduces food intake, elevates mood scores, augments physical performance during exercise, improves endothelial function, and decreases the incidence of respiratory tract infections. Utilizing mango by-products supports the demand for healthier products. The study also suggests that the fiber content in mango aids digestion, while polyphenols support gut microbiota balance.
All Images Courtesy: istock
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