By Faith Ellis, Contributor
OUR TROPICAL landscape has once again exploded with the vibrant colour of the alluring mangoes, and the air is saturated with this fresh and familiar aroma. Mangoes are easily amongst the favourite fruits of all Jamaicans, and though the fruit is not indigenous to the island it has certainly been embraced as our very own.
In fact, mangoes have been cultivated in India since 200 BC. It was the Portuguese who were responsible for introducing the mango fruit to the wider world in the 16th Century by taking it from India to Africa. Mangoes only reached the West Indies in the 19th Century. Today, top mango producers include Pakistan, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Brazil, Israel, South Africa and Peru. However, India still remains the largest producer of the fruit. The mango industry is an extremely popular one in the world. In the United Kingdom (UK) alone £22 million worth of mangoes are imported each year. Perhaps, we here in Jamaica need to take serious note.
The most popular mangoes eaten in Jamaica include the Black Mango (blackie), the East Indian, the Bombay, Hayden, Julie and the Hairy. Nonetheless, there are over 400 varieties of mangoes throughout the world. For example, the most popular mangoes eaten in the UK include the Kent and the Keitt.
NUTRITIONAL VALUE
Mangoes provide much pleasure to the eater beginning from the first bite into the succulent flesh extending to the pit of one's stomach. There is a logical explanation for this. Mangoes contain an enzyme with stomach soothing properties. These comforting enzymes act as digestive aids. It is as a result of this, that we experience a great sense of contentment after ingesting the delicacy. But, in addition to this enjoyable sensation, there are several nutritional benefits to be derived from the consumption of this fruit.
Mangoes are not only tasty but they are rich in minerals and vitamins. Mangoes are also rich in antioxidants. However, to understand the importance of antioxidants there has to be an understanding of "free radicals." Free radicals are the enemies of every healthy cell in the body. They harm these cells by attacking the vulnerable outer membrane of the cell and eventually cause cellular degeneration and death.
The caustic effect of these free radicals can be prevented by the addition of anti-
oxidants in the diet. Mangoes can therefore be very instrumental in the fight against these enemies.
Research also, has repeatedly shown that dietary fibre is of utmost importance for the maintenance of good health. It helps to guard against degenerative diseases such as heart diseases and certain types of cancers. It also assists in lowering blood cholesterol levels. Mangoes are excellent sources of this vital dietary fibre. Just one average size mango contains around 40 per cent. Additionally, for people who exercise regularly, mangoes are an excellent source for the replacement of the potassium lost during these intense workouts. Potassium is of course necessary for the maintenance of the water balance within the body.
SELECTING AND STORING MANGOES
There are a number of factors that one should take into account when selecting a mango. These factors will usually vary depending on the use for which it is intended. Nevertheless, the following are general guidelines which can be very useful:
Look for a firm, unblemished skin, usually with bright colours.
If the mango is to be eaten that day, smell for a sweet, tropical ambrosial scent coming from the end of the stem. Give a light but firm squeeze. The softer, the riper.
If the mango is being bought for later use, it should be firmer-fleshed with a tight skin and its colour may be a little dull. To ripen, it should be kept at room temperature open to the air for several days.
The mango is ready to eat when the skin is brightly coloured, the flesh is soft and the aroma is sweet.
Mangoes should not be refrigerated during the ripening process.
Fully ripe mangoes can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
MANGO AS A MEDICINE
Throughout the ages, mangoes have been used as both treatments and preventatives. Every part of this delectable fruit can be used in some way or another. Some of the medicinal properties are inclusive of the following: It acts as an anti-viral, anti-septic, anti-asthmatic, anti-tussive (cough), laxative, and a contraceptive.
Mangoes are said to tone up the heart muscles, improve complexion and stimulate the appetite. The fruit is sometimes used in home remedies for certain health conditions.
Quench thirst: Eating raw mango with salt - eating a raw mango with salt is said to aid in the prevention of excessive loss of sodium chloride and iron during the summer months because of excessive sweating.
Night blindness: Eating mangoes is said to be beneficial in curing night blindness.
Prevents flu: Frequent consumption of mangoes
prevents recurrent attacks of common infections such as influenza and sinusitis.
Weight loss: The mango milk cure is an ideal treatment for loss of weight.
Menstrual aid: The juice of the fresh mango bark is also valuable in heavy bleeding during menstruation.
Pain relief: The juice which oozes out at the time of plucking the fruit from the tree gives immediate relief to pain when applied to a scorpion bite or sting of a bee.
MANGOES AS APHRODISIACS
Additionally, mangoes are used as aphrodisiacs. Yes, aphrodisiacs! For centuries, the mango has long been celebrated as the Love Fruit as it has been used as a sexual aid. The Kamasutra recommends that prior to lovemaking, couples should drink the invigorating juice of this fruit in an attempt to enhance the sexual act.
According to the Mango Association based in England, the tropical fruit is the equivalent to Viagra. Teddy Moule, a registered osteopath and naturopath supports this view. He believes that not only do the fruits contain much zinc, which is actually nature's Viagra, but they also contain a broad base of nutrients, beneficial to men and women alike, that provide general well-being which
stimulate the glandular and metabolic functions. He suggests though, that in order to gain full advantage of the fruit's unique benefits, mangoes are best when eaten ripe. When the mango reaches this state, its complex natural substances provide the best levels of
nutrients. Furthermore, he
adds, the fructose found in sugar helps provide stamina. Based on these attributes it
can be easily seen why the mango is acknowledged as
the Indian fruit of love.
Faith Ellis is a lecturer in the Tourism Department at Exed Community College, Maountain View Avenue, Kingston.
