The Wonderful Benefits of Indian Mangoes

On a bright sunny day, you were lazing around and your eyes darted on the basket full of plump mangoes lying on your table.

You gave in to the temptation and relished the joy of gorging on these scrummy mangoes. And rightly so, after all mango is called ‘king of fruit’ for a reason.

Mango, a native fruit of India, can be traced back to 2000 B.C. The name also pops up in the age old traditional Indian text of Sanskrit. Mango is not just lip-smackingly tasty, but also loaded with health benefits.

So here is a quick reminder why Indian mangoes are a boon for the people who are looking to keep their health in check without forsaking the joy for their taste bud:

Lowers Cholesterol
Vitamin C rich mangoes have high fibre content and the pectin presence makes it a sure-fire way to swat those bad cholesterol molecules and keep one’s heart healthy.

Skin cleanser
Mango is a great cleanser for clogged pores and also reduces the chances of getting pimples.

Prevents Cancer
The antioxidant and enzyme rich mangoes have enough arsenals to prevent the spread of breast, prostate and leukemia cancer.

Immunity booster
With an abundance of vitamin A, E and C along with 25 kinds of carotenoids, mangoes are great immunity boosters and help to keep one’s system in top shape.

Heat stroke remedy
Having a grinded mango with some water and honey before going out in the blazing sun prevents heat stokes and keeps you cool for hours.

Regulates diabetes
Mango leaves are a medical remedy for keeping a tab on one’s insulin levels. Just boil 5-6 leaves at night and keep it aside. Filter it and drink it in the morning to see your insulin levels improving.

These are just handful of medical benefits that mangoes have to offer. It is rare to find a fruit that is a perfect blend of taste and health, and the mango is certainly one of them.

Now for the big bite! It is time to know what makes the ‘Great Indian mango’ basket and how this godsend fruit supersedes every other one out there when it comes to appeasing your palate.

Indian mangoes come in some 500 plus varieties, spread throughout the country and across different seasons. The experience of having Indian mangoes is nothing short of partaking in an ambrosial delight of the highest order.

So in order to let you know what you are missing when it comes to Indian variety, here are few offerings which are fairly distinct in their taste and appearance and are a must try.

Alfonso: The king of Indian mangoes! A holy grail of lingering taste that smacks a generous amount of luscious juice and flavours onto your taste buds! This is what Alfonso is all about. Alfonso mango is the most popular variety of mango that is relished by people overseas. Grown in the regions of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka, Alfonso’s firm yet creamy pulp can make anyone drool.

Dashehari: Grown mainly in the Northern regions of India, Dashehari mangoes are rich in vitamin E. With a distinct flavour, leaner shape and widely available during peak season, Dashehari mangos are an absolute delight to have.

Gulab Khas: Grown manly in Bihar, Gulab Khas has a crimson hint along with sun bright yellow colour on its surface that makes it a treat to one’s eyes besides one’s palate. The taste has a hint of rose flavour along with a traditional mango touch that makes it a sure addition for your dinner plate.

Kesar: Hailing from the land of Gujarat, the Kesar variety of mango has an intense aroma along with a sharp tingling taste, thanks to a perfect blend of acidity and sweetness, to lure in the senses of a person almost instantly.

Langra: Fibrous pulp and unique turpentine taste of Langra makes one’s taste buds go haywire with bouts of palate satisfaction. Originally from Varanasi, Langra are aplenty in the market during the last two weeks of July.

These are just raw delights that one can have! With the versatile nature of a fruit like mango, culinary possibilities are endless.

One can try the evolved versions of mangoes such as:

• Figure-licking green mango pickles which are made with raw mangoes and copious amount of spices.
• Aam Panna, a tradition mango drink mixed with little water and loads of ice, is a perfect chapter in the tale of your ‘Aamsutra’ delights.
• Traditional Indian mixology such as Aam ras, a thick mango liquid mixed with milk, and Puri is a great way to satiate those hunger pangs.
• Then there are various types of side dishes, curries, dry main dish and desserts which have a strong hint of mangoes. You can try green mango chutney, Mango bread, and chicken with a dash of mango on the top.

It has been said that once you go the Indian way, you can never go back to anything else! That is what the healthy, piquant, and tender taste of Indian mangoes does to your taste buds and senses. Just savour this gratification without any guilt with Indian mangoes.