Mangos

Hollywood is having an amazing mango season right now. We are lucky enough to have Michelle bring in fresh mangos for our guests from her neighbors tree. The mangos are juicy, delicious and in abundance this year. No shortages here!

Come on down and see if there is one left!

Health Benefits of mangoes:

Age-related macular degeneration: The antioxidant zeaxanthin, found in mangoes, filters out harmful blue light rays and is thought to play a protective role in eye health and possibly ward off damage from macular degeneration.³

A higher intake of all fruits (3 or more servings per day) has also been shown to decrease risk of and progression of age-related macular degeneration.

Asthma prevention: The risks for developingasthma are lower in people who consume a high amount of certain nutrients. One of these nutrients is beta-carotene, found in mangoes, papaya, apricots, broccoli, cantaloupe, pumpkin and carrots.

Cancer: Diets rich in beta-carotene may also play a protective role against prostate cancer, according to a study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health’s Department of Nutrition⁵ and has been shown to have an inverse association with the development of colon cancer in the Japanese population.⁴

In a study conducted by Texas AgriLife Research food scientists who tested mango polyphenol extracts in vitro on colon, breast, lung, leukemia and prostate cancers, mangoes were shown to have some impact on allcancers tested but were most effective with breast and colon cancers. The researchers are hoping to do a small clinical trial with individuals who have increased inflammation in their intestines with a higher risk for cancer for further proof for the efficacy of using mangoes in cancer prevention or treatment.⁷

Bone health: Low intakes of vitamin K have been associated with a higher risk for bone fracture. Adequate vitamin K consumption can be achieved by eating a proper intake of fruits and vegetables, and is important for improving calcium absorption essential for optimal bone health.⁶

Diabetes: Studies have shown that type 1 diabetics who consume high-fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetics may have improved blood sugar, lipids and insulin levels. One cup of mango provides about 3 grams of fiber.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 21-25 grams of fiber per day for women and 30-38 grams for men.

Digestion: Mangoes, because of their fiber and water content, help to prevent constipation and promote regularity and a healthy digestive tract.

Heart disease: The fiber, potassium and vitamin content in mangoes all help to ward off heart disease. An increase in potassium intake along with a decrease in sodium intake is the most important dietary change that a person can make to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.

Skin and Hair: Mangoes also great for your hair because they contain vitamin A, a nutrient required for sebum production that keeps hair moisturized. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair

Click the link to learn more!  http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/275921.php