Not familiar with mangos? You should be! Read on to learn 5 surprising facts that might make you mad for mangos.
Mango eaters have healthier diets.
A study published in The Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences suggests that mango consumption is associated with a healthier diet. Researchers compared the diets of more than 29,000 people and found that those who eat mangos tend to have a higher intake of certain nutrients like potassium and dietary fiber, while consuming fewer added sugars, saturated fat and sodium.
Mangos May Help Strengthen Your Bones
In one animal study conducted recently at Oklahoma State University, researchers found that small doses of mango seemed to help strengthen bones in mice that were fed a high-fat diet. More studies are needed to confirm these findings and to understand if mangos will impact bone health in humans.
Mangos are nutritional all-stars!
Bursting with over 20 vitamins and minerals, mangos are loaded with good nutrition and health benefits. Just one cup provides 100% of our daily vitamin C needs, helping to strengthen our immune system, keep our teeth and gums healthy, and support collagen formation-hello, beautiful skin! Mangos are also rich in fiber, a nutrient that helps us to fill up -- without filling us out.
Ready for the best news? One cup of mango is just 100 calories, so this is a sweet indulgence you can feel good about.
Red doesn't always equal ripe.
A red mango isn't always a ripe mango! To know if it's ready to eat, squeeze it gently. A ripe mango will give slightly. Like more familiar fruits, such as peaches and avocado, mangos also become softer as they ripen. If a mango is firmer than desired, set it on the countertop, where it will continue to ripen. To speed up the process, place mangos in a paper bag at room temperature. Once ripe, mangos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
They're one of nature's most versatile fruits.
There's no limit to how you can use mangos to create culinary delights! Consider whipping up a tropical mango salsa to use as a topper for grilled fish, create a crab-mango crostini hors d'oeuvre, mix with low-fat yogurt and ice cubes for a refreshing smoothie, treat yourself to a light and delicious mango sorbet or slice this versatile fruit into thin strips and roll with a slice of deli meat. You can also purée mango and drizzle over grilled chicken or fish for a splash of color and blast of vitamins and minerals -- the possibilities are endless!