The mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a popular tropical fruit. As a member of the Anacardiaceae family, the bioactive compounds of mango have potential health benefits. Research suggests that mango fruit provides a potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.
In this article, we will explore the health benefits of mango’s bioactive compounds, and analyze recent research on mango’s potential applications in nutritional science. We’ll also explore how these findings might be used to improve our well-being.
Mangoes were first cultivated 4000 years ago in India. Before the 1970s, the fruit was relatively unknown to Western countries, and there was little to no related international trade involving mangoes. However, after the 1970s, mangoes grew in recognition and popularity, and were rapidly produced in both tropical and Western countries. Today, mangoes are among the most beloved fruits worldwide. Approximately 76% of the world’s mango production comes from Asia, with the Americas and Africa jointly sharing the remaining 24%.
There is, of course, also a significant demand for processed mango products. Processed dried mango products help maximize mangoes’ potential and reduce losses during peak harvest seasons. The different varieties of juices, nectars, and purees also help provide a year-round supply of mangoes, which is an advantage considering the impact of mangoes on our health.
A healthy diet centers around sourcing essential nutrients, particularly those that offer additional health benefits. Functional foods provide health benefits beyond essential nutrition, so they are becoming increasingly popular in modern diets. Mangoes are one such functional food. They are celebrated for their sweet taste, exotic flavor, and many nutritional benefits. Internationally, mangoes are a critical part of local diets. The fruit is rich in micronutrients and macronutrients. As such, they are often called the “king of fruits.”
Furthermore, mango is also a very versatile fruit. Both the flesh and peel of the fruit are useful. The ripe or unripe flesh of the fruit is used in various processed forms. Mangoes can be made it into different beverages, chutneys, pickles, deserts, and even vinegar!
The bioactive compounds in mango provide a powerhouse of nutrients. Mango peel is an excellent source of dietary fiber. The fruit contains pectin, which is known for its digestive health benefits and gelatin-like properties. Mangoes also contain provitamin A carotenoids like β-carotene. Therefore, the fruit is rich in vitamin A. Vitamin deficiency is prevalent throughout the world, and thus mango is considered extremely important to combat nutritional deficiencies.
Mangoes also contain high amounts of vitamin C. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C can protect the body from oxidative stress. The versatility of mangoes’ nutritional properties makes them essential to a healthy diet.
Mango flesh is a low-calorie food, low in proteins and lipids, but provide many essential nutrients. As another example, mango kernels are rich in essential amino acids, fat, fiber, and starch. They also have high stearic and oleic acid content. The European Union has approved mango kernels as a cocoa butter substitute.
The bioactive compounds in mangoes have potential health benefits. In traditional South Asian medicine, various parts of the mango tree are used to treat multiple illnesses. These parts include its kernels, flowers, leaves, gum, bark, and peels.
Vimang is an extract from the stem bark of mango trees. It exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Mangoes also exhibit gastroprotective properties in animal models. Mango leaves also have moderate larvicidal activity, and as such they offer a natural method to control mosquitoes which might carry diseases. Below is a detailed scientific analysis of the essential bioactive compounds in mangoes and their potential health benefits.
Gallic acid is a form of phenolic acid. It is found in the kernel and peel of a mango fruit. As a phenolic acid, it has strong antioxidant properties. Gallic acid can reduce oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. Gallic acid in mango can also lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Mango contains a variety of flavonoids, mainly quercetin, kaempferol, and fisetin. These flavonoids have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer activities. For example, quercetin can induce apoptosis in cancer cell linings.
Tannins are polyphenolic compounds found in mango peel and kernel seeds. They have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. However, high Tannins can reduce protein bioavailability as they form insoluble complexes.
Mango leaves, bark, and kernels all contain Mangiferin. It is a xanthone glycoside with antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective properties. Moreover, Mangiferin can inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and facilitate the activity of antioxidant enzymes.
Mango flesh contains a high amount of β-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A. Therefore, it is essential for vision, immune function, and skin health. β-carotene also has antioxidant properties and protects cells from oxidative damage.
Small amounts of Lutein and Zeaxanthin are present in mango. These carotenoids are essential for our vision. They accumulate in the retina and filter harmful blue light. This action can protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Lutein and Zeaxanthin also reduce oxidative stress.
Vitamin C is another bioactive compound in mangoes. It enhances non-heme iron absorption from plant-based foods. Vitamin C supports the immune system and stimulates white blood cell production. It also helps in collagen synthesis and wound healing.
Mango flesh contains both soluble and insoluble dietary fibers. Soluble fibers can decrease blood cholesterol levels. It can also help regulate blood sugar. Insoluble fibers help with digestion and prevent constipation.
Mangoes contain β-sitosterol, which is a phytosterol compound. It is also structurally similar to cholesterol. It can inhibit dietary cholesterol absorption in the intestine. β-sitosterol also helps to decrease blood cholesterol levels, reducing risk of cardiovascular disease.
Mango leaves and bark are rich in triterpenes and terpenoids. These compounds have potential anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. For instance, lupeol, a triterpene found in mango, has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Terpenoids also contribute to mango’s aromatic properties.
Ellagic acid is a potent antioxidant, found in the peels and seed kernels of mango. It helps to protect DNA from oxidative damage. Ellagic acid can also reduce inflammation, and helps to inhibit the growth of colon and breast cancer cells.
Glycosides are bioactive compounds found in mango leaves. They have the potential to regulate blood sugar levels, and scientists are researching them as a potential compound to assist in managing diabetes.
Alkaloids are present in mangoes’ leaves and its tree bark. They have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and hypotensive effects. Some alkaloids also exhibit antimicrobial activity, and as such have been useful in traditional medicine for treating infections.
Mangoes are essential to global commerce due to their taste and nutritional value. The bioactive compounds in mango provide significant health benefits. As consumers become more health-conscious, the demand for functional foods like mangoes is expected to rise.
Moreover, scientists are continuously engineering new variants of mango, which can further boost the fruit’s popularity. Mango’s health benefits, supported by its rich content of bioactive compounds, position it as a valuable addition to a balanced diet. As research continues to uncover more benefits of these compounds, the role of mango in promoting health and wellness is likely to become even more pronounced and solidify its status as a staple in global nutrition.
