Mango, along with bananas, coconuts, pineapples, and plantains, is one of the most popular tropical fruits due to its sweet taste and health advantages.
It is, however, a seasonal and perishable fruit. Dehydrating mango extends its shelf life and allows it to be added to other foods.
The dried mango is a dried variant of the fresh mango. Because of the lower water activity, it has a longer shelf life and is less likely to deteriorate.
This article discusses the nutrients, benefits, and drawbacks of dried mango and what to look for when purchasing it.
Mango Nutrition (Dried)
Dry mango, like most dried fruits, is packed with nutrients.
A quarter cup (40 grams, or around 9 pieces) of dry mango provides:
- 128 calories
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- 1 gram fiber
- 27 grams of sugar
- 1 gram protein
- 19% of the Daily Value for Vitamin C (DV)
- Folate: 7% of the daily value
- Vitamin A: 3% of the daily value
Vitamin C in dried mango promotes healthy skin and a robust immune system by functioning as a potent antioxidant, combating free radicals, and guarding you against cell damage and chronic diseases.
It also contains vitamin A and folate (vitamin B9), beneficial to eye health and DNA synthesis.
However, besides being high in vitamins, dried mango is also heavy in calories and naturally occurring sugars, which, if ingested in large quantities, can lead to high blood sugar levels and undesired weight gain. As a result, moderation is essential.
Sweetened or unsweetened dried mango is available. It’s worth noting that the sweetened version contains more sugar. Compare nutrition information from different brands and kinds by looking at the labels.
Mangoes Have a Lot of Health Benefits
Here’s a rundown of mango’s many health advantages, including everything from delivering important vitamins to aiding digestion.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is abundant in mango. As earlier commented, 1 cup of mango holds around 25.2% of the daily recommended infusion of vitamin A. This vitamin serves a variety of activities in the body, including those related to the eyes and skin. It also improves the condition of your bones, reproductive system, and immune system.
Vitamin C
Mango is one of the finest sources of vitamin C in food. This vitamin is necessary for your immune system to function properly.
Because of its heightened vitamin C content, mango stimulates plant iron absorption. It also assists in the maturation of tendons, bones, and muscles. One cup of mango has about 45 milligrams of vitamin C, which is roughly 75.9 percent of the daily recommended quantity.
Handling Your Weight
When it comes down to preserving a healthy weight, mango has a lot of assurance. According to contemporary research, Mango and its phytochemicals may diminish fat cells and obesity-related genes.
Another investigation found that mango peel, like the antioxidant resveratrol, prevents the production of fatty tissues.
Anticancer Agent
Mango’s micronutrients may assist in fighting cancer, and a study on breast cancer, in particular, has shown a guarantee. Mango reduced tumor size and lowered cancer development factors in one animal research.
In another trial, mango slowed the progression of ductal carcinoma, a kind of early-stage breast cancer.
Digestion Enhancement
Mango eating has been demonstrated to be effective in treating persistent constipation. According to research published in The Official Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, a group of persons who ate mango every day had more improvement in their constipation symptoms than those who ate a comparable amount of fiber.
The mango pack also adhered to their treatment plan pleasingly and had more elevated levels of healthy fatty acids and other signs of digestive health, such as gastric secretions, which assist in food digestion.
These beneficial effects could be attributed to mango’s high water and fiber content, as well as its beneficial antioxidants.
How to Eat Mangoes
When eaten simple, fresh mango is sweet and flavorful. Thoroughly peel and slash it — or simply eat into it!
Mango can also be eaten in a variety of various ways. To get you initiated, here are a few tips:
- Green mango smoothie with only 4 ingredients
- Mango salsa with seared tuna
- Salad with sesame kale, mango, and blueberries
Whenever mangoes are narrowly soft to the touch and have a fruity aroma, they are ripe. At your local shop or market, look for ripe or soon-to-be-ripe mangoes. Fresh, frozen, or no-sugar-added dry mango is best.
The Key to Success is Moderation
Keep your mango amounts small (no more than 1 cup fresh or 1/2 cup dry) to avoid overeating.
