It’s almost July and we are full swing into my favorite time of year… mango season! Other than being arguably the most delicious fruit on the planet (and I could do a presentation on how much I love mango, so you’d best not challenge me), did you know that this yellow hunk of juicy love is also amazingly good for your body? Check out seven reasons why you should take advantage of the summer and add this amazing fruit to your diet.
1. It’s full of fiber
One mango contains 4 grams of fiber. That’s 16 percent of the minimum of 25 grams of fiber recommended by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for a healthy diet. Most Americans don’t get enough fiber on a daily basis (as most adults tend to equate fiber with a gritty brown taste), so why not use this sweet treat to help you meet your daily fiber goals?
2. It has immune-boosting properties
With almost 100 percent of the daily vitamin C you need in one fruit, this produce packs a powerful punch. Already have a cold? Try making a mango and orange smoothie for a therapeutic dose of deliciousness.
3. It fights cancer and protects your heart
Polyphenols, carotenoids and anthocyanins… oh my! These properties provide a two-for-one special on health benefits, as they help both fight off cancer cells and protect against heart disease.
4. It’s great for your eyes
“The better to see you with, my dear.”” Mango is full of vitamin A (32 percent of your daily need, thank you very much). The orange color of the pulp is a key indicator that mango is full of beta-carotene. This helps prevent age-related macular degeneration (say that 10 times fast), a condition where the macula (the part of your eye in charge of seeing) begins to break down as you age.
5. It helps keep you rocking in bed
Want to assure you satisfy tonight? Eat a mango! Mangos are full of vitamin E, which helps increase blood flow to the genitalia and plays a huge role in the proper production of your sex hormones. Want to know what foods you shouldn’t eat for sex? Check out 6 Foods that could be killing your sex drive.
6. It boosts your brain power
Quick! What was the first benefit I mentioned in this article? Don’t remember? Should have eaten a mango. Mango contains glutamine acid, an important precursor for glutamate, which helps improve memory and concentration.
7. It’s loaded with iron
One thing about plant-based sources of iron is that unless combined with vitamin C, the iron is not readily absorbed by the human body. Luckily, mango contains both iron and vitamin C, making them great for pregnant women, teens and vegetarians.
Ready to start adding mango to your daily routine? Try my favorite smoothie recipe ever!
Mango spinach smoothie recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 mango, cut into chunks and frozen
- 1 cup fresh pre-washed baby spinach
- 1 scoop chocolate whey protein powder
- 3/4 cup water or unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 3 pieces of ice
Directions:
1. Blend and enjoy!
For more great recipes, visit my website.
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