The History of Mango Fruit

The history of the mango tree can be traced back to the Bronze Age, or almost 4,000 years ago. Originally, a native of southern Asia, especially eastern India, the mango tree was introduced to Southeast Asian countries by Buddhist monks. Later, it was brought to Africa by the Portuguese, from where the mango tree spread across the world.

The English word 'mango' is an adaption of the Malayalam name for the fruit, which is 'maanga'. A member of the Anacardiaceae, or the cashew family, the scientific name of mango is Mangifera indica.

What are the medicinal benefits of mango leaves?

Now that you know the health benefits of eating mango, let's look at some of the medicinal uses of mango leaves:

  • Decreases blood pressure: Extract of mango tree leaves has antihypertensive properties. As a result, having tea made with mango leaves a few times a day helps in decreasing blood pressure.
  • Helps in controlling diabetes: Tender mango leaves which are pink or purple in color are rich in tannins and anthocyanins. Juice of these mango leaves taken on an empty stomach in the morning helps in controlling blood sugar levels.
  • Treats oral problems: Clean a few old/mature mango leaves and boil them in water until the water turns slightly yellow. Add some salt to this water and rinse the mouth with it.
  • Eliminates free radicals: Mango tree leaves contain antioxidants and vitamin C. Consuming mango leaf extract can help eliminate free radicals and protect the body from oxidative damage.
  • Cleanses the stomach: Soak a few mango leaves in warm water and leave them overnight. Consuming this water on an empty stomach in the morning helps in cleansing the stomach and flushing out toxins from the body.

Other health benefits include;

  • Prevents anemia: Mango is rich in iron. Also, the vitamin C present in mango increases the absorption of iron.
  • Improves digestion: Being rich in fiber and polyphenols, mango aids in decreasing constipation and inflammation of the bowels.
  • Helps gain weight: Consuming mango with milk helps in nourishing the body and gaining weight.
  • Boosts immunity: Apart from vitamin C, mango also contains folate, zinc and vitamin B6. All these contribute greatly towards strengthening the immune system
  • Improves eyesight: Presence of an abundance of carotenoids which help in improving eyesight.
  • Keeps heart healthy: Mango is a good source of selenium and B6, both of which promote heart health.

What are the useful parts of the mango tree?

  • Mango bark: Consuming the powder of dried mango bark provides relief from diarrhea.
  • Mango gum: The gum obtained from the bark of the mango tree can be applied on cracked feet and areas affected by scabies.
  • Mango sap: The juice that oozes from the branch after plucking a mango can be applied on bee stings to relieve pain.
  • Mango seed: Obtained from mango seed, mango butter can be applied on the skin to soothe sunburns, remove and prevent stretch marks, heal scars and reduce wrinkles. It can also be used as a hair moisturizer. Mango seed extract has proved helpful in losing weight and decreasing obesity.

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