Mango
Dr.Eknath G.Kulkarni,

The nutritional value of mangoes
Besides being tasty mango has nutritional &medicinal values.
A fully ripe mango is high in Vitamin A (beta-carotene), which is a cancer-fghting agent, Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, and B2, niacin, potassium, iron and fiber. Green mangoes have a higher proportion of Vitamin C. Mangoes are good for the kidneys, digestive system of the body and the skin. It relieves clogged skin pores, reduces cysts, excess body heat and fever. All parts of the mango have medicinal uses.

Unripe mangoes have oxalic, citric, malic, tartaric and succinnic acids which results in its sour taste. As such, it is acidic, astringent and antiscorbutic. The ripe fruit is full of sugar.

The ripe mango is antiscorbutic, diuretic, laxative, invigorating, fattening and astringent. It tones up the heart muscle, improves complexion and stimulates appetite. Eating ripe mangoes in a season provides enough Vitamin A to last a whole year possibly.

The mango kernel or seed contains over 8% protein besides other vitamins and minerals. Dried mango flowers and the bark of the mango tree are astringent and useful in treatment of many ailments. The gum is used in dressing kibes and scabies. It is also considered anti-syphilitic.

Mango in Ayurveda
Mango is extensively used in Ayurvedic cures. Mangoes have the properties of ‘heating’. Mangoes are good for excess wind (vata) and mucas(kapha). A ripe mango helps the body to generate blood. If a glass of lukewarm milk is taken after eating a ripe mango then it energizes the entire system, especially the intestines. Mango increases the seven dhatus. It cleanses the body by eliminating toxins. It cures constipation. The emergence of boils on the body after eating mangoes indicates the cleansing action of mangoes. It is a good cure for loss of weight. This fruit checks premature aging.

Medicinal Uses
Heat Stroke
Boil raw mangoes in water till cooked. Extract the juice, and mix with sugar, water, salt and a pinch of cumin seeds. Drink this consistently in the hot summer, especially when you suffer a heat stroke or get prickly heat.

Digestion
Aamchur or sun-dried raw mango powder is great to aid the digestive system. Eating one or two small tender mangoes in which the see is still not fully formed, with salt and honey is an effective medicine for summer diarrhea, dysentery, piles, morning sickness, chronic dyspepsia and indigestion.

Blood Disorders
Raw mangoes increase the elasticity of the blood vessels, and help the formation of new blood cells. It aids absorption of food iron. It increases resistance against TB, anemia, cholera and dysentery.

Bilious Disorders
The acids contained in the green mangoes increase the secretion of bile and act as an intestinal antiseptic. Have it with honey and black pepper daily. This paste is also good for toning the liver.

Eye Disorders
Mango Milkshakes are very good for the eyes, due to Vitamin A. Night blindness, dryness of the eyes, itching and burning of the eyes.

Loss of weight
Mango with milk, or preferably, Soya milk gives an ideal mixture of sugar and protein for under-weight people. Consuming this three times a day for a month will lead to better health, weight gain and vigor.

Diabetes
The tender leaves of the mango tree are used to prevent and control early symptoms of diabetes. Soak the fresh leaves in water overnight and squeeze them in water before straining it the next morning. Alternatively, these leaves should be dried, powdered and preserved. Take half a teaspoon of this powder twice a day.

Spleen enlargement, dysentery and diarrhea
The mango stone should be dried and powdered. (you may do the same with the jamun seeds). Mix this powder with a big tablespoon of curd to cure spleen enlargement, dysentery and diarrhea.

Throat disorder
The mango bark is very effective in the treatment of diphtheria and other throat diseases.

Gum inflammation
Boil two tablespoons of mango flowers and tender buds in two cups of water and use as a mouth-wash regularly to cure the infammation of the gums

Skin disorders
The gum of the mango tree and the resinous substance exuded from the stem end of the fruits can be mixed with lime juice and use to heal coetaneous infections and scabies.

Almost every part of the mango tree is used to cure common diseases. Thus a mango tree has immense practical use in our daily lives.