Mango is one of the tastiest fruits and contains less fiber than other fruits, so limit yourself to two servings per day. As announced by the US Department of Agriculture, grown-ups should consume 1 1/2 to 2 cups of fruit each day. Consider higher fiber, lower sugar fruits like citrus, apples, or berries for the rest of your daily fruit intake, as they give a variety of nutrients and advantages.
Talk to your doctor about what is best for you if you have any health condition that makes you susceptible to fruit or sugar or diabetes.
Mangoes are a kind of equatorial fruit that are members of the drupe family. This indicates the presence of a single enormous stone or seed in the center. Mangoes, sometimes understood as the “king of fruits,” are among the most broadly consumed fruits on the globe.
Mangoes are thought to have stemmed in India some 5,000 years ago. Their adorable, golden meat has become famous all over the world. Mangoes are cultivated in Peru, Ecuador, and Mexico and are among the most widespread varieties eaten today.
Mangoes are not only delicious but also nourishing. Nevertheless, like with other foods, moderateness is crucial. Mangoes, for instance, can be high in sugar. On the other hand, Fruit sugar differs from processed sugar in that it is balanced by fiber and a variety of nutrients for the body.
Mangoes, for example, are a healthy alternative to junk food and other harmful snacks. If you’re in the disposition for something delicious, try some mango. You won’t crave junk food as much after you start phasing it out. Whole foods are more filling and have numerous health benefits. Is it true, however, that eating dried mango has health benefits?
Dried Mango’s Potential Health Benefits
Mangoes may help you avoid diabetes, cancer, and inflammation, thanks to their strong antioxidant content, including polyphenols and carotenoids.
However, studies reveal that the drying process impacts the nutritional quality of mangos, particularly heat-sensitive components like beta carotene, the fruit’s major pigment. In fact, when compared to fresh fruit, it can be reduced by up to 53%.
Since dried mango has beta carotene, luteoxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, and violaxanthin, it is still a strong source of antioxidants.
Dried mango also contains dietary fiber, which may aid in the improvement of gut health.
Finally, eating dried mango may improve the quality of your diet, as research has connected dried fruit consumption to increased nutritional intake as well as lower body weight and fat measurements.
The Dangers of Dry Mango Consumption
While mango allergies are uncommon, some people may be allergic to a component called profilin, which can cause mild to severe allergic reactions.
The chemical behind the cross-reactivity between mango and pear, peach, and apple is profilin, which is similar to birch tree profilin.
Due to the high quantity of urushiol in both plants, those who have previously been exposed to poison ivy or poison oak may have a delayed reaction to mangoes.
However, because the chemical is mostly contained in mango peel, this is most likely to occur when the dried mango still has the skin.
Furthermore, some people, particularly those with asthma, may have an allergic reaction to dried mango if sulfur and its compounds are added as a preservative to keep the color and prevent rotting. Sulfites like potassium metabisulphite and sulfur dioxide are routinely utilized.
Finally, keep in mind that dried mangoes are a strong source of natural sugars. Thus portion sizes are important. Choose unsweetened dried mango to cut down on added sugar.
Is Dried Mango a Healthy Snack?
Dried mango is a nutritious and easy snack if you keep the serving amount in mind or take it in moderation.
It’s high in vitamins and plants bioactive substances like antioxidants, which may help prevent anti-inflammatory disorders and cancer.
Snacking on dried mango may be a more healthful option for salty or sugary snacks while satisfying sweet desires.
Dried mango is commonly processed as slices, with a crispy or chewy texture depending on the thickness of the slice. Dried mango can be consumed on its own or blended with nuts in baked products, yogurt, cereal, trail mix, or trail mix.
If you want to try dried mango, follow these shopping guidelines to choose the healthiest option:
Look over the list of ingredients to see if there are any added sugars or concentrated liquids.
Dry candied mangoes and those with a sugary coating should be avoided.
Choose packets that include mango solely or are made with all-natural components.
Dried mango can be found in most supermarkets’ produce, dried fruit, snack, and baking departments. You can also buy it on the internet.
Last But Not Least
Vitamins and antioxidants abound in dried mango.
However, as with most dried fruits, it is high in calories and naturally occurring sugars. Thus consumption should be limited.
Avoid brands with added sweeteners, such as sugar coatings or juice infusions, for the same reason.